Splatoon Raiders, the new Switch 2 exclusive from Nintendo, has garnered a mostly positive reception from critics, who highlight its unexpected fusion of the series' chaotic paintball combat with refined action-RPG and looter-shooter mechanics. The game is currently holding an 81 on Metacritic and an 80 on OpenCritic.

Reviewers frequently praised the core gameplay loop, which involves engaging in combat, collecting loot, and crafting character builds. IGN's Logan Plant lauded the game in a 9/10 review, calling it an "incredibly well-designed action RPG" and noting the satisfaction derived from optimizing gear and testing builds in challenging stages. Plant suggested that this expertly executed loop, when combined with Splatoon's established foundation, results in the series' strongest campaign to date and a standout title for the Switch 2.

Many critics pointed to surprising parallels with established looter-shooter franchises. Polygon's Giovanni Colantonio likened Splatoon Raiders to Borderlands and Diablo, particularly in its surprisingly deep endgame gear systems. While the early stages might feel simpler, the progression becomes more satisfying as players delve into complex mechanics, with Colantonio even comparing the challenging post-game missions to Vampire Survivors.

Eurogamer's Christian Donlan drew comparisons to the focused chaos of Donkey Kong Bananza and the forward momentum of recent Doom titles. Donlan described the game as having an "apocalyptic simplicity" and a "constant sense of forward momentum," ultimately leaving him with a "sense of astonishment" due to its carefree mayhem and uncluttered design, which he characterized as "youthful confidence."

Cooperative play was frequently cited as a high point, especially in the game's more difficult later stages. GamesRadar's Luke Kemp awarded the game four stars, noting that while grouping with friends or random players is possible, the matchmaking for the latter could benefit from improvements. Kemp highlighted instances where the skill level of assisting players was significantly mismatched with the host's.

However, a portion of reviewers felt that the shift from competitive multiplayer to a solo or co-op PvE experience detracted from the series' core appeal. The Guardian's Joshua Rivera, in a two-star review, described the game as "pedestrian" and noted that its mechanics—upgrading gear, comparing weapon stats, and discovering ability synergies—are common in many modern cooperative action games. Rivera suggested that Splatoon's unique ink-based weaponry and DIY aesthetic were not enough to fully elevate the experience beyond these familiar structures.

Splatoon Raiders is set to launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on Thursday, July 23.