Get ready for a brand-new type of adventure! The announcement trailer confirmed that Splatoon Raiders is real and on its way to Nintendo’s next-generation hardware. This isn’t just another set of modes; it’s a completely new game where players will take on the role of a mechanic. You’ll be teaming up with the fan-favorite trio from Splatsville, Deep Cut, to explore the mysterious Spirhalite Islands. While details are still under wraps, Nintendo has not announced a release date or window for Splatoon Raiders, promising more info in the future. The prospect of a fresh, adventure-focused take on the splat-tastic world has fans buzzing with excitement.
But that’s not all Nintendo had for us. Current players have a massive free update to look forward to for Splatoon 3, which is set to splash down for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on June 12.
That’s Not All: Huge Free Update for Splatoon 3
Even with Splatoon Raiders on the horizon, Nintendo isn’t done supporting Splatoon 3. The upcoming free update is packed with new content and some highly-requested quality-of-life changes.
The Splatlands Collection & A Returning Fan-Favorite Stage
Your arsenal is about to get a serious glow-up. The update introduces the “Splatlands collection,” which adds a whopping 30 new weapon kits to the game. These are fresh takes on existing weapons from the Barazushi and Emberz brands, each sporting a different sub and special weapon combo to shake up the meta.
Additionally, a legendary stage from the original Splatoon on Wii U is making its grand return: Urchin Underpass! Get ready to battle it out in this iconic location once again as it’s added back into the stage rotation.
A Smarter Way to Battle: Anarchy Updates and QoL Changes
For the competitive crowd, this update is a game-changer. Here’s what’s being tweaked:
- Raised Freshness Caps: All weapon Freshness caps are being increased, giving you a new reason to master your main and earn brand-new in-game Badges.
- New “Series Weapon Power” Stat: This is huge. A new stat is being added to Anarchy Battle (Series) that tracks your win/loss effectiveness with each specific weapon. The matchmaking system will then use this “Series Weapon Power” to place you in battles with players of a similar skill level for that weapon. Tired of getting stomped while trying out a new charger? This system makes it possible to try new gear without tanking your rank or being unfairly outmatched.
The Next-Gen Splat: Splatoon on Nintendo Switch 2
Today’s trailer also gave us our first look at how Splatoon 3 will benefit from the Nintendo Switch 2. Players on the new console can expect more detailed visuals and a smoother appearance in hubs like Splatsville and the Grand Festival Grounds.
Crucially, Nintendo confirmed that Splatoon 3 will feature cross-play between the original Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch 2. That’s right—the community won’t be split, so you can keep playing with all your friends regardless of which console they own.
This is a massive day for Splatoon fans, with the future looking brighter and more colorful than ever. From the brand-new adventure in Splatoon Raiders to the robust update enhancing the core Splatoon 3 experience, there’s plenty to look forward to.
To keep up with all the latest findings, be sure to follow the official Splatoon North American X account. For more details on everything included in the current game, you can always check out the official website.
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