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Pikmin 4

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{{game icons|p3=y}}
{{game icons|p3=y|p4=y}}
[[File:Baldy.longlegs.jpg|thumb|right|325px|Locking on to a [[Baldy Long Legs]] in the [[Tropical Forest]].]]
[[File:P3 Baldy Long Legs Lock-on.jpg|thumb|325px|Locking on to a [[Baldy Long Legs]] in the [[Tropical Forest]].]]
{{image}}
{{image}}
'''Lock-on''' is a combat and exploration mechanic added in ''[[Pikmin 3]]''. This feature makes the [[camera]] lock on to and focus on a certain [[enemy]], [[obstacle]] or other object. This allows players to not lose its sight, making attacking easier, as well as obtaining its name and allowing the Pikmin army to charge.
'''Lock-on''' (or "lock on", {{j|ロックオン|Rokkuon}}, lit.: "Lock On", "Target Lock"{{cite quote|When the Auto Target Lock cursor finds the target you want, press {{button|switch|zr}} to manually lock onto that target. Press {{button|switch|zr}} again to unlock or switch targets.|Rose Shepherd, 29th Captain|the [[Rescue Journal]]}} in {{p4}}) is a combat and exploration mechanic in {{p3}} and {{p4}}. This feature makes the action focus on a certain [[enemy]], [[obstacle]] or other object. This allows players to maneuver around it and not lose its sight, making attacking easier. In the Wii U release of ''Pikmin 3'', locking-on also allows the player to obtain the target's name and to order the Pikmin army to [[charge]].


To lock-on, the player must move the [[HUD#Cursor|cursor]] to an object. At that point, the cursor will change, and the player must then hold {{button|wiiu|zl|wii|z|wiiu|pczl}} for roughly half a second so that the scan's lock takes place. Unlike other Nintendo games that have lock-on functionality (e.g. ''[[metroidwiki:Metroid Prime (game)|Metroid Prime]]''), the player does not need to hold the button in order to keep it. Briefly tapping the same button again cancels the lock-on. Moving far enough away from the target will also cancel the lock-on automatically.
Lock-on is achieved by getting the [[cursor]] near enough to an object that can be locked on to, and pressing the corresponding button when the game indicates that locking on is possible. Unlike other Nintendo games that have lock-on functionality (e.g. ''[[metroidwiki:Metroid Prime (game)|Metroid Prime]]''), the player does not need to hold the button in order to keep it. Moving far enough away from the target will also cancel the lock-on automatically.


Once locked-on, the [[camera]] zooms in and focuses on the object, and rotates to follow it around. The manual camera controls will also not work. [[Dodge|Dodging]] will make the leader and Pikmin roll around the object, as opposed to rolling in a straight line left or right. With the GamePad or Wii U Pro Controller, holding the lock-on button will place the cursor on top of the target that started the lock-on, and keeping it held will keep the cursor there.
This mechanic works differently in ''Pikmin 3'' and {{p3d}}.
 
== ''Pikmin 3'' ==
To lock-on, the player must be close enough to an object, and must move the [[cursor]] to it. At that point, the cursor will change, and the player must then hold {{button|wiiu|zl|wii|z|wiiu|pczl}} for roughly half a second so that the scan's lock takes place. Once locked-on, briefly tapping the same button again cancels the lock-on.
 
Once locked-on, the [[camera]] zooms in and focuses on the object, and rotates to follow it around. While locked on, manual camera controls are disabled. [[Dodge|Dodging]] will make the leader and Pikmin roll around the object, as opposed to rolling in a straight line left or right. With the GamePad or Wii U Pro Controller, holding the lock-on button will place the cursor on top of the target that started the lock-on, and keeping it held will keep the cursor there.
 
=== Visuals ===
When the cursor is on top of something that can be locked, it changes from being a simple circle with a dot projected on the terrain, to a circle with three triangles pointing inward, facing the screen. Once the player begins holding down the lock button, the cursor also changes aspect to indicate how much more the player needs to hold the button down for so that the lock takes place. This isn't very useful, since locking on takes a fraction of a second.
 
