Editing Music in Pikmin 2

{{game icons|p2=y}}{{DISPLAYTITLE: Music in ''Pikmin 2''}}

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The '''music''' of [[Pikmin 2|''Pikmin 2'']] accompanies every mode of the game, from themes during gameplay to scores of cutscenes and menus, in order to provide a more engaging and focally directed experience. Generally, the textural style of the music reflects either the game's new mission from [[Hocotate]], the organic overworld of [[PNF-404]], or the specific visual theme of a [[cave]]; by vastly varying its unique instrumentations, register, and rhythms. During gameplay, each piece of music sets the mood for the particular environment, and adapts dynamically to what tasks Pikmin are carrying out, the identity and condition of the controlled [[leader]], and the time of [[day]]. Some tracks even adapt specifically to the actions of bosses. Between gameplay, pre-rendered cutscenes are scored with a large orchestra, and in-game cutscenes are scored with small ensembles. In general, compared with [[Music in Pikmin|the music of the previous game]], the soundtrack of ''Pikmin 2'' is less melodically driven, and more atmospheric, although this iteration of the game contains quite a few {{w|leitmotif}}s, or musical gestures that become associated with characters or ideas.

The soundtrack to ''Pikmin 2'' was composed by Hajime Wakai, with help by Kazumi Totaka. It does not have an official album, unlike {{p1}} did with [[Pikmin World]]. All the compositions of this game consist wholly of synthesized sounds or samples attempting to mimic real instruments. Although compared with [[Pikmin (game)|the previous game]], the technology used to mimic these instruments is more advanced and can cover a wider collection and range. A large amount of these samples can be traced back to the libraries of the [https://kurzweil.com/k2500/ Kurzweil K2500] and [http://www.vintagesynth.com/roland/SC-88 Roland SC-88] synthesizers.

{| style="width: 100%"

Heard in the [[bonuses menu]]. This is a simple playful waltz played on {{w|Calliope (music)|steam calliope}}, an instrument that was usually reserved for circus acts or riverboats but could sometimes find itself at a theatre in the early 20th century. Eventually joined by accordion, electric bass, and a simple bass drum and snare kit, the tune becomes a sort of polka waltz. However, this polka section was probably not considered likely to be heard; not much time is spent in the Bonuses menu.

Heard in the [[Piklopedia and Treasure Hoard menu]] screens. This quiet theme in 5/8 time signature has a low melody on fretless bass, enhancing its subtlety. As the theme goes on, the bass gets more ornamental in its style, but the piece mainly stays at one intensity level, so as not to distract from the articles to be read. This theme also contains instances of the [[Music in Pikmin#The Distant Spring|"cymbalesque"]] synthesized instrument from the first game, used as complements to the harmony.

|internal=c_result.bms

Heard during the [[Cutscene#attraction mode|attraction mode]] if the main menu is left idle long enough. Very different from [[Music in Pikmin#Carry, Fight, Increase and be Eaten|the first game's attraction mode theme]], this theme is simply African drums and percussion along with a modal melody on a flute and a Pikmin making small noises to the beat. The entire track has a low pass filter, probably so as not to distract from the video. But the high register of the melody and Pikmin's voice convey the scale of the pre-rendered cutscenes very well.

Heard after the opening cinema during a new game. This intro to PNF-404 begins with the Hocotatian motif as the ship flies in for a landing. The hits by tree branches are {{w|Mickey Mousing|Mickey-moused}}, or synced exactly with the music. Specifically, they are synced with strings playing {{w|Col legno|''col legno''}}, until a bell and chromatically descending flute match Louie's ejection from the ship. Chromatic english horn and xylophone score the struggle of the ship to regain balance, until it lands and the score ends on a whole-tone glissando from the harp, leaving the mood in limbo.

Heard any time the ship gives information to the player unrelated to any recent discovery. This seems to be the cutscene score on which all other [[Ship's dialogs|ship dialog cutscene scores]] are based. The introduction during which the catalyst of the dialog occurs is a simple melody on marimba, sometimes accompanied by hand percussion in cutscenes farther from the ship. After the introduction, time freezes and the ship begins explaining. During this time, a looping texture plays, since the dialog can last indefinitely. Simple, background pad instruments and electronic percussion (plus hand percussion like castanets) connect the ship's character to the dialog and to the lesson this cutscene teaches.

