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Multiplayer

Splatoon Raiders Multiplayer & Co-op Guide

Setup steps for local wireless, online rooms, keywords, Call for Help, and Go Help.

Updated 2026-07-29By Raiders Atlas Editorial

Quick answer

Splatoon Raiders supports 2–4 players online or through local wireless, but not couch co-op on a single system. Local wireless needs multiple Nintendo Switch 2 systems and additional game copies. Online play needs internet access, a Nintendo Account, and Nintendo Switch Online.

Player standing beside the multiplayer radio on the Hideout Ship
Use the radio on the Hideout Ship to open the multiplayer menu after the feature is unlocked.

Progression note

Multiplayer options unlock after the first three raids on Erpp Island. Go Help has an additional progression requirement named below.

Multiplayer mode comparison

Multiplayer mode matrix

ModePlayersSystemsMembershipUnlock
Local wireless room2–42–4 Nintendo Switch 2 systems with additional game copiesNo Nintendo Switch Online membershipComplete the first three raids on Erpp Island
Online room with friends2–42–4 Nintendo Switch 2 systemsNintendo Switch Online and internet accessComplete the first three raids on Erpp Island
Online room via keyword2–42–4 Nintendo Switch 2 systemsNintendo Switch Online and internet accessComplete the first three raids on Erpp Island
Call for Help2–3Multiple Nintendo Switch 2 systemsNintendo Switch Online and internet accessMultiplayer unlocked; select an available dungeon
Go Help2–3Multiple Nintendo Switch 2 systemsNintendo Switch Online and internet accessComplete the raid on Izakaya Island

Local wireless setup

Splatoon Raiders Local Play room browser
Local Play searches for nearby rooms; press X to refresh or Y to create a room.

Local wireless room

  1. 1Start the game, press ZL and ZR on the title screen, then use the radio on the Hideout Ship.
  2. 2Choose Local Play. The host presses Y to create a room and can set an optional four-digit passcode.
  3. 3Other players select the room to join. Press X to refresh the list if the room does not appear.
  4. 4The host holds A to stop recruiting, opens the Treasure Map with X, and selects a dungeon.
  5. 5Every player holds A to confirm readiness and begin the raid.

Local wireless is nearby multi-system play. It does not put multiple players on one television or one Nintendo Switch 2, and Nintendo's product page lists the single-system player count as one.

Online room with friends

Splatoon Raiders Online Play menu with Friends and Keyword tabs
Online Play separates Friends and Keyword rooms, with a Set Keyword shortcut available before searching.

Online room with friends

  1. 1Start the game, press ZL and ZR on the title screen, then use the Hideout Ship radio.
  2. 2Choose Online Play. The host presses Y to create a room and can add a four-digit passcode.
  3. 3Friends select the room, enter the passcode if required, and choose Join.
  4. 4The host holds A to stop recruiting, opens the Treasure Map, and selects Raid on a dungeon.
  5. 5Every player holds A to confirm readiness.

The host controls dungeon selection. Other players join the room and confirm readiness before the raid begins. A room passcode can limit access to people who know the code.

Online play with a keyword

Online room via keyword

  1. 1Open Online Play at the Hideout Ship radio.
  2. 2Press R to open the Keyword tab. Press Plus to set a keyword of up to 32 characters.
  3. 3Create a room with Y or select a room using the same keyword. Refresh with X if needed.
  4. 4The host stops recruiting, selects a dungeon, and starts the raid after every player confirms readiness.

A keyword helps players find a recruiting room without relying only on a friends list. A keyword can contain up to 32 characters; all participants should confirm the exact spelling before refreshing the room list.

Call for Help

Treasure Map dungeon screen showing the Call for Help prompt
Select an eligible dungeon on the Treasure Map, then use the displayed Call for Help control.

Call for Help

  1. 1Open the Treasure Map.
  2. 2Choose an available dungeon and press Minus.
  3. 3Select Help, then confirm the internet connection prompt.
  4. 4Wait for up to two helpers to join.
  5. 5Every player holds A to confirm readiness.

Call for Help is attached to a selected dungeon. After a successful assisted raid, the option enters a cooldown before it can be used again.

Go Help

Go Help

  1. 1Open the Treasure Map.
  2. 2Press Minus.
  3. 3Select Go Help to search for a player requesting assistance.
  4. 4After joining the matched raid, hold A to confirm readiness.

Go Help matches you with someone requesting assistance and can award a help bonus after success. It becomes available after clearing the raid on Izakaya Island.

What happens to Bot Buddy

The host's selected Bot Buddy joins multiplayer raids and follows the host. Guest players can still use the Showstopper associated with the Bot Buddy they selected.

Frequently asked questions

Does Splatoon Raiders have couch co-op on one console?

No. Nintendo lists one player on a single system; local wireless multiplayer requires 2–4 Nintendo Switch 2 systems and additional game copies.

When does multiplayer unlock?

Complete the first three raids on Erpp Island to make multiplayer options available.

Is Nintendo Switch Online required?

It is required for online play. Local wireless does not use Nintendo Switch Online.

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Splatoon Raiders Multiplayer & Co-op Guide