Editing Pikmin 4

{{page title|''Pikmin 4''}}
{{game icons|p4=y}}
{{infobox game
|name        = Pikmin 4
|image       = Pikmin 4 Box Art.jpg
|size        = 250px
|caption     = North American game cover.
|jname       = {{j|ピクミン 4|Pikumin 4}}
|esrb        = E 10+
|pegi        = 3
|rating      = TBA
|console     = Nintendo Switch
|developer   = TBA
|publisher   = [[Nintendo]]
|genre       = Action / Adventure / Strategy
|players     = 1-2 players
|release     = {{date|21|July|2023}}
|predecessor = <!-- Do not add Pikmin 3 here until we know where Pikmin 4 fits in the canon timeline. -->
}}
{{futuregame}}
'''''Pikmin 4''''' is the fourth mainline installment in the {{ps}}, released in 2023 for the [[Nintendo Switch]]. The game sees [[Pikmin 4 player character|the newest recruit]] of the [[Rescue Corps]] on a mission to [[PNF-404]] to rescue both [[Captain Olimar]] and the Rescue Corps after they crash-landed on the planet. Elements new to the series include [[Ice Pikmin]] and [[Glow Pikmin]], a companion character called [[Oatchi]], and [[Night expeditions|night expeditions]].

== Plot ==
{{game help|p4}}
Having crash-landed on [[PNF-404]], [[Captain Olimar]] works together with some of the wildlife of the planet &ndash; [[Pikmin family|Pikmin]] and [[Moss]] &ndash; to retrieve [[S.S. Dolphin|his broken ship]]'s scattered [[ship part]]s. When he finds his [[Interstellar Radio]], he sends out a distress signal in hopes of getting rescued. After the signal reaches the [[Rescue Corps]], they depart on a rescue mission, however, they too crash land on the planet and became stranded. It is now up to [[Pikmin 4 player character|their newest recruit]] to rescue both Olimar and the Rescue Corps.

During the mission, the recruit encounters [[Leafling#Olimar-like leafling|a mysterious individual]] who has Olimar's facial features and space suit, but is covered in red leaves and has the stem of a Pikmin; he is accompanied by [[Moss]], a space dog like that of the Rescue Pup [[Oatchi]]. The Leafling is later revealed to be Olimar himself, who was forced to return to the planet after repairing his ship when Moss stowed away and became dangerously ill. His life support failed soon after crashing a second time, and the Pikmin transformed him into a Leafling to keep him alive. 

The Rescue Corps is successful in rescuing and curing Olimar, but are forced to return to the planet when [[Oatchi]] began to sicken in the same way that Moss did. Noticing the leaf that had been growing from Oatchi's tail, Olimar suspects that any organism with leaves like that of a Pikmin are unable to survive away from PNF-404. Soon afterwards, the Rescue Corps receives a list of the remaining castaways and note that a famous veterinarian from Koppai and Olimar's co-worker [[Louie]] are among them. They decide to search for the veterinarian in the hopes that she might be able to cure Oatchi.

Arriving at the Giant's Hearth, they see Louie and Moss departing with one of the Koppaites, who is not transformed into a leafling despite being taken into an Onion on account of the glow sap the Koppaites were using as rations. After beating Louie in a Dandori Battle, the two of them are able to rescue the Koppaite as well as a second Koppaite, who direct them deeper into the forest. They confront and defeat Louie in one final Dandori Battle within the Primordial Thicket, Louie runs away, leaving Nelle, the veterinarian, and Moss behind.

Nelle informs the crew that they will need to find cells from a non-leafling dog in order to cure Oatchi. Louie’s voyage log reveals that he found [[Ancient Sirehound|some kind of large dog]], whose den is at the very back of the [[Primordial Thicket]], and the crew decides to follow him there. At the very bottom of its den, the [[Cavern for a King]], Louie climbs on top of the very large dog, who attacks. Defeating the dog yields its collar, which has enough hair on it to extract cells to create a cure. Securing it and Louie, the Rescue Corps returns to base. 

The cure is successful, and Oatchi returns to normal. However, Moss does not respond to the treatment, and Olimar decides to leave her behind, as this is where she was born and raised. The Rescue Corps, accompanied by depart the planet for the final time, as the Pikmin follow Moss as their new leader. 

If the game is ended without rescuing all castaways or collecting everything, returning to the save file will reveal that the crew was uncomfortable with leaving castaways or treasure behind, and have decided to delay the launch. Returning to a save file where all castaways and treasures collected will have Collin mention that the Rescue Corps HQ has asked them to delay their departure until they've finished preparing to retrieve all the castaways.

== Gameplay ==
[[File:Pikmin 4 Reveal Fight.png|thumb|250px|Combat with a [[Bulborb]].]]
The gameplay at its core is the same as in the previous main titles of the franchise, though with some additions.

In the game's reveal trailer, ''Pikmin'' series creator Shigeru Miyamoto said after the trailer that the [[Nintendo Switch]]'s controls have made controlling the game simpler, allowing the player to focus more on strategic planning, or "[[dandori]]" ({{j|段取り|dandori}}) as the developers refer to it.{{cite youtube|UJ9Iz7HhU-I|h=0|m=30|s=28|of Miyamoto talking a bit about the game's new features|published={{date|13|September|2022}}|retrieved={{date|13|September|2022}}}} The word dandori appears multiple times in the game proper.

The most prominent change that doesn't involve a new game mode is the addition of [[Oatchi]], a space dog that accompanies the player and can act both as a Pikmin when helping out with tasks, as well as a playable [[leader]] to help divide work.

=== Game modes ===
The only game modes are the main [[Story Mode]], where the player must find and rescue members of the Rescue Corps, a 2-player battle mode known as [[Dandori Battle]], and [[Olimar's Shipwreck tale]], a quest to collect the 30 ship parts of the S.S. Dolphin.

==== Dandori Challenge and Dandori Battle ====
{{main|Dandori Challenge}}
{{main|Dandori Battle}}
Dandori Challenges and Dandori Battles are new challenges in ''Pikmin 4'', serving as successors to [[Mission Mode]] and [[Bingo Battle]] respectively.

