Choosing the right Splatoon Raiders weapons is the difference between a smooth raid and a total team wipe. Unlike the balanced PvP of Splatoon 3, this spin-off leans into power fantasy and build crafting. Because of this, some weapons absolutely dominate the Spirhalite Islands. Meanwhile, others will leave you struggling against the relentless Salmonid swarms.
In this guide, we rank every major weapon type and gadget. Specifically, we focus on the new Ink Axe and the returning Splatlands Collection. Moreover, we will explain how the new “Series Weapon Power” stat affects your performance. Consequently, you can build the perfect loadout before the July 23 release date.
How Weapon Stats Work in Splatoon Raiders
Before we dive into the tier list, it is crucial to understand the new stat screen. Specifically, you need to look at Series Weapon Power. This is a hidden matchmaking value that tracks your skill with a specific kit.
However, that is not the only change. In addition to damage and ink efficiency, weapons now have Durability and Stagger Damage stats.
- Durability: How many hits the weapon can take before breaking. Especially important for melee weapons like the Ink Axe.
- Stagger Damage: The ability to interrupt enemy attacks. For instance, heavy weapons can stop a charging Salmonid boss in its tracks.
According to the Nintendo eShop description, there are 30 weapons in the base game. We have broken them down into four distinct tiers.
S-Tier (Optimal Builds – Clear Any Raid)
These Splatoon Raiders weapons provide the best mix of safety, damage, and utility. As a result, you should always have at least one of these on your team. Furthermore, they pair well with the strategies outlined in our Splatoon Raiders co-op and multiplayer guide .
- The Ink Axe (New Melee): The undisputed king of crowd control. Notably, it uses ink to fuel a massive swing that hits multiple enemies. Additionally, it has a charged lunge attack for closing distance. Consequently, this is the best weapon for protecting your team’s mechanic.
- Modified Splat Charger: With the new scope attachment, this is the best tool for taking down distant Salmonid bosses.
- Turret Gadget (Splatchet 3000): Technically a gadget, but it deserves S-Tier status. You place it down, and it automatically fires at marked targets. Therefore, it provides constant passive damage while you focus on movement.
A-Tier (Strong & Reliable Choices)
These weapons are excellent. Nevertheless, they require slightly more specific conditions to shine.
- .52 Gal Deco: The classic two-shot kill remains powerful. However, its fire rate can leave you vulnerable against the faster new enemy types.
- The Shark Launcher: This is a heavy special weapon that fires a homing shark. On one hand, it deals massive area damage. On the other hand, the ammo is scarce. Use it only on elite enemies.
- Ink Disc Shield: This orbiting shield is perfect for aggressive players. Specifically, it allows you to rush into a group of Salmonids and clear a path for the rest of your squad.
B-Tier (Niche Picks – Situational Use)
These Splatoon Raiders weapons are fun. However, they are outclassed in high-difficulty raids. Because of this, we recommend avoiding them in the post-game content.
- Splat Roller (Standard): The vertical swing is decent for mobility. Nevertheless, the damage drop-off against armored enemies is severe.
- Aerospray MG: Although it covers turf faster than any other gun, it struggles to secure kills. In other words, you will paint the floor while your friends do all the real work.
New Gadgets & Attachments
Unlike the main series, you cannot change your sub-weapon. Instead, you craft Gadgets before the mission. According to a preview by Polygon, the crafting system is deep and rewarding. Here are the best items to bring:
| Gadget Name | Effect | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Splatchet | Melee wrench / Repair Tool | Fixing turrets and breaking crates. |
| Ink Mine 2.0 | Proximity explosion | Protecting your flank while sniping. |
| Big Bubbler Plus | Mobile shield dome | Reviving downed teammates safely. |
The Splatlands Collection Explained
If you have save data from Splatoon 3 on your Switch 2, you unlock the Splatlands Collection. This gives 30 returning weapons a desert-themed makeover. More importantly, these variants have different sub/special loadouts than their standard versions.
For example, the Splatlands Splattershot comes with Splat Bomb instead of Suction Bomb. This small change drastically alters your approach to crowd control. Consequently, we highly recommend booting up Splatoon 3 at least once before playing Raiders to claim this bonus. You can read more about the performance differences in our article on Splatoon Raiders Switch 2 exclusivity and performance .
Real-World Applications: Build Theory
The concept of “build crafting” in Splatoon Raiders mirrors problem-solving in engineering.
- Resource Allocation: Choosing between a high-damage weapon (Ink Axe) and a utility weapon (Turret) is like budgeting a project. You need the right tool for the specific job.
- Iterative Design: The Series Weapon Power stat encourages you to fail and improve. Similarly, in software development, iterative testing leads to better products.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best Splatoon Raiders weapon for beginners?
The Splat Roller is the easiest to understand. However, for long-term success, we suggest the .52 Gal. It teaches good aim without being overly punishing.
Does the Ink Axe consume more ink than a roller?
Yes. The vertical swing consumes about 20% of your tank. Therefore, you must be mindful of your ink management. Fortunately, the Ink Axe refills quickly while you are swimming.
Can you dual-wield weapons in Splatoon Raiders?
No. However, you can switch between your main weapon and your crafted Gadget (like the Splatchet) instantly using the D-Pad.
Where is the best place to farm for weapon blueprints?
High-level raids in the Spirhalite Islands drop the best crafting materials. Specifically, look for maps with the “Treasure” modifier active.
Conclusion
Mastering Splatoon Raiders weapons is the first step toward conquering the Spirhalite Islands. Whether you prefer the brute force of the Ink Axe or the precision of a Splat Charger, there is a build for every playstyle. Above all, remember to experiment. The new crafting system allows for far more customization than any previous Splatoon game.
Now that you have your loadout ready, make sure you understand the story context. Otherwise, you might miss why Deep Cut is fighting alongside you. Read our complete lore guide Splatoon Raiders story and lore theories next.
What weapon will you main on July 23? Let us know in the comments below!