Heard when a new type of Pikmin is discovered. This theme is quite multi-layered; it has marimba and trumpet playing a call and response of the ''Pikmin 2'' motif, underneath which a celeste and english horn play {{w|polyrhythm}}s. After all the instruments but the celeste relax into a held G major chord, the piece smoothly transitions to the same synthesized loop as the new Onion discovery cutscene (above), since the ship has begun its dialog.

Heard whenever a normal [[treasure]] or the first [[Burgeoning Spiderwort|berry]] of one type is brought to the ship or [[Hocotate ship#Research pod|research pod]]. This little orchestral iteration of the Hocotate motif is heard the most out of any iteration. It is followed by a small and high vibraphone gesture when the name of the treasure appears; this synchronization is broken if the cutscene is rushed by pressing {{button|gc|a|wii|a}}. Afterwards, another looping texture of synthesizers plays the main gesture of the end of day theme (below).

Heard at the end of a day on which no treasures have been collected. This skeleton of the end of day theme has a much less intense muted trumpet and accordion share the melody, and a marimba and bass extension (impossibly low) handle the otherwise complex harmonies of the normal tune. The untuned percussion remains the same, however.

|internal=annihi_dayend.w.32.c4.ast

Heard at the automatic end of a day on which a [[Pikmin extinction]] has occurred or both leaders have [[Leader#Leader is down|fallen]]. A vibraphone and organ bass play the end of day theme over A minor, which devolves into a descending cello line and ending. The only percussion instruments in this version of the theme are a soft {{w|Gong#Chau gong (Tam-tam)|tam-tam}} and one brief instance of crash cymbals.

Heard when [[The Key]] is collected. A unique rendition of the treasure collection theme replaces horns and woodwinds with a harpsichord and the dulcimer-esque instrument from the [[#Ultra-spicy spray|ultra-spicy spray theme]]. The strange unexpected sound of this theme reflects the strange unexpected effects of The Key.

Heard above ground when any 10% increment of the debt is paid off, excepting 100%. Muted horns make a rightful fanfare of the Hocotatian theme, accented by crash cymbals and a timpani roll. The fanfare is made even more effective since gameplay is stopped for it.

Heard in a cinema unlocked when every challenge in [[Challenge Mode (Pikmin 2)|Challenge Mode]] is perfectly completed. This score is exactly the [[Cutscene#Attraction mode|attraction mode]] theme from [[Pikmin (game)|the first game]]. This choice is comical because although [[Cutscene#Louie's dark secret|Louie's dark secret is rather vexing]], the music is cheerful and simplistic, which makes the whole cinema appear jocular or even teasing.

*'''Task mix:''' If the active leader is near Pikmin carrying out a task such as breaking down a [[gate]] or building a [[bridge]], a unique complement to the music will be added. This can vary greatly from theme to theme.

*'''Treasure mix:''' If the active leader is near Pikmin carrying a [[treasure]] (only treasure works, no other carried items trigger this), both the task mix and a new instrument complementing the melody (or main instrument) will be added to the music.

*If a Pikmin death has occurred today and the number of the Pikmin in the field is less than 10, the main instruments will skip notes in the theme. Pikmin sprouts do not count for this check, and entering or exiting a cave will reset the "Pikmin death has occurred today" flag.

These changes can also occur to cave themes. In this article, emboldened instrument names are considered the main instruments.

*'''Main version''': Harp, pizzicato cello, '''handbells''', and sleigh bells.

*'''Enemy mix''': Modified harpsichord sample.

*'''Combat mix''': Crash cymbals, bass drum, hi-hat, tom-tom set, and timpani.

This area has no [[Burgeoning Spiderwort]]s, so there is no Spiderwort mix. However, hacking the game to insert a [[Burgeoning Spiderwort]] into the stage will trigger the game to play the missing variation, as it is present in the game's data.{{cite youtube|ZRGVL125w7Q|of a hacked game that has the Spiderwort mix in the Valley of Repose}}

At the beginning of the first day, no music plays in the area. After [[Louie]] first plucks a [[Red Pikmin]], the area theme plays, but as Olimar's sunset version (independent of leader). After the two leaders are reunited, the main theme plays as normal and switches depending on leader.

*'''Main version''': Violins, horn section, trumpets, '''trombone''', '''oboe''', and '''marimba'''.