==== Night expeditions ====
[[File:P4 Night Gameplay.jpg|thumb|The player traveling the planet at night, showing enemies with glowing red eyes.]]
{{main|Night expedition}}
A new type of gameplay in ''Pikmin 4'' is "night expeditions". This marks the first time in the {{ps}} that areas can be explored at nighttime. Night expeditions feature tower defense-like gameplay, where the goal is to protect [[Lumiknolls]], tall mounds of dirt with holes in them, revealing a glowing interior. Lumiknolls contain a substance known as [[glow sap]], which is necessary to heal [[leafling]]s.

At nighttime, some enemies will become frenzied, which is indicated by their eyes glowing a bright red. In this state, these enemies will seek out and attack Lumiknolls. A Lumiknoll's health is indicated by a health bar at the top of the screen, but each hit it takes will also cause one of the glowing holes to darken. At night, the only Pikmin type available are a new type of Pikmin called [[Glow Pikmin]].

{{clear}}

== Content ==
=== Pikmin types ===
All Pikmin types except for [[Bulbmin]] are known to return in ''Pikmin 4''. In addition there are two new types, [[Ice Pikmin]] and [[Glow Pikmin]].

==== Returning types ====
The following Pikmin types introduced in previous ''Pikmin'' games are in ''Pikmin 4'':
* [[Red Pikmin]]
* [[Yellow Pikmin]]
* [[Blue Pikmin]]
* [[Purple Pikmin]]
* [[White Pikmin]]
* [[Rock Pikmin]]
* [[Winged Pikmin]]

==== Ice Pikmin ====
{{main|Ice Pikmin}}
Ice Pikmin are a new type of [[Pikmin family|Pikmin]]. They are cyan, with bodies that look like they are composed of two chunks of ice. They leave small snow and water vapor particles around them as they move, and they have yellow flowers. They have the ability to freeze [[enemies]] and bodies of [[water]], they are also immune to ice itself.

{{clear}}

==== Glow Pikmin ====
{{main|Glow Pikmin}}
Glow Pikmin are a new type of Pikmin that can only be used at night during [[night expeditions]]. Glow Pikmin have bright green, bioluminescent bodies. They have no legs, and their bodies instead end in a tapered, ghost-like tail. Because of this, they have the ability to float. They have blue eyes, though one of them appears to be larger than the other and has a light blue pupil. Their flowers are also slightly differently shaped, with pointed petals instead of the normal rounded ones. They also appear to be slightly smaller than other Pikmin types.

After completing a night expedition, the remaining Glow Pikmin will transform into a certain amount of glow seeds. Glow seeds allow Glow Pikmin to be summoned in subsequent night expeditions and caves; like [[Bulbmin]], they are immune to all hazard types but cannot be taken out of the cave.

{{clear}}

=== Areas ===
''Pikmin 4'' has six main areas and one hub area.
* '''[[Rescue Command Post]]''': The [[S.S. Shepherd]]'s base, which takes place in a small plantation garden.
* '''[[Sun-Speckled Terrace]]''': The first area, which takes place in a small public park.
* '''[[Blossoming Arcadia]]''': The second area, which takes place in a children's playground.
* '''[[Unnamed desert area|Serene Shores]]'''. The third area. Takes place across a tide pool and an enormous sand castle.
* '''[[Unnamed house area|Hero's Hideaway]]'''. The fourth area, and the last before the game's credits. Takes place inside a modern human household.
* '''[[Unnamed campground area|Giant's Hearth]]'''. The fifth area. Takes place near a campsite around a large brickwork grill.
* '''[[Primordial Thicket]]'''. The sixth and final area. Takes place deep in an autumnal, swampy forest.

<gallery>
P4 Reveal Garden 1.jpg|[[Rescue Command Post]].
Pikmin 4 area screenshot.jpg|[[Sun-Speckled Terrace]].
Pikmin 4 house area.jpg|[[Blossoming Arcadia]].
Pikmin 4 desert prerelease.jpg|Serene Shores.
P4 House Area.png|Hero's Hideaway.
Campground.png|Giant's Hearth.
</gallery>

=== Caves ===
{{Main|Cave}}
[[Caves]] are shown to return in ''Pikmin 4'', but aren't [[Randomization|randomly generated]] like in {{p2}}. Currently, seven caves are known:
* [[Burrow of Beginnings]], the first cave entered.
* [[Last-Frost Cavern]], where Ice Pikmin are discovered.
* [[Industrial Maze]]
* [[Crackling Cauldron]]
* [[Aquiferous Summit]]
* [[Hectic Hollows]]
* [[Engulfed Castle]], where only blue pikmin can enter using the main entrance, though any pikmin type can be brought in through the exit.
In addition, there are the [[Dandori Challenge]] and [[Dandori Battle]] caves, [[Dandori Day Care]] and [[Trial Run]] respectively.

=== Treasures ===
{{Main|List of Pikmin 4 treasures}}
[[Treasure]]s are the main collectible item in ''Pikmin 4''. Each treasure is worth some amount of [[Sparklium]] when collected, and collecting enough Sparklium can power up the [[S.S. Shepherd]] and unlock the next area. Treasures in this game have sparkle effects around them. When collected, a simple notification appears on-screen saying "New treasure collected!", with the icon of the corresponding treasure appearing above it and some dots below indicating where the treasure fits in its [[series]]. In this game, when a treasure is being carried, it rotates as the Pikmin change direction in their path. Collected treasures can be viewed in the [[Treasure Catalog]].

=== Characters ===
''Pikmin 4'' features several characters. Most of these are members of the Rescue Corps (referred to as Rescue Officers), a group of 6 humanoid characters and 1 space dog who are sent to the planet to rescue [[Captain Olimar]], the only confirmed returning character. There is another character who is customizable and appears to be the only playable character. Of the six members of the Rescue Corps and three civilians currently named, all appear to be named after a dog breed, likely thematic in reference to [[Oatchi]], who is described as a space dog and is introduced as a main mechanic in this game.

