Pikmin 4

Pikmin 4 is a real-time strategy and puzzle-adventure game developed by Nintendo EPD and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. Released worldwide on July 21, 2023, it is the fourth main entry in the Pikmin series. The game revisits the series’ central idea: a tiny spacefarer explores oversized environments by directing plantlike creatures called Pikmin, which carry objects, fight hazards, and help overcome obstacles.

The story begins after Captain Olimar’s rescue mission goes wrong. The Rescue Corps, sent to find him, also crashes on the planet PNF-404. A new recruit joins the organization and searches for the missing crew, Olimar, and other stranded explorers. A major addition is Oatchi, a rescue pup who accompanies the player. Oatchi can carry Pikmin and objects, attack enemies, leap across gaps, and help the player traverse the environment. His abilities develop over the course of the adventure.

The player explores areas such as the Sun-Speckled Terrace, Blossoming Arcadia, Serene Shores, and Hero’s Hideaway. Each location is presented from the Pikmin’s small-scale perspective: garden features and household spaces become expansive landscapes. Exploration is organized around a daylight cycle. The player gathers Pikmin, collects treasure, searches for castaways, and returns to the landing site before nightfall. Pikmin left outside can be lost when darkness falls, so planning routes and managing the group matters.

Pikmin 4 includes several established Pikmin types, including Red, Yellow, Blue, Rock, and Winged Pikmin, alongside returning types such as Ice Pikmin and the new Glow Pikmin. Ice Pikmin can freeze water and enemies. Glow Pikmin appear in night expeditions, where the player defends a Lumiknoll from waves of creatures. These nighttime missions use a distinct format rather than the ordinary daytime exploration cycle.

Another central activity is Dandori, the series’ term for efficient planning and organization. Dandori Battles pit the player against an opponent in a race to collect objects and score points. Dandori Challenges set timed objectives in enclosed areas. These modes turn the game’s carrying and task-management systems into direct competitions.

After completing the main story, players can unlock additional challenges and story content, including the side story focused on Olimar’s experiences after his crash. Pikmin 4 also supports cooperative play: a second player assists by aiming and firing support items rather than controlling a separate explorer. Together, these systems make the game’s rescue narrative, exploration, creature management, and timed problem-solving closely interconnected.