*'''Combat mix''': Conga, crash cymbals, tablas (bass), cowbell, muted anvil, drum machine hi-hats, metallic snare drum, metal sheet struck with sticks, and splash cymbal.

*'''Task mix''': Timpani, and horn section.<ref group="notes">Traces of flutes can be heard within the horn section.</ref>

*'''Main version''': Bell synthesizer, '''piano''', acoustic guitar (chorus effect), '''organ-like synthesizer''', and triangle.

*'''Combat mix''': Bass drum, timbales, shaker, ride cymbal (bell), claves, cowbell, and crash cymbal.

*'''Task mix''': Santur and fretless bass.

The [[Wistful Wild]] has a wistful march for its theme, if anything representing the struggle the leaders are going through to rescue Louie. The drone in C, the acoustic guitar rhythms, and the sarod resemble [[Music in Pikmin#The Forest Navel|The Forest Navel's theme]], but without percussion and with a somber melody on a contrabass this theme becomes less exploratory. The theme is almost threatening, to warn the player of the more dangerous fauna present in this area.

*'''Main version''': Electric guitar with distortion (used as a drone), sarod, acoustic guitar ensemble, flutes (with notable chiff), waterphone, and '''solo contrabass'''.

*'''Enemy mix''': Chiptune synthesizer.

*'''Combat mix''': Timpani, metallic snare drum, and metal sheet struck with sticks.

*'''Task mix''': Piano, pizzicato double bass, and hi-hat.

Normally, this area's sunset theme has the melody played out by a music box, mirroring the other areas. But in the US and European versions of the GameCube original, there is a special version of the sunset track. The melody in it is played on instruments similar to the main Wistful Wild theme (flutes and such). This version only plays through once at the beginning of sundown, and when the song loops, it uses the standard all-music box version from there on out. This can be witness by pausing the game, or by opening an [[Onion]]'s menu, and does not happen at all in the ''[[New Play Control! Pikmin 2|New Play Control!]]'' versions.

The 14 '''[[caves]]''' of the main game and the 30 caves of [[Challenge Mode (Pikmin 2)|Challenge Mode]] use a total of 24 different compositions (plus a default 25th in Challenge Mode) for their sublevels (not including sublevels set exclusively for boss battles). The cave themes are different from the area themes in that they are minimalistic and randomly generated, to reflect the more minimalistic and random layout of cave floors. Specifically, normal cave themes have very few instruments playing at once, and the main instruments either have preset rhythms and select randomly from a pitch set, or (more usually) have preset samples that play on randomly selected beats. That being said, the music will still dynamically add mixes to reflect parameters in gameplay. These parameters are the same as the [[#Areas|area themes]], but since there are no Burgeoning Spiderworts underground and since the time of [[day]] has no impact inside caves, there are no Spiderwort mixes or Sunset versions of these themes. The selection of a cave theme for a certain sublevel seems to depend on the design and content of the sublevel, although this happens more noticeably with some themes than with others; in Challenge Mode this is even less of a priority. Additionally, for some reason the music heard in Challenge Mode will lack the tempo reduction when a leader's health drops to 50%. The reason for this is unknown.

The list of themes below is in a reasonable main-game order: [[Emergence Cave]], [[Hole of Beasts]], [[White Flower Garden]], [[Citadel of Spiders]], [[Bulblax Kingdom]], [[Snagret Hole]], [[Subterranean Complex]], [[Frontier Cavern]], [[Shower Room]], [[Glutton's Kitchen]], [[Submerged Castle]], [[Cavern of Chaos]], [[Hole of Heroes]], [[Dream Den]]. It should be noted that any names for these themes are conjectural; the themes in this list draw influence from the internal names but are primarily named according to the dominant sublevel design with which they are associated. Also, the recordings of these themes are recordings of single iterations; the themes are random and will not play the same way twice in-game.

=== Snow 1 ===

|name      = Snow 1

A simple composition in which one electric piano-esque instrument alternates between randomized 4-voice arpeggios of E and B (with a 3-voice arpeggio every 4th time). This minimal texture works alongside the minimal look of snow-based sublevels that use few colors. This composition also introduces a randomized bell-piano sort of sound that will alert the player to [[Enemy|enemies]] in a few caves.

*'''Main version''': '''Bell synthesizer'''.

*'''Treasure mix''': '''Bell-like ring'''.