{{clear}}

==== Player character ====
[[File:Id Badge PlayerDefault.png|thumb|The ID badge of the player character, using the default customization options.]]
{{main|Pikmin 4 player character}}
The main character of the game is a customizable character, referred to in promotional material as "You". Promotional gameplay screenshots feature the names "Lisa" and "Emma". Their name and appearance can be customized in a [[#Character creator|character creator]]. They are the main [[leader]]. They are the newest recruit to the Rescue Corps, sent to rescue them from a crash landing after trying to rescue [[Captain Olimar]] for the same reason.

The default design of this character (shown in trailers and promotion art) has a full head of unkempt red hair, one long eyelash atop each eye, rosy cheeks, a small spherical nose, a small circular open mouth, an orange antenna light, as well as a full red [[spacesuit]] with white gloves and boots. Their ID card states they are from the planet Karut.

{{clear}}
==== Collin ====
[[File:Id Badge Collin.png|thumb|Collin's ID badge.]]
{{main|Collin}}
Collin is the Comms Operator of the crew. He has a square head with a pointy nose, large green eyes, and large rosy cheeks. His mouth is similar to that of [[the President]]. He has close-cut gray hair with a spiraling tuft at the top. He has the same pointy ears as the player character. His name alludes to {{w|Collie}}s. He is from the planet Giya.

{{clear}}
==== Shepherd ====
[[File:Id Badge Shepherd.png|thumb|Shepherd's ID badge.]]
{{main|Shepherd}}
Erma Shepherd is the captain of the crew. She has a pear-shaped head, long ears, dark skin, and blonde hair styled in a bun with a long curl on the side. She also wears a red bandana and has white grease paint under her eyes. She has the same pointy ears as the main leader. She is the captain of the S.S. Shepherd. Her name alludes to {{w|German Shepherd}}s. She is also from the planet Giya. Shepherd is able to [[upgrade]] Oatchi by training him. Training Oatchi subtracts from Oatchi's "Pup Drive", which increases from rescuing castaways.

{{clear}}
==== Russ ====
[[File:Id Badge Russ.png|thumb|Russ's ID badge.]]
{{main|Russ}}
Russ is the Material Engineer and inventor of the crew. He can be seen conversing with the others. He appears to be bald and have a pear-shaped head, a long nose, and appear to wear glasses. He has the same pointy ears as the main leader. His head shape bears a resemblance to [[Mail#After Louie is found, before all treasures are collected|the spammer that advertises Hocotate Whiz]] in ''Pikmin 2''. Russ runs "The Lab", a shop where the player is able to spend materials they've collected on [[upgrades]] for themselves or Oatchi, as well as helpful items. His name alludes to {{w|Jack Russell Terrier}}s. Like Collin and Shepherd, he is from the planet Giya.

{{clear}}
==== Dingo ====
[[File:Id Badge Dingo.png|thumb|Dingo's ID badge.]]
{{main|Dingo}}
Dingo has a triangle-shaped head, light skin, pointy ears, a large pinkish nose, and red hair spiking upwards. He wears a dark blue headband. His name alludes to {{w|dingo}}es. He is a ranger from the planet Ohri who excels at solo missions. Once Dingo has been rescued, the player can have him complete [[Dandori Battle]]s and [[Dandori Challenge]]s. To do this, the player must first fail the battle or challenge and then select the "Help" option on the retry screen.

{{clear}}

==== Yonny ====
[[File:Id Badge Yonny.png|thumb|Yonny's ID badge.]]
{{main|Yonny}}
Yonny is the doctor of the crew. He has a pear-shaped head, long ears, dark skin, and a green bowl cut, and wears a headlamp. His name alludes to {{w|Papillon dog|Papillon}}s. In an effort to cure [[leafling]]s, Yonny is in charge of [[night expeditions]].

{{clear}}

==== Bernard ====
[[File:Id Badge Bernard.png|thumb|Bernard's ID badge.]]
Not much is known about Bernard. He appears to look similar to [[Alph]] and has a oval-shaped head, a slicked-back spiked hair, and having pointy ears as well. His name alludes to {{w|St. Bernard (dog)|St. Bernard}}s. He is supposedly the pilot of the S.S. Shepard.

{{clear}}

==== Oatchi ====
[[File:Id Badge Oatchi.png|thumb|Oatchi's ID badge.]]
{{main|Oatchi}}
Oatchi is a Rescue Pup that assists the Rescue Corps. In gameplay, he acts as an assistant to the player's character, as well as a secondary leader if separated.

{{clear}}

==== Captain Olimar ====
[[File:Id Badge Olimar.png|thumb|Olimar's ID badge.]]
{{main|Captain Olimar}}
Captain Olimar returns in ''Pikmin 4''. At some unknown point in time relative to the other ''Pikmin'' games, he crash-landed on PNF-404 again. The Rescue Corps set out to rescue him, but also crash-landed. At the time his distress signal reached the Rescue Corps, he had been on the planet for one month.{{cite web|https://www.nintendo.co.jp/switch/ampya/index.html|official Japanese ''Pikmin 4'' website|Nintendo|retrieved={{date|7|June|2023}}}} Similar to [[Data file|data files]] in ''Pikmin 3'', Olimar has left behind a "Voyage Log" containing useful information about the planet.

{{clear}}

==== Moss ====
{{main|Moss}}
Moss is a space dog that Captain Olimar finds on his travels and quickly befriends. She resembles Oatchi, both in appearance and mechanically, although she's larger, green, has half-closed eyes, a calmer temperament, barks like an adult dog, and has a leaf at the tip of her tail.

==== Leaflings ====
{{main|Leafling}}
Mysterious plant-like lifeforms, seemingly transformed from castaways of the planet through the Onions. In this form, they can survive the toxic atmosphere of PNF-404, and has a unnatural obsession with the art of Dandori. Within them is a red leafling whose appearance strongly resembles that of Olimar's, and is accompanied by Moss. Unlike most of the other leaflings, he actively drags castaways into caves to transform them into leaflings.

