Before You Jump Into Splatoon Raiders, You Need to Know the Post-Apocalyptic Truth
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
A look at the surprisingly dark, post-apocalyptic lore behind Nintendo's Splatoon universe, breaking down the history you need to know ahead of the upcoming Switch 2 looter shooter Splatoon Raiders, originally reported by Polygon.
If you only know Nintendo's colorful franchise from casual matches, it is easy to write off Splatoon as just another bright, frantic multiplayer shooter. As Polygon's Giovanni Colantonio details in a recent breakdown, the reality is entirely different. Beneath the neon paint and upbeat lobby music lies a surprisingly dark post-apocalyptic narrative, one born from a world where humanity wiped itself out thousands of years ago through climate collapse and a botched rocket launch involving psychic liquid crystals found in squid biology. That grim timeline matters right now because Nintendo is finally expanding the universe beyond traditional multiplayer lobbies with Splatoon Raiders, an upcoming action RPG that leans heavily into looter shooter territory.
While this new Switch 2 exclusive shifts the focus to treasure hunting, cooperative combat, and economic struggles in places like Splatsville, it still packs plenty of deep worldbuilding into collectible scrolls and environmental storytelling. You do not necessarily need a masterclass in ancient Mollusc Era history to enjoy the mechanics, but understanding that you are playing in a world shaped by human extinction adds a whole new layer of appreciation to the experience. It is a fascinating tonal contrast that makes Nintendo's universe stand out in a crowded landscape of generic sci-fi settings.
For players jumping into this next chapter, it is a great reminder of how far gaming storytelling has evolved across platforms. Developers are increasingly willing to tuck genuinely complex lore into accessible, community-driven multiplayer and cooperative spaces. You can read the full, fascinating history of humanity's downfall and the rise of the Inklings over at Polygon, and get fully prepped before heading out on your next treasure hunt.
Tags: Splatoon Raiders, Nintendo, Switch 2, Gaming Lore, Looter Shooter
Original article: Polygon