=== Snow 2 ===

|name      = Snow 2

Although this piece has a randomized sine-wave instrument, the main texture is very rigid each iteration. Its use of fifth intervals gives the piece an added sense of stability since the fifth is a {{w|perfect fifth}}.

=== Rest ===

|name      = Rest

|internal  = caverelax.cnd / caverelax.bms

Heard in any [[rest sublevel]]. This music is probably the most random in the game; although the pitches are mostly chosen out of the diatonic D-major scale (with the occasional A♯/B♭on the bass sine-waves), their order is random and their timing is random. Although enemies can appear on rest sublevels, they do not trigger any additions to the theme. The only addition made is when a treasure is being carried in a rest sublevel, such as the [[Brute Knuckles]] or the [[Lost Gyro Block]]. The main bell synthesizer instrument used in "Snow 1" also reappears, though it is now being used as a pad instrument by extending the attack and release of the sound.

*'''Main version''': Slightly chorused bass sine-waves, bell synthesizer (with very long attack and release), and modulating sine-wave pads.

*'''Task mix''': Sawtooth-waves (with a modulating wah-wah filter added).

Loosely named for the majority of sublevels in the main game with an abundance of [[fire]] hazards. The cave themes get more experimental with this rhythmic bed over which one instrument can improvise random pitches. The main instrument still plays to a specific timing, however; each two measures the note density increases from 1 to 2 to 3-5, and then resets. A noticeable factor in this composition is the echo in the normal version, giving the sublevel ambiance a sense of depth. The treasure mix in this piece does not complement the melody but the rhythm. Instead, the combat mix adds harmony to the melody.

*'''Combat mix''': Processed drum kit and organ.

*'''Treasure mix''': '''Organ-like pad synthesizer'''.

|altname  = Hole of Beasts

*'''Enemy mix''': Modified harpsichord sample.

*'''Main version''': '''Bass extension of a marimba''', bongos and cowbell, low glockenspiel, and DX electric piano.

*'''Combat mix''': {{w|Noise gate|Gated}} splash cymbal, gated metal sheet struck with sticks, conga played with mallets, tabla (bass), drum machine hi-hat, and gated timpani.

*'''Task mix''': Muted bass drum, muted {{w|Anvil#Musical instruments|anvil}}, drum machine hi-hats, and pizzicato violins and violas.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>There is a slightly altered version of this theme (with the internal name <code>cavemetal_05_0.cnd</code>) that plays only in the second sublevel of the [[Secret Testing Range]]. Its structure is identical to the usual theme, but the chorused acoustic guitar is replaced with an electric-guitar-like synthesizer, and the treasure mix's acoustic guitar is replaced with a steel string guitar.

*'''Main version''': Tubular bells, sound effects (a heavy anvil crash, and an echoing pile driver thud), '''chorused acoustic guitar''', and pad strings.

|caves    = [[White Flower Garden#Sublevel 4|White Flower Garden sublevel 4]], [[Bulblax Kingdom#Sublevel 2|Bulblax Kingdom sublevels 2]] and [[Bulblax Kingdom#Sublevel 3|3]], [[Frontier Cavern#Sublevel 6|Frontier Cavern sublevel 6]]

*'''Task mix''': Brushed snare drum, piano, DX electric piano, and log drum.

Caves often tend to include more purposely synthetic-sounding instruments, since the landscape is likewise more unfamiliar than general [[area]] terrain. Although instruments in cave themes may sound like a particular natural instrument, there are timbres that distinguish this instrument as synthesized. For example, the main instrument here mimics a trombone, but still has enough differences in attack and cutoff to be an independent sound. It should also be noted that the same tabla groove from "[[#Fire|Fire]]" is used here, but it is now an electronic sound. The bass tabla from the aforementioned song has been replaced by the same bass sound used in "[[#Snow 2|Snow 2]]".

*'''Treasure mix''': Bell-like ring.

=== Concrete 2 ===

|name      = Concrete 2

*'''Main version''': '''Synth bass''', '''congas''', cowbell, and Pikmin-esque FM synthesizer.