==== Minor characters ====
{{see|Minor characters}}

=== Enemies ===
{{see|Enemy#In Pikmin 4|t1=Enemies in ''Pikmin 4''}}

{{clear}}

=== Gear and items ===
Like in previous games, the player can obtain [[upgrades]] (known in this game as "[[Gear (Pikmin 4)|gear]]") for their space suit. Some of the upgrades can also be bought for Oatchi. The player can also purchase items that they can use in the field. Gear and items require [[raw material]]s and can be purchased from Russ at The Lab.

==== Returning gear ====
* [[Anti-Electrifier]]
* [[Scorch Guard]]
* [[Rush Boots]]
* [[Metal Suit Z]]

==== Survey Drone ====
The Survey Drone is a piece of gear that allows the player to freely view their surroundings.

==== Charging Horn ====
This gear unlocks the [[charge]] ability for the player's Pikmin.

==== Idler's Alert ====
When used, instantly summon all idle Pikmin to the location it sounded. The range spans the entirety of the [[Rescue Command Post]], as tested in the demo.

==== Other new gear ====
* Headlamp+
* Thermal Defense: Protects the leader and Oatchi from being frozen by icy attacks.
* Lineup Trumpet
* Tuff Stuff: Increases the health the leader and Oatchi

==== Scrummy Bone ====
This item will completely heal Oatchi. If Oatchi eats it when his health is full, then he will get a boost in health.

==== Emergency Kit ====
When the leader takes damage that would incapacitate them, this item will be expended to nullify the damage and automatically restore a portion of their health.

==== Pikpik carrot ====
This item can be thrown to distract enemies, similar to the [[Piklopedia (Pikmin 2)|Piklopedia]] in ''Pikmin 2''. Additionally, it will temporarily paralyze enemies that eat them.

==== Bomb rock ====
Now an item in the player's bag, these can be thrown by the leader to explode in order to defeat enemies or destroy reinforced walls.

==== Ice Blast ====
This item looks and acts similar to a bomb rock but colored blue. When thrown, it explodes to release an icy blast which freezes nearby enemies and pools of water.

=== Obstacles ===
Many [[obstacles]], [[tools]], and [[hazards]] can be seen in the trailers.

==== Returning obstacles ====
The following obstacles and tools are known to return from previous games:
* [[Water]]
* [[Geyser]] (shooting wind)
* [[Dirt wall]]
* [[Electric gate]]
* [[Bridge]] (made of clay [[fragment]]s)
* [[Paper bag]] &ndash; Some seem to have golden handles, a golden seal, and some golden logo on them. Others are blue and have the word "puppies" written on them.
* [[Crystal wall]]
* [[Boulder]] &ndash; Unlike in ''Pikmin 2'', these roll down hills and can [[crush]] Pikmin.
* [[Cardboard box]]
* [[Bouncy Mushroom]]
* [[Conveyor belt]]

<gallery>
Pikmin 4 dirt wall.jpg|Pikmin taking down a dirt wall.
Pikmin 4 dirt wall breaking.jpg|The dirt wall breaking.
</gallery>

==== Potted plants ====
{{main|Potted plant}}

==== Clay bridge ====
Clay bridges are a new type of [[bridge]]. When Pikmin are thrown onto this bridge, a number similar to a carrying number appears, showing how many lumps of clay are required to build the bridge. Should enough raw material be available, the Pikmin will then return to the S.S. Beagle and retrieve the clay before bringing it back to the bridge and building onto it, similar to the way [[fragments]] are used to build bridges in ''Pikmin 3''.

<gallery>
Pikmin 4 dirt bridge.png|An unfinished clay bridge.
P4 Building Clay Bridge.png|Pikmin building the clay bridge.
</gallery>

==== Climbing wall ====
Climbing walls can be built in a similar way to clay bridges. These walls have a base made of dirt, like a pile of dirt leaning on the wall making a small ramp. Atop the wall is also another base of dirt. Both leaders and Pikmin can use these walls, though Oatchi is unable to scale them.

<gallery>
Pikmin 4 Climbing Wall Unbroken.png|A climbing wall shortly before being complete.
Pikmin 4 Climbing Wall.png|The player and their Pikmin climbing up the wall.
</gallery>

==== Unknown jar obstacle ====
Jars that can be smashed by having Oatchi [[charge]] at them can be seen at one point in the February 2023 trailer. They seem to be made of ceramic, and have cracks on their sides, near the base. Some of them appear to contain [[nectar]], as seen in the IGN preview. Others may contain wild Pikmin, as seen in the demo.
<gallery>
Pikmin 4 jar obstacle.png|The jar obstacle.
Pikmin 4 jar obstacle Oatchi.png|The jar obstacle while getting destroyed by Oatchi.
Pikmin 4 jar obstacle destroyed.png|The jar obstacle after it's destroyed.
</gallery>

==== Hydro jelly ====
Hydro jelly is a new type of obstacle. It resembles a glob of translucent blue gelatinous material, and can be found in mounds of different sizes. These obstacles require Ice Pikmin to clear; first, the player must freeze the hydro jelly with Ice Pikmin. Once it is frozen, other Pikmin types and Oatchi will be able to destroy it.

<gallery>
Hydro Jelly Screen.png|Hydro jelly.
Frozen Hydro Jelly Screen.png|Hydro jelly after being frozen.
</gallery>

=== Plants and fungi ===
{{Main|Vegetation}}
{{clear}}

=== Character creator ===
{{main|Pikmin 4 player character#Customization}}

=== Others ===
Some other content can be spotted from the footage. In addition, some of the established content in the franchise underwent changes in ''Pikmin 4''.

