Days after the launch of Splatoon Raiders, players have already found ways to dramatically shorten completion times for the notoriously difficult Awlmun Den level. This particular challenge, which deviates from the game's typical wave-based combat to focus on platforming and defeating a Stinger, has been optimized to the point where it can be cleared in under 10 seconds. This achievement is a testament to the depth of the game's gadget customization and modding system.
Awlmun Den tasks players with navigating a treacherous platforming course to reach and defeat a Stinger at the summit. Higher difficulties introduce more Stingers and increase the ink coverage, demanding near-perfect execution. However, a segment of the player base has embraced a different approach, utilizing specific gadget combinations to bypass large portions of the level.
Early attempts, such as one shared on Reddit by user LeficiosG, involved using the Flywire, Jump Bomb, and Dash Bomb to skip significant sections, achieving clear times of just over 20 seconds. These strategies were motivated by the potential for high-level rewards from completing the challenge on the Ultra Spicy difficulty setting.
More advanced optimization has led to even faster times. A video by YouTuber Dvard showcases a method that allows players to proceed directly from the starting point to the Stinger, bypassing the platforming entirely. This strategy relies on a similar gadget loadout but is augmented with mods that drastically reduce cooldowns and increase the usability of the Jump Bomb and Dash Bomb. The speed at which this can be accomplished is so extreme it initially appears to be the result of cheating, but is attributed to player ingenuity.
This emergent playstyle highlights the flexibility of Splatoon Raiders' gadget system. Once players unlock the ability to equip three gadgets simultaneously and maximize their mod slots, they can push the game's mechanics to their limits. While this often manifests in quickly clearing enemy waves in endgame content, Awlmun Den demonstrates how these systems can also be applied to movement and platforming challenges. The discovery of more efficient routes, even for experienced players, suggests further potential for gadget-based puzzle-solving within the game's design. Players have noted that simple adjustments, such as using Splattelites to destroy boxes blocking paths, can offer a speed advantage over traditional shooting methods.
Should Splatoon Raiders receive post-launch updates, the success of these speedruns suggests an appetite for more platforming-focused challenges. Awlmun Den serves as a strong case study for how the game's gadget tinkering mechanics can support diverse gameplay experiences beyond its core combat encounters, offering Inklings more opportunities to demonstrate their mastery.