=== Electricity ===

|name      = Electricity

|linko    = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umR9qTfOEAA&list=PLwyW5mbdZMGN8mGTqvDhsBs37SW4TkHcw&index=36

|linkl    = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMuT9wXfR_w&list=PLwyW5mbdZMGN8mGTqvDhsBs37SW4TkHcw&index=37

As another example of synthetic instruments mimicking their real-life counterparts, the main melodic wind instrument in this piece is created with {{w|physical modeling synthesis}}, which is a unique form of sound synthesis that attempts to replicate the natural noise and intricacies of real-life acoustic instruments. Although this lead may not be designed to sound like any exact blown instrument, the timbre does slightly resemble a sort of single-reed.  

A pulse is implied in this piece, but a meter to organize that pulse is not as definable, especially when the percussion is randomly ordered. The highly varied instrumentation and erratic timing of patterns may influence the mixed and random selection of enemies on these floors. It also very loosely seems to favor [[Anode Beetle]]s and [[electrical wire]]s, but not so much in Challenge Mode.

*'''Main version''': '''Synthesized wind lead''', '''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BON1hkygaw davul]''',''' bongos''', '''congas struck with mallets''', bass guitar, and timpani (the side of the drum is struck).

=== Bulblax ===

|name      = Bulblax

|altname  = Bulblax Kingdom

*'''Combat mix''': Bass drum and crash cymbals.

=== Snagret ===

|name      = Snagret

|altname  = Snagret Hole

In the main game, this is exclusive to the [[Snagret Hole]], although it has the same key (A minor) and similar tempo to [[#Bulblax|the "Bulblax" theme]]. The instrumentation is very loose and in the game very quiet, and more randomness is allowed in the melody and minimal harmony.

*'''Combat mix''': Frame drum and tambourine.

*'''Task mix''': {{w|Caxixi}}.

=== Yard ===

|name      = Yard

*'''Main version''': Violin-like synthesizer, temple blocks, '''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvRgWASqRKY tingsha]''', and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OftdeE1pTeA udu].

*'''Combat mix''': Choked cymbal and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BON1hkygaw davul].

|caves    = [[Subterranean Complex#Sublevel 6|Subterranean Complex sublevel 6]]*, [[Snagret Hole#Sublevel 5|Snagret Hole sublevel 5]], [[Cavern of Chaos#Sublevel 1|Cavern of Chaos sublevel 1]]*

<nowiki>*</nowiki>The fifth sublevel of the [[Snagret Hole]] plays [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvv8ZJXGBY0&list=PLwyW5mbdZMGN8mGTqvDhsBs37SW4TkHcw&index=54 a tune very similar to ''Metal 3''], only with a slightly altered melody and the different internal name <code>cavemetal_10_4.cnd</code>. The normal track's melody uses the atonal group A♭, A, B♭, B, D♭, D, E♭, E, G. The melody in Snagret Hole sublevel 5 uses A♭, A, B♭, B, C, D♭, D, E♭, E, F, G♭, meaning only G is unused. It is unknown why this slightly altered track is exclusive to this sublevel.

*'''Main version''': {{w|Waterphone}}, impossibly low celeste, santur''', and congas.

*'''Combat mix''': Gated splash cymbal, metal sheet struck with a stick, muted anvil, bass drum, and hi-hat.

=== Snow 3 ===

|name      = Snow 3

|altname  = Frontier Cavern

In the main game, this theme is exclusive to the [[Frontier Cavern]]. This theme's noticable waltz rhythm is rigidly defined by a strict harmony in harp-like synthesizer. The structure is also very rigid, consisting of a randomly selected gesture from the flute, and a randomly selected response from harpsichord.

*'''Enemy mix''': {{w|Hang (instrument)|Hang}}, or other tuned steel shell.

*'''Combat mix''': {{w|Caxixi}}, talking drum, and splash cymbal.

*'''Task mix''': Muted bongo and granite blocks.

=== Tile 1 ===

|name      = Tile 1

This interesting piece is tied with ''[[#Concrete 2|Concrete 2]]'' for most popular, and is only heard in tile-themed sublevels. This piece actually uses water drop samples as percussion, and not only steady percussion but a randomized percussion solo, as though the drop samples are a pitched instrument. Meanwhile the melody is based off of random tri-tones, the interval made by splitting the octave in half. This piece seems to be in a 3/4 time signature, which is supported by the timing of the drum and mellotron in the task mix, and the repeated gestures from the vibraphone.

*'''Main version''': '''Steel drum''', drop sound effect synthesizer, water drop foley samples, and DX electric piano.

*'''Combat mix''': Snare drum, bass drum (raised in pitch), metallic snare drum, metal sheet struck with sticks, and tom-tom.

