Build Guide
Splatoon Raiders Tanks: Speed vs Power vs Tactical
Speed, Power, and Tactical Tanks change how the Mechanic moves, attacks, and uses Gadgets. Compare their official roles, compatible Gadgets, progression, and first-pick tradeoffs.
Quick Facts
Tank comparison
| Tank | Official play-style focus | Confirmed gadgets | Practical selection signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Tank | Mobility, fast attacks and evasion | Blast Boot, Dash Bomb, Booyarang | Choose when repositioning and avoiding damage matter most |
| Power Tank | Direct pressure and fighting swarms head-on | Splatchet, Splatellites, Spinwheel | Choose when you prefer close pressure, shield breaking and crowd contact |
| Tactical Tank | Battlefield control and deployable tools | Shot Pot, Bombloons, Tether Wail | Choose when you prefer setup, automated pressure and controlled engagements |
Speed Tank
Nintendo describes the Speed Tank as the mobility-focused option. Its gadgets support rapid movement, evasion and attacks that reposition the Mechanic.
- Blast Boot: A high-speed leap for attacking or retreating.
- Dash Bomb: A multidirectional dash with an explosion.
- Booyarang: A returning projectile that stays airborne briefly.
Editorial interpretation: Speed is likely to feel natural for players who value movement and reactive play. That is a play-style recommendation, not evidence that it has the easiest difficulty curve or highest damage.
Power Tank
The Power Tank is intended for confronting Salmonid swarms directly.
- Splatchet: A wide slash that can break tough shields.
- Splatellites: Orbiting devices that attack and spread ink.
- Spinwheel: A forward-moving ink attack that pushes enemies and locks on to Boss Salmonids.
Its published gadget descriptions suggest strong contact pressure and area coverage. Exact survivability, damage values, and recovery windows are not documented in Nintendo's public guide material.
Tactical Tank
The Tactical Tank is designed for players who want to control the battlefield through placement and setup.
- Shot Pot: An automated deployable turret.
- Bombloons: Linked explosives that create a larger blast when shot.
- Tether Wail: A powerful laser linked to the Tank.
The Tactical Tank may reward planning, but Nintendo has not published placement limits, enemy targeting rules or whether multiplayer allies can interact with deployed gadgets.
How Tank progression works
Nintendo has confirmed several progression layers:
- Defeating Salmonids raises your level.
- Skill Points can be used to upgrade Tanks.
- Salvage recovered in raids is used at the Mechanic's Shack.
- Tank upgrades can improve statistics such as attack power and HP.
- Continued Tank use can unlock enhancements, including a third gadget slot.
- Relic Powers can be equipped to provide additional buffs or adjustments.
The complete skill trees, upgrade costs, maximum levels and respec rules remain undisclosed.
Can you change Tanks?
Yes. Nintendo says you can swap Tanks between missions to try a different approach. This is important because the Tanks are not merely stat presets: each one has its own compatible gadget range.
The following are not yet confirmed:
- Whether a Tank can be changed after entering a stage.
- Whether upgrade materials are shared or Tank-specific.
- Whether Skill Points can be refunded.
- Whether multiplayer loadouts can be changed between repeated raids without returning to the Hideout Ship.
Which Tank should you choose first?
There is no universal “best Tank.” Use the official play-style distinction:
| You prefer... | Start by testing... |
|---|---|
| Fast repositioning and evasive movement | Speed Tank |
| Direct attacks and breaking through pressure | Power Tank |
| Setting up tools and managing an area | Tactical Tank |
Because collected equipment is part of the progression loop and Tanks can be swapped between missions, the most reliable early recommendation is to test all three before committing scarce upgrade resources.
FAQ
How many Tanks are in Splatoon Raiders?
Nintendo has confirmed three: Speed, Power and Tactical.
Does each Tank have different gadgets?
Yes. Gadget compatibility depends on the Tank, and each Tank's gadgets are designed around its play style.
Can a Tank equip three gadgets?
Tanks begin with two gadget slots and can eventually gain a third slot through progression.
Can Tanks use Salmonid Relics?
Nintendo UK says Relic Powers can be equipped for additional buffs and adjustments. Exact effects and restrictions are not yet public.
Is the Power Tank objectively strongest?
No official data supports that conclusion. “Power” describes its direct-combat role, not a confirmed overall ranking.
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