Co-Op Guide
Splatoon Raiders Multiplayer Guide
Splatoon Raiders supports 2–4 players online or through local wireless, while the single-system player count is one. Use this guide for full co-op, Call for Help, version requirements, and the rules Nintendo’s public material does not spell out.
Quick Facts
Multiplayer modes at a glance
| Mode | Players | What Nintendo has confirmed | Main requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo | 1 | The full game can be enjoyed alone | One Nintendo Switch 2 and one game copy |
| Local wireless | 2–4 | Full raids with friends and story progression | One Nintendo Switch 2 and one copy per player |
| Online co-op | 2–4 | Full raids with friends and story progression | Internet, Nintendo Account and Nintendo Switch Online |
| Call for Help | Temporary online aid | Other players can enter to help with a raid | Online access; a cooldown applies after use |
Is there split-screen or couch co-op?
No same-console multiplayer is listed. Nintendo's product specifications state Single system: 1, while local wireless and online play are both listed as 2–4 players. That means “local multiplayer” refers to nearby systems communicating wirelessly—not two people sharing one television and one console.
For local wireless, Nintendo Australia explicitly states that each player needs a console and a copy of the software. Plan for the following:
- Two to four Nintendo Switch 2 systems.
- One game copy per player.
- Nearby players using local wireless rather than an internet lobby.
How full co-op works
Nintendo describes Splatoon Raiders as a single-player-focused action shooter, but its multiplayer is more substantial than a short side mode. Up to three other players can join a raid, hunt for treasure and progress through the story together.
The game automatically scales player power to help players with different progression levels play together. Nintendo has not said that enemy health or enemy count scales in the same way, so it is more accurate to describe the confirmed system as player-power scaling.
What remains unknown about co-op progression
Nintendo's public materials do not fully explain:
- Whether every participant receives identical story completion credit.
- Whether only the host advances a map node or quest state.
- How collected weapons, salvage and relics are distributed in co-op.
- Whether public matchmaking, friend-only rooms and password rooms are all available.
- Whether a disconnected player can rejoin an active raid.
These questions should be tested and added after launch rather than answered through speculation.
Call for Help explained
Call for Help is a separate online assistance feature designed for a player who starts from a solo context but wants temporary support. Nintendo says you can request help from other players before a hunt. After the assisted raid finishes, you must wait before requesting help again.
Players who answer a request can earn a Help Bonus. Nintendo UK lists possible rewards such as:
- Weapons.
- Gadget parts.
- Other materials.
The exact cooldown duration, matchmaking rules and reward table have not been announced.
Does multiplayer require Nintendo Switch Online?
Online play requires a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership. Local wireless does not use the internet mode, but every participant still needs a Nintendo Switch 2 and a game copy. Save Data Cloud is listed as a supported Nintendo Switch Online feature.
Does difficulty affect multiplayer?
Splatoon Raiders has Tourist, Raider and Survivalist difficulty settings. Nintendo says difficulty affects combat but not the loot available. The setting can be changed at any time on the Hideout Ship.
Nintendo separately confirms automatic player-power scaling in multiplayer. It has not published a detailed rule for how a group's selected difficulty, host difficulty or individual difficulty settings interact. Do not describe this as “difficulty matchmaking” until it is verified in-game.
FAQ
Is Splatoon Raiders multiplayer?
Yes. It supports 2–4 players online and 2–4 players through local wireless, alongside a complete solo experience.
Can two people play on one Nintendo Switch 2?
No. Nintendo lists only one player on a single system, so there is no confirmed split-screen or shared-console co-op.
Can you play the story in co-op?
Yes. Nintendo says players can hunt for treasure and progress through the story together. The exact host and guest save rules remain unannounced.
Can a friend with stronger gear join me?
Yes. Nintendo says player power is scaled automatically to support players at different progression levels. The precise formula is unknown.
What is the difference between co-op and Call for Help?
Regular co-op is a planned 2–4 player session. Call for Help is temporary online assistance for a raid and has a cooldown after use; successful helpers can receive bonus rewards.
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