With Nintendo bringing back the Pikmin series after a decade, players are once again able to command the adorable creatures to do their bidding and hopefully, rescue Captain Olimar from being stranded yet again, this time on the Nintendo Switch. Pikmin 4 introduces new Pikmin types to the population, as well as various locations in which to seek treasures and plenty of new enemies to take down.
Before players get too worried about the tasks at hand, it is perhaps most important to understand the helpful companions that will be coming along for the ride in Pikmin 4. With nine different types of Pikmin to choose from and utilize, knowing when and where to use them will be the key to overcoming the challenges in Pikmin 4.
All 9 Pikmin Types & What They Do in Pikmin 4
Fans of the Pikmin series should already be familiar with most of the Pikmin types in Pikmin 4, though there are two new variants in the franchise's latest installment. Below, players can find a full list of every type of Pikmin in Pikmin 4 and a brief description of what they're able to do:
Pikmin Type | Abilities |
|---|---|
Red Pikmin | The first Pikmin encountered in the game, Red Pikmin are strong and resistant to fire. They're best used for attacking creatures early on. |
Ice Pikmin | With their extremely cold bodies, Ice Pikmin can freeze both creatures as well as bodies of water. |
Yellow Pikmin | Yellow Pikmin are immune to Electricity. They're best used for digging in the dirt and attacking electrical barriers and can be thrown up high to reach objects. |
Blue Pikmin | Blue Pikmin can function in water without drowning and are thus extremely useful when in areas with water. |
Rock Pikmin | Rock Pikmin can break crystal nodules and walls and are impervious to being crushed. Players can throw them to deal heavy damage to enemies. |
Winged Pikmin | Lacking in strength, Winged Pikmin are great for midair battles as well as carrying items through the air and over obstacles. |
Purple Pikmin | Slow but strong, each Purple Pikmin has the strength of 10 Pikmin. Their muscular density also ensures they are unaffected by wind and bubble-based attacks. |
White Pikmin | White Pikmin are fast movers that are immune to poison. They can also poison enemies who gobble them up. |
Glow Pikmin | Found during Night Expeditions, Glow Pikmin are strong against all elements. Holding down X will gather them into a ball of light called Glowmob, which can blind and stun enemies when fired. |
As players progress further into Pikmin 4, they will eventually gain access to all nine types of Pikmin. Based on their strengths, players should be sure to bring the right army out for the job when out exploring an area in order to sweep up all possible treasures and rescue all Castaways.
Pikmin 4 is available now exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
