Is Splatoon Raiders actually a roguelite?

It borrows run-based ideas, but earned experience and equipment persist. Looter shooter or PvE action RPG is the more precise launch-version description.

Did IGN play the complete game for this video?

No. This is a June hands-on preview; IGN published a separate finished-game review in July.

Does the preview discuss losing all loot after failure?

No. Progress retention is an important difference from a traditional roguelike reset.

Where can I find IGN's final verdict?

Use the IGN review page in this video library for launch-version analysis and endgame context.

IGN Splatoon Raiders Preview: Roguelite or Looter Shooter?

Splatoon Raiders Preview — Is It a Roguelite?: detailed viewing guide

IGN’s hands-on preview examines the repeatable raid structure, randomized equipment and progression systems that give Raiders some roguelite traits.

Why IGN asks the roguelite question

The preview sees repeatable raids, randomized equipment and a return to the Hideout after failure, so it tests the game against a familiar genre label.

The important exception is permanent progress

Experience, equipment and other raid rewards are retained. Launch coverage therefore supports describing Raiders as a PvE action RPG or looter shooter with roguelite-style runs, not a traditional reset-heavy roguelike.

Hands-on evidence beyond the label

IGN discusses familiar ink movement, Bot Buddy, weapon drops, Tank-linked Gadgets and escalating enemy pressure from the event demo.

What the preview could not yet judge

The limited build did not establish full campaign length, late-game build balance or endgame variety; IGN's later review addresses those questions.

What you will learn before pressing play

See public hands-on footage from a pre-release demo.
Understand why the raid loop is compared with a roguelite.
Review equipment drops and between-raid progression.
Treat the conclusions as preview impressions.

Independently checked

Splatoon Raiders Preview — Is It a Roguelite? timeline and chapters

Use these editorial timestamps to skip directly to the topic you need. They were checked against the public video and are not generic chapter labels.

00:00

Splatoon Raiders mechanics confirmed or discussed

This list reflects what this specific upload demonstrates or discusses. It is not padded with unrelated features from other videos.

Repeatable treasure raids
Random weapon and equipment drops
Experience and equipment retained after failure
Exploration Bot support
Tank and Gadget loadout choices
Difficulty options
Four-player cooperative play

Is this video still accurate now?

Published from a limited June hands-on session. The mechanical observations remain useful, but launch reviews show that permanent progression and extensive equipment are more central than the headline's roguelite comparison suggests.

How this video differs from other Splatoon Raiders coverage

SwitchUp also discusses roguelite traits but spends more time on linear early stages and missing PvP. GameSpot's preview uses the clearer looter-shooter framing, while IGN's finished review replaces preview questions with a 40-plus-hour verdict.

Continue with the related written guide

Check the mechanic while you play

The written guide is faster for exact rules, comparisons and information updated after this video was published.

Open the related Splatoon Raiders guide →

IGN Splatoon Raiders Preview: What the Roguelite Comparison Gets Right

The question this video answers

Who will get the most value