* New content:
** The player's ship is a small pod called the [[S.S. Beagle]]. It somewhat resembles a [[SPERO]].
** The Rescue Corps's ship, the [[S.S. Shepherd]], can be found at the [[Rescue Command Post]].
** Some pink pebbles surround the Red Onion and the pod. These mark the location of [[base]]s; if the player comes across an empty base, they have the option to move the Onion and S.S. Beagle there.
*** Some bases are guarded by enemies; the player will only be able to move to these bases if they defeat these enemies beforehand.
** [[Raw material]]s are a type of collectible that can be used to make bridges or climbable walls, or exchange for gear or items.
** A [[bomb rock]] in [[Dandori Battle]]s will be carried by Pikmin to the opposing player's Onion, where it will be absorbed and explode, causing the Onion to expel some of its treasures.
** There is a new feature called "Rewind Time", which allows the player to go back a set amount of time if they make a mistake or lose lots of Pikmin. This feature can be found in the pause menu.
** Before starting a new day, the player can check in with members of the Rescue Corps at the [[Rescue Command Post]]. Here, they can purchase upgrades, train Oatchi, and more.
** Whenever Pikmin accomplish something like breaking down a wall, a notification will appear on the screen informing the player about it.
** Wild Pikmin can appear in [[cave]]s. They will stay in the Onion that the player possesses and cannot produce more of their kind until its own Onion is retrieved.
** When fighting an enemy for the first time, a notification reading "New creature discovered!" will appear, signaling a new entry in the [[Piklopedia]].
** There are now dialogue options. For example, when Russ is telling the main leader about raw materials, the player has the option of responding with either "Cool." or "Huh?"
* Changed content:
** [[Onion]]s now look more like a fruit with a speckled texture similar to apples. Their petals are smaller and point downwards like the original design. The base of the Onion is now yellow and plastic-like in appearance, and its legs are now green instead of yellow. Like in ''Pikmin 3'', Onions fuse together upon meeting a new type of Pikmin; however, the Onion now becomes segmented like a gourd, with each segment bearing the color of a Pikmin type.
** Pikmin sound slightly different, as does the plucking and whistle sounds.
** The [[cursor]] changed appearance and behavior.
*** It is now followed by an indicator, which consists of an icon with an optional number below it. The icon is that of the Pikmin type in standby, or Oatchi, and the number is the number of Pikmin in the group of that type. Regardless of how the cursor itself is displayed, the icon and number are always facing the screen as part of the game [[HUD]].
*** When pointing at the floor, the cursor is flush with the floor in the game world's geometry. In this state it looks like a ring with a dot in the center, and the standby indicator appears above it.
*** When pointing at an enemy, the cursor locks on to its center automatically and faces the game screen as part of the HUD. In this state it looks like a ring split into four equal arcs, and the standby indicator appears below or above it.
*** When [[lock-on|locking-on manually]] it looks like a thick ring split into four equal arcs, with a thinner inner ring close to it that is also segmented in the same way. The intervals between each arc pair each have a triangle facing the center of the cursor. Finally, the center point of the cursor resembles a plus sign with a hole in the middle.
** The text boxes that pop up when a character is speaking have a different design to the previous games, most notably adding the character's name above their portrait and having the text align left rather than center.
** Pikmin that get knocked down in combat have a chance of decreasing one level of [[maturity]], like in {{p1}}.
** The [[camera]] is able to rotate horizontally as the player moves left and right on the screen.
** The [[Sun Meter]] is now a circular gauge in the top left corner of the screen. The far right side of the gauge is colored red, marking when the end-of-day period begins.
** The player can only have three Pikmin types on the field at one time.
** The player's [[Pikmin limit]] starts at 20. The way to increase it is with [[Flarlic]], an object resembling a cross between an Onion and garlic. Each Flarlic that the Onion consumes increase the amount of Pikmin allowed outside by 10.
** The [[action menu]] from ''Pikmin 3 Deluxe'' returns. The four options are to [[dismiss]] (now renamed "disband") the player's Pikmin, switch to Oatchi, command Oatchi to do something, or open the player's Pack.
** Unlike ''Pikmin 2'', time still passes while in caves, albeit at 1/6 of the usual rate.
** The [[Treasure Gauge]] is now a small bar below the Sun Meter. Instead of being unlocked with a treasure, it is instead a piece of gear bought with raw material in the lab.
** When collecting a treasure, the HUD will show the player how many treasures are left in the current area/sublevel.
** Some Onions can be discovered in caves.
** Gates can be different sizes. Some are very long, while others are narrow.
** When entering a cave, the player has the option to go straight to a specific sublevel if they have reached it before, as well as take out or return Pikmin to the Onion without returning to the base first.
*** Also, when entering a new sublevel, the player's Pikmin will already be in their party and no longer have to be whistled.
** The [[Piklopedia]] now allows the player to engage in practice battles against enemies, allowing them to fight especially troublesome foes without risk of losing Pikmin.

<gallery>
Pikmin 4 intro 1.jpg|Intro [[cutscene]] with the S.S. Beagle.
Pikmin 4 intro 2.jpg|The S.S. Beagle heading towards the planet.
Pikmin 4 onion.jpg|The landing site.
Pikmin 4 new ship.jpg|Close-up of the S.S. Beagle.
Pikmin 4 Multicolored Onion.png|Close-up of the Master Onion with Red Pikmin, Yellow Pikmin, and Blue Pikmin inside.
Pikmin 4 Multicolored Onion Flying.png|The Master Onion's top, as seen when it is flying away.
Pikmin 4 pluck.jpg|[[Pluck]]ing a [[Red Pikmin]] near the Red Onion.
Pikmin 4 Red Onion.png|Close-up of the Red Onion.
P4 Sun Meter.png|The new Sun Meter.
P4 Rewind Time Menu.jpg|The Rewind Time menu.
P4 Treasure Gauge.png|The new Treasure Gauge.
</gallery>

== Dandori ==
{{Main|Dandori}}
Dandori is, as the game puts it, the ability to "organize tasks strategically and working effectively to execute plans". It is a key concept of the {{ps}} as a whole, but is more stressed in ''Pikmin 4'', with characters referring specifically to it, and there being two game modes featuring it, [[Dandori Challenge]]s and [[Dandori Battle]]s.

