Each Pikmin in Pikmin 4 has its own unique abilities and design, but some are simply handier to have than others. In the new trailer for Pikmin 4, two new types of Pikmin have been shown off: Ice Pikmin and a dog-like Pikmin named Oatchi. Having seen their new abilities in action, it appears that the natural hierarchy of Pikmin utility may have been completely disrupted.
There are many different types of Pikmin, but their type exists along two scales: Slow to fast carriers, and weak to strong fighters. With all these different traits in place, Nintendo has done a fantastic job of balancing each Pikmin to keep them relevant for different situations. But due to the design of some levels, changes in gameplay, and the Pikmin’s differing physical designs, it’s worth noting which Pikmin edge out the competition.
10 Pikmin 2's Bulbmin Are Too Restricted For Pikmin 4
Bulbmin look like regular Bulborbs, but they have the characteristic Pikmin leaf sticking out of their backs. In Olimar’s data file for Bulbmin, he explains that a parasitic relative of the Pikmin has taken control of a Bulbmin’s body. Unfortunately, the use of Bulbmin is majorly restricted in Pikmin 2 as they’re only found in 3 caves they're unable to leave, however, Pikmin 4 could bring Bulbmin back and change their mechanics to better fit the new game.
9 White Pikmin's Utility Will Be Hugely Reduced If In Pikmin 4
Another Pikmin introduced in Pikmin 2, and which returned in Pikmin Bloom is the White Pikmin, a tiny, poisonous species with bright red eyes. White Pikmin inflict poison damage on any creature unlucky enough to gobble them up, unfortunately, costing them their lives; which means there will be no awards for zero Pikmin deaths. White Pikmin were originally introduced to detect hidden treasure buried underground, but Pikmin 3 scrapped this, and all buried objects now poke out of the dirt. Unfortunately, this has greatly reduced the White Pikmin’s utility and it would make them less favorable if they reappeared in Pikmin 4.
8 Purple Pikmin Could Be A Returning Fan-Favorite In Pikmin 4
Purple Pikmin are a fan favorite for many great reasons: Their dumpy bodies, deep coloration, and tiny head frills are all incredibly endearing. They’re useful too, a single Purple Pikmin can carry the weight of 10 other Pikmin, making carrying heavy objects a one-Pikmin task. In Pikmin 2, this was essential for some treasures that exceeded the 100-group size carrying capacity.
Purple Pikmin in Pikmin Bloom and Pikmin 3, like White Pikmin, were nerfed as they used to deal a devastating slam attack in battle, but this attack no longer deals increased damage. They’re also devastatingly slow, making their carrying abilities only useful in a handful of niche situations, meaning if they returned to Pikmin 4 they would need an overhaul to be useful.
7 #7 Ice Pikmin Were Introduced In The Trailer For Pikmin 4
The newest definitive species of Pikmin is the Ice Pikmin, introduced in the trailer for Pikmin 4. Ice Pikmin have so far been shown to have two abilities, freezing enemies during battle, and icing over pools of water to allow for traversal. The ability to freeze enemies is a game changer, potentially overwhelming larger enemies before they can gobble up Pikmin. Freezing over pools of water also makes areas previously only accessible by getting a blue Pikmin in Pikmin 3 possible to visit with the entire squad in Pikmin 4. Their design is sparkling, but it feels a bit too much like a cross between Purple and Rock Pikmin with its dumpy, geometric shape.
6 Oatchi, Introduced In Pikmin 4 Trailer Could Be Companion Or Pikmin
Oatchi, the dog-like companion introduced in the new trailer for Pikmin 4 hasn’t been confirmed as a Pikmin subspecies yet. However, the puff on its tail is clearly made to resemble a Pikmin sprout, and since it can take commands from the captains, it feels unfair to exclude Oatchi. The trailer shows off Oatchi’s ability to break pots, carry Pikmin on its back across water, and sniff for lost castaways - it even has the 10x strength of a Purple Pikmin. But Oatchi’s biggest drawback is his most obvious: there’s only one of him.
5 Blue Pikmin Are No Longer The Only Swimmers In Pikmin 4
Blue Pikmin are quite plain compared to the original trio of Pikmin species. Their power is average, their speed is average, and they look like they know how average they are with their sad fish mouths. But their utility is indispensable on any map as they can swim through water. Up to and including Pikmin 3, this ability has been the crux of many late-game challenges that require an aquatic team of Pikmin to pick up the last few treasures. The Ice Pikmin and Oatchi may have taken away Blue Pikmin’s unique capacity to cross water in Pikmin 4, but Blue Pikmin will still be needed for any underwater exploration.
4 Red Pikmin Will Be Fighters In Pikmin 4
Red Pikmin are the natural fighters of the Pikmin world. They have the highest attack of any Pikmin and a swarm of them will drop even the toughest enemy’s health bar in seconds making them the usual backbone of an adventuring Pikmin squad. As the first Pikmin a player ever meets, their long noses also make an indelible impression on the Pikmin fan’s heart. Additionally, Red Pikmin are able to withstand fire. While fire is perhaps the least common element, it can quickly spread and cause havoc among the squad without some cool-headed Red Pikmin around.
3 Yellow Pikmin's Electrical Resistance Will Be Helpful In Pikmin 4
Once unlocked, Yellow Pikmin were originally the most versatile Pikmin type. They're resistant to electricity, can be thrown higher than other Pikmin types, and originally had the most powerful ability of any Pikmin as they could carry bomb rocks. Bomb rocks change any encounter by devastating hard-shelled enemies but in Pikmin 3, all Pikmin were given the ability to carry them, negating the Yellow Pikmin. This power was replaced with the ability to conduct electricity, completing circuits to illuminate light bulbs and immediately grow into flower Pikmin, something its likely will stay the same in Pikmin 4. Still, thanks to their adorably giant ears and cheery coloration, they remain a fan favorite.
2 Winged Pikmin's Ability To Fly Will Be Useful In Pikmin 4
Unlocked winged Pikmin completely alter the traditional Pikmin design by sporting wings and flying freely through the air. Their small, graceful design brightens any PNF-404 environment and thanks to their ability to fly, Winged Pikmin can usually take the fastest route back to the Onion by crossing over walls and ponds. They can also pluck flowers to reveal goodies or hold up bamboo gates, allowing for access to new areas and shortcuts for the experienced adventurer. Unfortunately, they’re incredibly weak in any battle, except against a few flying enemies. But as long as they’re kept out of harm’s way, Winged Pikmin have the best logistical utility.
1 The Rock Pikmin Deal The Best Damage
To make up for the Winged Pikmin’s lacking combat ability, Rock Pikmin were introduced in Pikmin 3 to even the playing field and will likely be as strong in the 2023 Nintendo Switch Online Exclusive Pikmin 4. They slam into enemies to deal devastating damage and stun them, and while they do bounce off, it’s possible to stun-lock most enemies into submission with enough Rock Pikmin.
Before Pikmin 4 this made almost every encounter except bosses into a trivial nuisance, but that mechanic could change in the new game. They were also used to shatter enemies with crystalline carapaces and break down glass walls. Couple all of this utility with their exceptionally cute, shiny-textured geometric design, and you have a powerful, endearing Pikmin that should continue to be a strong choice in Pikmin 4.
Source: Nintendo of America via YouTube