While scanning, the left and right portions of the screen darken, two curved lines appear near the darkened areas, and some textual information is shown on some corners of the screen. The bottom-right corner of the [[HUD]] shows the object's name surrounded by some [[Koppaite text]] that translates to "Space library lite" "Simple dictionary in the PIPAD" "Just has the names". The top-left corner displays an icon of the same button used to trigger lock-on, but with the string "Cancel Lock-On" afterwards: this indicates that the button can be pressed again to cancel. The bottom-right corner shows that issuing a [[dismiss]] in this state ({{button|wiiu|b|wii|nunchukshake|wiiu|pcb}}) makes the Pikmin party [[charge]] at it. With Stylus mode, the dismiss button on-screen also changes caption to read "Charge".
 
== ''Pikmin 3 Deluxe'' ==
To lock-on, the player must move the [[cursor]] close enough to an object, which will cause an indicator to appear above said object. The player can then press {{button|switch|zr}} to lock on there. Unlike the original game, the lock-on is instant.
 
Once locked-on, the movement controls and the camera will remain the exact same, but the [[cursor]] will be stuck on the object. That said, if gyro controls are enabled, the cursor can be moved a small distance around the locked object. If there is another object that can be locked-on to in the vicinity, the indicator will appear above it, and pressing the lock-on button again will change the focus to that one instead. This can be repeated for as long as there are objects to lock-on to, and once the player runs out, the lock-on mode ends. Lock-on can also be stopped prematurely by pressing the [[whistle]] button.
 
When locked-on, the [[charge]] mechanic works almost the same as normal, but the Pikmin will ignore any other nearby objects and focus on the locked-on one instead, and [[Winged Pikmin]] and [[Blue Pikmin]] will be able to fly or swim up to where it is. While locked-on, holding down the [[throw]] button will make the leader hold the Pikmin or leader for a second, before throwing Pikmin in rapid succession automatically, until the button is released. Any item that can be carried will also display its [[HUD#Fraction numbers|weight and current carrier count]] when the player locks-on to it.
 
=== Visuals ===
The indicator that shows that an object can be locked-on to is a light blue triangle above the object, pointing down at it. If the cursor is locked-on, it changes from its usual look to a reticle with four triangles pointing inward. If the leader moves far enough away that it's impossible to throw, but not so far that the lock-on mode is cancelled, the reticle becomes bigger, the triangles turn to lines, and the whole cursor turns blue.
 
Certain objects will also show a prompt above them saying "Lock On", along with the required button, when the indicator shows up.
 
== ''Pikmin 4'' ==
In ''Pikmin 4'', the lock-on system used is very similar to ''Pikmin 3 Deluxe'', though the cursor now automatically locks-on to objects within throwing distance. In cases of there being multiple objects that can be locked-on to, the object closest to the [[cursor]] will be chosen.  Objects being carried by Pikmin will not be locked-on to. Pressing {{button|switch|zr}} will lock the cursor to the currently locked-on object. Like in the Wii U version of ''Pikmin 3'', pressing {{button|switch|zr}} while locked-on will cycle through nearby targets.


==Lockable targets==
==Lockable targets==
{{stub|Complete the list.}}{{Todo|verify if and when Olimar/Louie are identified as Hocotatians, "???", or their actual names.}}
{{stub|section=y|Complete the list.}}
Only some objects can be locked-on to. These can be identified by the cursor changing appearance when on top of them. The cursor will not change – nor will the lock-on activate – if the [[leader]] is too far away from the target. It is also possible to lock-on if the cursor is close to, but not exactly on the target. Some targets allow the cursor to lock-on to a specific location, like a [[Red Bulborb]]'s eyes or back, or a section on the [[Armored Mawdad]].
{{Todo|verify if and when Olimar/Louie are identified as Hocotatians, "???", or their actual names.}}
 
Only some objects in the game can be locked-on to. Some targets allow the cursor to lock-on to a specific location, like a [[Bulborb]]'s eyes or back, or a section on the [[Armored Mawdad]].