== Other information ==
* Game size: 10.36 GB.
* Supported play modes: TV (1 or 2 players), tabletop (1 or 2 players), and handheld (1 player).
* Supported controllers: two Joy-Cons, single Joy-Con (only when playing in multiplayer), and Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. When playing in multiplayer with single Joy-Cons, player 1 holds the controller horizontally and player 2 holds the controller vertically.{{cite web|https://www.nintendo.co.jp/switch/ampya/products/soft.html|Product information for ''Pikmin 4''|the Japanese ''Pikmin 4'' website|retrieved={{date|11|April|2023}}}}
* Supported languages: Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Traditional Chinese.{{cite web|https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/pikmin-4-switch/|Pikmin 4 for Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Official Site|published={{date|8|February|2023}}|retrieved={{date|9|February|2023}}}}

== History ==
{{todo|1=Add info from [https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/ask-the-developer-vol-10-pikmin-4-part-1/ Ask the Developer Vol. 10 - Part 1].}}

=== Pre-announcement ===
Before ''Pikmin 4''{{'s}} official announcement in 2022, various pieces of information about the game were shared by ''Pikmin'' series creator [[Shigeru Miyamoto]]. This information was sparse and sometimes contradictory, and the lack of official statements by Nintendo made it difficult to work out what was actually happening with ''Pikmin 4''. It is possible that some of these statements were referring to {{hp}}.

The first of these mentions was on {{date|6|November|2014}}, when Miyamoto was being interviewed on the recently-released {{psm}}, during which he said {{transcript|Continually launching campaigns after the release of software will lay the groundwork for the next iteration of "Pikmin" in the future. And needless to say, we want it to be one of the motivations for potential consumers to purchase Wii U. We are making a variety of different efforts.}}, indicating the possibility of another ''Pikmin'' game on the [[Wii U]].{{cite web|https://mynintendonews.com/2014/11/06/miyamoto-hints-that-pikmin-4-could-be-in-development/|Miyamoto Hints That Pikmin 4 Could Be In Development|My Nintendo News|published={{date|6|November|2014}}}} Not long after, Miyamoto also mentioned wanting to make more ''Pikmin'' games in an interview with Smosh Games.{{cite youtube|untLD6z6aqI|of the interview with Smosh Games in which Shigeru Miyamoto talks about developing ''Pikmin'' games|m=4|s=35|published={{date|6|January|2015}}}}

On {{date|7|September|2015}}, Eurogamer unveiled that, in an exclusive interview, Miyamoto had confirmed the development of ''Pikmin 4'', and claimed that {{transcript|it's actually very close to completion. Pikmin teams are always working on the next one.}}{{cite web|http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-07-20-pikmin-4-in-development-and-very-close-to-completion|Pikmin 4 in development and "very close to completion"|Eurogamer|published={{date|7|September|2015}}}} In the same article, Eurogamer also revealed a separate statement from a Nintendo representative, which said {{transcript|We can confirm that Pikmin 4 is in development but that is all we can confirm at present.}} It is not known if the "''Pikmin 4''" mentioned in that quote is the actual name for the game that Nintendo used, whether it's a placeholder name or not, or if it's just the result of the quote's English translation.<ref group="note">Of note is the fact that the URL for the Eurogamer interview's page starts with "2014-07-20". Since the URLs of all news article pages on eurogamer.net begin with the article's publication date, this could possibly mean that the article was meant to be revealed shortly after the interview, but was held until September of 2015. The article for the second Eurogamer interview states that this interview took place in July 2015.</ref>

In interviews in 2015 and 2016, Miyamoto mentioned wanting to make more ''Pikmin'' and ''Star Fox'' games.{{cite youtube|9B1nyq-5i6g|of an interview of Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka by YOGSCAST Kim|m=11|s=55|published={{date|8|September|2015}}}} When asked about characters he wanted to develop further at an Apple Store event, he said {{transcript|Yeah, I always wanted Fox McCloud to be a bit more popular than he is. But I think one more would be Pikmin. So I think these two, I'll need to put some more energy into.}}{{cite web|https://gamersplash.com/2016/12/11/miyamoto-confirms-star-fox-and-pikmin-will-continue/|Miyamoto Confirms Star Fox and Pikmin Will Continue|Gamer Splash!|published={{date|11|December|2016}}}}

On {{date|7|July|2016}}, Gamerant interviewed Miyamoto and asked him about the status of the game's development and why there hadn't been any news in the past few months. To this, he replied {{transcript|Yes, you are right, and we're working on [''Pikmin 4'']. So, you know, when we're in development we have to create a list of priorities and it has been hard to kind of fit that into that list, but we're hopefully starting to see that on the list now.}}{{cite web|http://gamerant.com/pikmin-4-update-miyamoto/|Miyamoto Updates Fans On Status of Pikmin 4|Gamerant|published={{date|6|July|2016}}}}

A second Eurogamer interview with Miyamoto about ''Pikmin 4'' was conducted at E3 2017, during which he stated {{transcript|I've been told not to share anything about this from PR, but I can tell you it is progressing.}}{{cite web|http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-06-14-miyamoto-pikmin-4-still-progressing|Miyamoto: Pikmin 4 still "progressing"|Eurogamer|published={{date|14|June|2017}}|retrieved={{date|14|June|2017}}}} This was the last time ''Pikmin 4'' was mentioned before its official announcement.

=== Pre-release ===
''Pikmin 4'' was officially announced in a Nintendo Direct presentation on {{date|13|September|2022}}.{{cite youtube|UJ9Iz7HhU-I|of the Nintendo Direct on {{date|13|September|2022}}|published={{date|13|September|2022}}|retrieved={{date|14|September|2022}}}} This announcement was in a section presented by Shigeru Miyamoto, which also promoted {{pb}} and the [[mariowiki:The Super Mario Bros. Movie|upcoming ''Mario'' movie]]. A short trailer was shown, featuring a few scenes in a garden-like area and announcing a release window of 2023. Miyamoto provided some more basic details of the game after the trailer, and also showed off a new Pikmin T-shirt design based on the game's logo, which was made available to buy shortly afterwards.

On {{date|8|February|2023}}, a Nintendo Direct presentation announced the release date for the game in a new trailer.{{cite youtube|UJ9Iz7HhU-I|of the Nintendo Direct on {{date|8|February|2023}}|published={{date|8|February|2023}}|retrieved={{date|8|February|2023}}}} This trailer showed various short clips of gameplay and cutscenes. A new type of Pikmin was revealed, [[Ice Pikmin]], demonstrating the ability to freeze enemies when eaten and freeze small bodies of water when enough are thrown into them. The trailer then revealed [[Oatchi]], a dog-like creature shown assisting the group in a variety of ways, including finding other characters referred to as "castaways", breaking down certain obstacles, dragging a Bulborb corpse, and carrying the leader and a group of Pikmin on its back. The trailer showed [[treasure]]s to be the main collectible, and hinted at the return of [[cave]]s from {{p2}}. The end of the trailer gave a first view of night gameplay.