=== Tile 2 ===

|name      = Tile 2

|linko    = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WpVvCsqpQw&list=PLwyW5mbdZMGN8mGTqvDhsBs37SW4TkHcw&index=60

|linkl    = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pe43ENy1avk&list=PLwyW5mbdZMGN8mGTqvDhsBs37SW4TkHcw&index=61

The rarer of the tile-themed compositions, this cave theme is in 7/4 time signature. An electric piano plays a steady gesture to define this rhythm, but random notes are sustained. The melody this time is quite noticeable since the general texture is easy to follow and repeats often the same way.

*'''Enemy mix''': Detuned bell synthesizer, playing the electric piano gesture at a different time and transposition.

=== Toybox 1 ===

|name      = Toybox 1

In the main game, this theme only occurs in room-based sublevels with wooden block layouts. The music is once again intentionally overcomplicated, and this time the multiple colors used in the music complement the unusual and toy-based landscape. Although the texture is thin, the ensemble for this theme is rather sizeable, for a cave theme. Like "Tile 1", the task mix seems to suggest this piece's time signature to be in 3/4.

*'''Combat mix''': Piccolo snare drum, triangle, tenor drums, and crash cymbals.

=== Toybox 2 ===

|name      = Toybox 2

This simple theme only plays in toy-based sublevels, particularly in one layout with a wooden toy railroad. The theme itself sounds toylike, and takes a much more chipper, less atonal mood than other themes in the game, or even in the [[Glutton's Kitchen]]. The organ gestures are randomly selected, but each gesture is so similar that the general melody easily becomes recognizable.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>There is a [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jba2WjhHZAM&list=PLwyW5mbdZMGP4hZDf_mvHbXZUA5wb0O3r&index=36 slightly altered version] of this theme (with the internal name <code>new_08_1.cnd</code>) that plays only in the fourth sublevel of the [[Glutton's Kitchen]]. Its structure and gestures are identical to the usual theme, except the anvil sound effect is replaced by a rapidly oscillating synth sample, not unlike a small vibrating spring.

*'''Main version''': '''DX electronic organ''', '''drum machine congas''', and a '''panned anvil sound''' (or an '''oscillating synth sample''' in the altered version).

*'''Combat mix''': Drum machine bass drum, snare rim click, and hi-hat.

*'''Task mix''': Drum machine tambourine.

*'''Main version''': '''Modified bass piano samples''', '''splash cymbal''', '''baritone saxophone''', {{w|agogô}}, '''xylophone''', and an electric piano sample rising in pitch, resembling the sound made by a Pikmin ready to be [[throw]]n.

*'''Combat mix''': Drum machine bass and cymbals, playing slightly off-beat.

*'''Task mix''': Drum machine congas.

=== Hole of Heroes ===

|name      = Hole of Heroes

This theme, tied with the alternate versions of Toybox 2 and Metal 3 for rarest in the game, is very similar to "[[#Tile 2|Tile 2]]", with a mostly synthesized ensemble and an irregular time signature conveyed by one repeating gesture. Although the scenery of the sublevel, an underground submerged stump, does help this particular synthetic theme feel more organic. The sine-waves feature both very soft attack and release; perhaps to resemble the tones of a celeste. Two synthesized brass instruments are also featured as the main randomized element of the piece. Both of them play in unison, one of them being detuned slightly, resulting in the chorus effect heard in-game. Interestingly, the tempo, drum kit, and tablas (along with their groove pattern) are identical to what's used in "[[#Fire|Fire]]". The shared instruments superimpose a 4/4 rhythm on the irregular gesture played by sine-waves.

*'''Main version''': '''Sine-wave''', '''trombone-like synthesizers''', and '''synth bass'''.

=== Key (Challenge Mode) ===

|name      = Key (Challenge Mode)

|internal  = cavekeyget.bms

Heard when a 2-Player battle begins. A brass section, timpani, and crash cymbals play a fanfare for opening the battle, but rather than sounding militaristic, the brass section sounds like jazz brass playing big band hits. This drives home the lighthearted triviality of the battle, yet still builds enough tension to prepare the two players for competition.

Heard when both sides' Pikmin are attacking each other, or attacking [[leader]]s. A hard bass drum and crash cymbal add intensity to the mix as combat engages. The music does not vary based on leader, however.

