In Pikmin 4, players are tasked with the challenge of finding not only Olimar but also rescuing all their fellow officers. The unknown planet that everyone seems to have crash-landed on is fast and filled with all manner of wonders and hazards. Even with a horde of Pikmen and Oatchi at their side, players have their work cut out for them as they explore the various stages.
This is where gear comes into play. Gear is a set of items that players can acquire that will make exploration significantly more manageable as they embark on this search and rescue mission. One of the most useful pieces of gear, the Headlamp, is one that Pikmin 4 players should focus on getting as soon as possible.
Where to Find the Headlamp
The Headlamp is one of the first pieces of gear that players can obtain. Of course, before they can obtain it they will first need to have found the scientist crew member, Russ. Once Russ has been rescued, players will be able to give him the raw materials they have gathered and turn them into a collection of useful gear and items. The amount of raw materials will vary. Some of the cheaper gear will cost as little as 20 raw material or less while some of the more significant upgrades will cost 100 or more raw material.
As players gather more treasures and bring them back to the ship, they will unlock near gear and items to craft.
For example, the Headlamp can be crafted with 30 raw material. Once players have obtained the Headlamp, it will start out automatically equipped. Fortunately, players can have more than one piece of gear equipped at a time. In the image above, three pieces of gear were acquired and equipped. The effects of each piece of gear equipped are as follows.
- Headlamp: Increases how much players can see in dark areas.
- Tuff Stuff: Increases how much health players have
- Treasure Gauge: Automatically detects nearby castaways and treasure.
What Does the Headlamp Do
When equipped in a dark place, like in underground areas like Sightless Passage, the Headlamp significantly boosts visibility in dark areas. Without the Headlamp, players have a small amount of light to work with and are at the mercy of any ambient lighting that may exist in the underground area they are exploring (which will not be much). By having the Headlamp equipped, Pikmin 4 players will be able to have an easier and safer time exploring the underground caves that have less light.
Players do have the option to turn off the Headlamp just like with other pieces of gear, but there is really no reason to do this since it will make exploring dark areas significantly harder.
Pikmin 4 is available now on Nintendo Switch.