On {{date|2|June|2023}}, a news article was published on the Nintendo News channel on the Nintendo Switch news application in some regions, which described the plot of the game as "On a distant planet, the Rescue Corps needs a new hero - you!".{{source needed}}

On {{date|6|June|2023}}, a third trailer was published on YouTube that revealed the basic plot of the game: [[Captain Olimar]] had crashed once again, and the Rescue Corps sent to retrieve him also crashed, leaving the player to rescue them all. This trailer showed the player character to be customizable, a first for the ''Pikmin'' series.{{cite youtube|6ixnXjtQ7f8|of the character creator trailer|published={{date|6|June|2023}}|retrieved={{date|6|June|2023}}}} Accompanying this trailer was a major update to the game's Japanese website, which included some plot information and new screenshots.

On {{date|20|June|2023}}, ''Pikmin 4'' download cards were released in Japan. These cards featured new screenshots, including one that appears to take place inside of a house, and one that seems to show the game's battle mode.{{cite web|https://twitter.com/TokyoGameLife/status/1670999728098803713|Tweet by Tokyo Game Life|Twitter|published={{date|20|June|2023}}|retrieved={{date|20|June|2023}}|rname=japanesedownloadcard}}{{cite web|https://twitter.com/Genki_JPN/status/1671010320679071745|Tweet by Genki✨|Twitter|published={{date|20|June|2023}}|retrieved={{date|20|June|2023}}|rname=japanesedownloadcard2}}

On {{date|21|June|2023}}, another trailer was released as part of a Nintendo Direct presentation.{{cite youtube|WtY29lvEup8|of the Nintendo Direct on {{date|21|June|2023}}|published={{date|21|June|2023}}}}. This trailer featured a more detailed look at the gameplay, and explained some of the game's new features. The goal of the game was revealed to be to collect treasures to power the Rescue Corps' ship, the S.S. Shepherd. The trailer showed the indoor area first seen on the download card. It also featured a closer look at caves, revealing their larger size and emphasis on puzzles. A new multiplayer mode, known as "Dandori Battle," was revealed. These battles can also occur in the story mode, with the player facing off against a mysterious, Olimar-like humanoid with his own Oatchi-like dog in order to rescue castaways they've kidnapped. It then showed off the hub area, the Rescue Command Post, where the player can obtain upgrades before starting their day. Finally, the night gameplay was revealed to be an tower defense-style challenge using a brand new type of Pikmin, the Glow Pikmin. This trailer was accompanied by the launch of the US and EU websites for the game, the "Pikmin Garden" Japanese website, as well as brand new websites for each region that focus on the series as a whole, which include the [[Pikmin comic]].

On {{date|26|June|2023}}, various video game journalists and news sites like IGN{{cite youtube|fwDXHpKaEgY|of IGN playing a preview build of the game|published={{date|26|June|2023}}}} and Hobby Consolas{{cite youtube|nj4R2nDXZ8o|of Hobby Consolas playing a preview build of the game|published={{date|26|June|2023}}}} published videos showcasing gameplay of the game, giving firsthand accounts of how the game played and its new mechanics. Nintendo also published a short trailer for the game introducing viewers to the Pikmin on the Play Nintendo YouTube channel.{{cite youtube|yR_LngjVIjM|of the "Pikmin on Nintendo Switch" trailer|published={{date|26|June|2023}}}}

=== Demo ===
On June 28th, a demo for the game was released. In it, players can play part of Story Mode with one or two players. This allows them to explore the [[Sun-Speckled Terrace]] and its seven caves. Once the player has accumulated {{sparklium|1500}} and the day ends, they are shown a notification telling them of the end of the demo, and then taken to a screen advertising the final game, with a button to return to the title screen, and another to access the eShop. If the player selects their saved game file again, they can still explore the [[Rescue Command Post]] and use its features, but will be prevented from continuing to the next area or landing in the previous one. It is still possible to select a different saved game file or even delete that demo-end file.

The title screen naturally includes the word "Demo" under the logo, and has an extra option, "Nintendo eShop", that when pressed, prompts the player to open the eShop's page for ''Pikmin 4''. The Dandori Battle option exists, but choosing it will simply inform the player of their availability in the full version.

Any progress made in the demo can carry over to the final game. Collecting {{sparklium|1500}} also gives the player some bonuses: they will obtain 1500 raw materials in the full game and an [[Mii#Mii apparel|Oatchi-Rider outfit for their Mii]] in {{pb}} through [[My Nintendo]]. For the latter, a "Send Confirmation" button will appear on the title screen.

Due to it being a demo, a lot of the final content is absent from the game's files entirely. With some Sparklium-farming techniques, it is possible to see the game react to some of the missing content, since the developers never expected a player to be able to reach it from within the demo's limits. This applies to the demonstration video for the [[Rush Boots]] in [[Russ]]'s lab.{{cite youtube|wVsDTc6H7kY|of a player completing the demo with over {{sparklium|p4|5000}}|published={{date|8|July|2023}}|retrieved={{date|8|July|2023}}}}

=== Development ===
After {{p3}} has returned more to the roots of the original {{p1}}, for ''Pikmin 4'' the developers wanted to combine ''Pikmin'' and {{p2}} so fans of both game's varying playstyles would be satisfied.

Due to Pikmin games not selling well in the past, the developers were looking for a selling point. For both gameplay, but also being eye catching. At first they wanted to add the abbility to control a [[Bulborb|bulborb]]. The idea later progressed to being able to ride and control many of the [[Enemy|creatures]] found in the game. However, they had difficulity tieing it all up in one coherent game. So instead, the new [[Oatchi|rescue pup Oatchi]] was added, which would be the players partner on their mission.