Heard when the opposing leader takes too much damage and falls. Muted trumpet and a dissonant blast of trombone play a frivolous version of the "leader down" gesture from the main game, again leading into the default march. Louie's damage victory is also swung.

Heard in the instance that both sides simultaneously lose all their Pikmin. A stripped-down version of the normal Pikmin extinction default theme plays on solo xylophone and tam-tam. In this condition, both Pikmin chants are heard, although Louie's chant interestingly sounds more interrogative and soft-spoken.

Heard in the instance that both leaders take too much damage and fall. A stripped-down version of the normal leader damage default theme plays on xylophone, tam-tam, and organ. In this condition, both Pikmin chants are heard, although Louie's chant interestingly sounds more interrogative and soft-spoken.

These small jingles indicate specific in-game events, but do not interrupt gameplay itself.

Heard after gameplay begins on the final sublevel of a cave. This drastically intense jingle immediately builds tension about what could lie on the final floor. The jingle is mostly synthesized bass jumping up intervals and stepping down half-steps, which makes it bear a slight, uncanny, and perhaps intended resemblance to part of the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0SuIMUoShI underground theme] in ''[[mariowiki:Super Mario Bros.|Super Mario Bros.]]''.

Heard when the player directs Pikmin using [[swarm]]. Like [[Music in Pikmin#Swarm|the first game's swarm jingle]], this jingle has a bugle call structure reminiscent of the {{w|Assembly (bugle call)|assembly call}}. However, unlike the first game, this jingle has three sections instead of two, and while the first section is tonal and coherent, the latter two sections take radical turns into atonal patterns. The end of the third section eventually brings the melodic line back to the beginning key, so that the loop can begin again. The current leader determines the key and instrument of the jingle. For [[Captain Olimar]], an oboe plays the jingle in E. For [[Louie]], a clarinet plays the jingle in G. For [[the President]], a low bassoon plays the jingle in F.

Heard when an [[obstacle]], such as a [[gate]] or [[bridge]], is overcome. This jingle is very similar to [[Music in Pikmin#Obstacle Removed|the first game's obstacle jingle]] in that its structure resembles the {{w|Charge (fanfare)|charge fanfare}}. However, the last note is different from the previous game: it is a non-diatonic #4 scale degree, making the whole jingle sound odd and even comical, since the expected ending gets slightly bent.

As explained [[#Areas|above]], area and cave themes dynamically change according to several factors, like interaction with enemies. In that case, there are two mixes: the "enemy" mix, that is usually much simpler and plays when the player is nearing an enemy, and the "combat" mix, which is much more diverse and will only play when enemies are performing certain actions or animations. This table explains the reasons for the combat mix, as well as extra notes about either the enemy mix or combat mix.{{cite youtube|yvSxqvDJ9bo|of a hacked game that better shows off the enemy and combat mix triggers for bosses}}

{|class="wikitable sortable"

|style="text-align:center"|{{icon|Armored Cannon Beetle Larva||32px}}

|[[Armored Cannon Beetle Larva]] (buried)

|style="text-align:center"|{{icon|Armored Cannon Beetle Larva||32px}}

|[[Armored Cannon Beetle Larva]] (free)

|Combat mix plays when the Dwarf Bulbear has noticed the leader/Pikmin and is actively following them.

|style="text-align:center"|{{icon|Dwarf Red Bulborb||32px}}

|[[Dwarf Red Bulborb]]

|style="text-align:center"|{{icon|Red Bulborb||32px}}

|[[Red Bulborb]]

|The enemy mix plays whenever the player is near the enemy. No combat mix whatsoever.

|Enemy mix plays when the Waterwraith is stunned from Purple Pikmin (in either form), and when it is trying to catch its breath.

*When any size group of Pikmin is following a leader above ground, the group will chant three grunts as though singing a marching chant. When any size group of Pikmin is following a leader below ground, the group will sing or hum the ''Pikmin 2'' motif. When specifically 20 of each type of Pikmin are following a leader, the group of 100 will sing or hum ''[[Ai no Uta]]'', the song featured in the commercial for [[Pikmin (game)|the first game]].

*''Key'' and ''Metal 2'' (the Secret Testing Range version) are the only two tracks in the game to not have a tempo-reduced version when a leader's health drops to 50%, since these tracks are exclusive to Challenge Mode, where this musical alteration is absent.