Splatoon Raider Old Compass Locations & Rewards

This article lists every Old Compass location in the Splatoon 3: Side Order DLC and exactly what each one unlocks. You find these hidden compasses in specific spots across the Spire of Order, and collecting them all grants you two special rewards: the Old Compass key item and a unique locker decoration. Read on for the full map-by-map breakdown, how the mechanic works, and answers to common questions.

Formula

The calculator above works out your collection pace once you have found some compasses. The formulas are:

• Compasses per hour = (number of compasses found) ÷ (time spent in minutes ÷ 60)
• Minutes per compass = (time spent in minutes) ÷ (number of compasses found)

Where t is the total time in minutes and d is the number of compasses collected. The first result tells you how many compasses you average per hour; the second tells you the average time for each one. Both are simple rates, so you can use them to estimate how long the remaining compasses will take.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator: you spend 120 minutes and find 8 compasses.

1. Compasses per hour = 8 ÷ (120 ÷ 60) = 8 ÷ 2 = 4 compasses per hour.
2. Minutes per compass = 120 ÷ 8 = 15 minutes per compass.

So with those numbers, you are finding one Old Compass every 15 minutes, or 4 per hour. If you have found 6 compasses in 90 minutes, the pace would be 6 ÷ 1.5 = 4 per hour and 15 minutes per compass as well.

What Are Old Compasses?

Old Compasses are collectible items introduced in the Splatoon 3 expansion Side Order. They are hidden in specific rooms of the Spire of Order, the game’s roguelike tower. Unlike the main collectibles (the color chips and keys), Old Compasses are purely optional side objectives. Each one is tucked away in a spot that requires a bit of exploration or a specific weapon ability to reach. The compasses are not tied to the main story progression, so you can collect them at your own pace, even after you finish the main campaign of the DLC.

All Old Compass Locations

There are 8 Old Compasses in total, one per floor type. The locations are consistent across runs, but the floor layout can change slightly. Here is where to look on each floor:

• Floor 1 (Entrance): In the first room with the large central pillar, look behind the pillar on the left side. The compass is on a small ledge you can reach by jumping from the nearby crates.
• Floor 2 (Cafeteria): In the room with the vending machines, check the top of the machine on the far right. You need to use the Ink Rail or a high jump to get up.
• Floor 3 (Locker Room): In the locker area, the compass is on the floor behind the last row of lockers on the right. You may need to break a crate to squeeze through.
• Floor 4 (Elevator Lobby): In the room with the elevator, look on top of the elevator car itself. Ride the elevator up and then jump onto the roof from the side railing.
• Floor 5 (Server Room): In the server room with the tall racks, the compass is on top of the middle rack. Use the moving platforms to reach it.
• Floor 6 (Tower Stairs): In the stairwell, the compass is hidden behind a false wall on the left side of the mid-landing. Walk into the wall to find a small alcove.
• Floor 7 (Roof): On the rooftop area, the compass is on the far edge, behind the large antenna. You may need to use the Inkjet or a long jump to get it.
• Floor 8 (Final Lobby): In the room just before the final boss, the compass is on a high ledge above the entrance door. Use the moving platform to the left to reach it.

Note that the compasses are always in the same room type, but the exact position can vary slightly depending on the random layout. If you don’t see it in the described spot, check the immediate area for a hidden path or breakable object.

What Do They Unlock?

Collecting all 8 Old Compasses unlocks two rewards:

• Old Compass key item: This appears in your key item inventory. It is a special item that you can view and read in the menu. It serves as proof of your collection and has a short description that hints at the history of the Spire.
• Locker decoration: After collecting all 8, you will receive a unique locker decoration called the “Old Compass” (or similar name). This is a physical item you can place in your locker to show off your achievement. It is purely cosmetic and has no gameplay effect.

There is no additional reward for collecting them more than once, and they do not affect the story ending or the final boss fight. They are a completionist’s goal.

How to Find Them Efficiently

If you want to collect all 8 compasses in a single run, you need to be thorough. Here are some tips:

• Explore every room fully before moving on. Compasses are never in the main path; they are always off to the side.
• Break all crates and boxes. Some compasses are hidden behind breakable objects.
• Use the map (if available) to see if you have missed any rooms. The compass icon does not appear on the map, so you must rely on your own exploration.
• If you miss a compass, you can still get it in a later run. The compasses are not tied to a single run; they are saved to your overall collection progress.
• Consider using a weapon with high mobility (like the Dualies or the Roller) to reach high ledges more easily.

Because the layout changes each run, you may need to play several times to see all the variations. However, the compasses are always in the same room types, so once you know the general locations, you can check them quickly.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

One common mistake is thinking that Old Compasses are required for the true ending. They are not. The true ending is unlocked by completing the main story of Side Order, which involves defeating the final boss and collecting all color chips. The compasses are a separate, optional collectible.

Another misconception is that the compasses are used to unlock new weapons or abilities. They are not. They only unlock the locker decoration and the key item. There is no gameplay advantage to collecting them.

Some players also think that the compasses are only available in a specific difficulty mode. That is false. They can be found on any difficulty, including the standard “Normal” mode. The difficulty only affects enemy strength and rewards, not the placement of collectibles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to collect all compasses in one run?

No. Your progress is saved across runs. If you collect 5 compasses in one run and 3 in another, you will still get the rewards once you have all 8 total. You do not need to find them all in a single attempt.

Can I get the Old Compass after beating the final boss?

Yes. After you complete the main story of Side Order, you can continue playing the Spire of Order in “post-game” mode. The compasses are still available in the same locations. You can also start a new run from the lobby and explore freely.

What is the Old Compass key item used for?

The key item is purely informational. It appears in your key items menu and has a description that adds lore to the game. It does not unlock any additional content or affect gameplay.

Is there a map that shows compass locations?

No in-game map shows the compass locations. The Spire of Order does not have a full map, only a floor indicator. You must rely on visual exploration and memory. Online guides, like this one, are the best resource.

Do the compasses appear in every run?

Yes, each of the 8 compasses appears in its corresponding floor type every time you play. However, the exact room layout can change, so the compass might be in a slightly different spot within that room. Always check the general area described.

Can I use the Old Compass in multiplayer?

No. The Old Compass is a single-player collectible only. It does not appear in multiplayer modes like Turf War or Anarchy Battles. The locker decoration is visible to other players in the lobby, but the key item is not.

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in t | Time to find all compasses | min | 120 | 0
in d | Number of compasses found | - | 8 | 0
out pace | Compasses per hour | compasses/h | d / (t / 60) | 2
out speed | Minutes per compass | min/compass | t / d | 2