The goal for ''Pikmin 4'' was to make the entry point easier for new players, as well as letting the fun of [[Dandori]] sink in naturally. To lower the entry point many things were added and specifically designed to make the game easier. Like [[Oatchi]], [[Ice Pikmin]], [[Glow Pikmin]], [[Rewind Time|Rewinding Time]] and more. Another method to promote dandori, the developers made sure to incorporate the other modes &ndash; [[Challenge Mode (disambiguation)|Challenge mode]] and Versus mode &ndash; into the [[Story Mode]] rather than as separate modes on the main menu. These would eventually develop into [[Dandori Challenge]] and [[Dandori Battle]] respectively.

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
Pikmin 4 Logo.jpg|''Pikmin 4'''s logo.
Pikmin 4 Direct Logo.png|''Pikmin 4'''s logo with transparent background.
Pikmin 4 Key Art.png|Key art.
Pikmin 4 key art jp.jpg|Japanese key art.
Pikmin 4 Key Art Vertical.png|Vertical arrangement of the key art.
Pikmin 4 Key Art Square.png|Square arrangement of the key art.
Pikmin 4 Key Art No Logo.png|Full key art without text.
</gallery>
{{see more|Category:Pikmin 4 images}}

=== Videos ===
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYR3DVFUnyc September 2022 reveal trailer]
**[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJ9Iz7HhU-I&t=1794s September 2022 Nintendo Direct] (Contains one screenshot not present in the trailer at 30:40)
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwOUuC8Y5N0 February 2023 trailer]
**[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMdUSVSEp7U?t=22 February 2023 Nintendo Direct]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ixnXjtQ7f8 June 2023 trailer]
**[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrZtzGRAKrM June 2023 Nintendo Direct]

== Trivia ==
* ''Pikmin 4'' is the first mainline ''Pikmin'' game to be available in Brazilian Portuguese and Dutch.
* ''Pikmin 4'' uses the {{w|Unreal Engine}}.{{cite web|rname=japanesedownloadcard}}{{cite web|rname=japanesedownloadcard2}}
* ''Pikmin 4'' is the first to have multiple versions of the same colored Onion outside of the first game's ending cutscene.

== Names in other languages ==
''' ''Pikmin 4'' '''
{{foreignname
|Jap=ピクミン４
|JapR=Pikumin 4
|JapM=Pikmin 4
|ChiTrad=皮克敏４
|ChiTradR=Píkèmǐn 4
|ChiTradM=Pikmin 4
|Dut=Pikmin 4
|DutM=-
|Fra=Pikmin 4
|FraM=-
|Ger=Pikmin 4
|GerM=-
|Ita=Pikmin 4
|ItaM=-
|Kor=피크민 4
|KorR=pikeumin 4
|KorM=Pikmin 4
|Por=Pikmin 4
|PorM=-
|Spa=Pikmin 4
|SpaM=-
}}

'''Lumiknoll'''
{{foreignname
|Jap=ヒカリヅカ
|JapR=Hikarizuka
|JapM=From {{j|ヒカリ|hikari|light|f=tp}} and {{j|アリ塚|arizuka|anthill|f=tp}}
|ChiTrad=發光巢穴
|ChiTradR=Fāguāng Cháoxué
|ChiTradM=Glowing Nest
|Dut=Gloeikolonie
|DutM=Glow colony
|FraE=Lumilière
|FraEM=From "lumineux" (glowing) and "fourmilière" (anthill)
|Ger=Leuchtbau
|GerM=Glow Burrow
|Ita=Luminotana
|ItaM=From "luminosa" (glowing) and "tana" (den)
|SpaE=Lumiloma
|SpaEM=From "luminosa" (glowing) and "loma" (hill)
|Por=Lampireiro
|PorM=From "pirilampo" (firefly) and "formigueiro" (anthill)
|Kor=빛둑
|KorR=bitduk
|KorM=From「{{tt|빛|bich}}」(light) and「{{tt|개밋둑|gaemisdug}}」(anthill)
}}

'''Glow sap'''
{{Foreignname
|Dut=Gloeinectar
|DutM=Glow nectar
|FraE=Nectar luisant
|FraEM=Glowing nectar
|Ger=Leuchtsaft
|GerM=Glow Sap
|Ita=Nettare iridescente
|ItaM=Iridescent nectar
|SpaE=Néctar luminoso
|SpaEM=Glowing nectar
|Por=Seiva pirilâmpica
|PorM=Firefly sap
}}

;Dingo
{{foreignname
|Jap=ディンゴ
|JapR=Dingo
|JapM=Dingo
|Fra=Wally
|FraM=From "warrigal"
|Ger=Digo
|GerM=From „dingo“
|Por=Din
|PorM=From "dingo"
}}

;Yonny
{{foreignname
|Jap  = パピヨン
|JapR = Papiyon
|JapM = Papillon
|Ger=Spanel
|GerM=from „Spaniel“
|Por  = Pion
|PorM = From "Papillon"
}}

;Bernard
{{foreignname
|Jap=バーナード
|JapR=Bānādo
|JapM=Bernard; from "St. Bernard"
|Fra=Bernard
|FraM= -
|Por  = Bersam
|PorM = From "são-bernardo" (St. Bernard)
}}

'''Clay'''
{{Foreignname
|Jap=ネンド
|JapR=Nendo
|JapM=Clay
|Por=Argila
|PorM=Clay
}}

'''Hydro jelly'''
{{Foreignname
|Jap=水こんにゃく
|JapR=Mizu konnyaku
|JapM=Water {{w|konjac}}
|Por=Hidrogelatina
|PorM=Hydro jelly
}}

== See also ==
* {{p3}}
* {{hp}}

== External links ==
* [https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/pikmin-4-switch/ Official English product page]
* [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/switch/ampya/ Official Japanese website]
* [https://www.nintendo.com/sg/switch/ampy/ Official Singaporean website]
* [https://www.nintendo.tw/switch/ampya/ Official Taiwanese website]

== Notes ==
<references group="note"/>

== References ==
{{refs}}

{{games}}

[[Category:Prerelease]]
[[Category:Main series]]