Although hard, it is possible to lock-on to some objects that are normally too far away to allow a lock-on. This can be done with the [[Stellar Extrusion]] on the [[Tropical Wilds]]: by positioning the camera such that the fruit appears on one of the top corners, it is possible to put the cursor there, and lock-on. However, shortly after the lock takes place, it will be canceled automatically given the large distance.
Although hard, it is possible to lock-on to some objects that are normally too far away to allow a lock-on. This can be done with the [[Stellar Extrusion]] on the [[Tropical Wilds]]: by positioning the camera such that the fruit appears on one of the top corners, it is possible to put the cursor there, and lock-on. However, shortly after the lock takes place, it will be canceled automatically given the large distance.
The following is a list of objects that can be locked-on to:
The following is a list of objects that can be locked-on to:
{{clean|Complete the list and add missing icons.}}


*{{icon|Red Bulborb|n|v=P3|n=All enemies|l=Enemy#In ''Pikmin 3''}}
*{{icon|Bulborb|n|v=P3|n=All enemies|l=Enemy#In ''Pikmin 3''}}
*{{icon|Sunseed Berry|n|v=FF|n=All fruits|l=Fruit#List}}
*{{icon|Sunseed Berry|n|v=FF|n=All fruits|l=Fruit#List}}
*All Suit upgrades:
*{{icon|Scorch Guard|l=Gear}} All gear:
**{{icon|Scorch Guard|y}}
**{{icon|Scorch Guard|y}}
**{{icon|Anti-Electrifier|y}}
**{{icon|Anti-Electrifier|y}}
**{{icon|Metal Suit Z|y}}
**{{icon|Metal Suit Z|y}}
**{{icon|Dodge Whistle|y}}
**{{icon|Dodge Whistle|y}}
**{{icon|Data Glutton|y}}
**{{icon|Folded Data Glutton|y}}
*Plants and fungi:
*Plants and fungi:
**{{icon|Pellet Posy|y|v=P3}}
**{{icon|Pellet Posy|y|v=P3}}
**{{icon|Crimson Candypop Bud|n|v=P3|n=Candypop Bud|l=Candypop Bud}}
**{{icon|Candypop Bud|n|v=P3 red|n=Candypop Bud|l=Candypop Bud}}
**{{icon|Burgeoning Spiderwort|y|v=P3}}
**{{icon|Burgeoning Spiderwort|y|v=P3}}
**{{icon|Bloominous Stemple|y}}
**{{icon|Bloominous Stemple|y}}
Line 45: Line 74:
**{{icon|Elevator platforms|n|n=Elevator platform}}
**{{icon|Elevator platforms|n|n=Elevator platform}}
**{{icon|Fragment|n|n=Fragments}}
**{{icon|Fragment|n|n=Fragments}}
**{{icon|Hay|y}}
**{{icon|Clipboard|y}}
**{{icon|Clipboard|y}}
**{{icon|Small crystal|y}}
**{{icon|Small crystal|y}}
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**{{icon|Dirt mound|y}}
**{{icon|Dirt mound|y}}
**{{icon|Tunnel|y}}
**{{icon|Tunnel|y}}
**{{icon|Egg|y}}
**{{icon|Dam|y}}
**{{icon|Nectar|y}}
**{{icon|Ultra-spicy nectar|y}}
**{{icon|Conveyor switch|y}}
**{{icon|Conveyor switch|y}}
*Leaders:
*Other:
**[[Olimar]] (only when unconscious in story mode)
**[[Olimar]] (only when unconscious in story mode)
**[[Louie]] (only when unconscious in story mode and [[Mission Mode]] and is identified as [[Hocotatian]])
**[[Louie]] (only when unconscious in story mode and [[Mission Mode]] and is identified as [[Hocotatian]])
*Other:
**{{icon|Egg|y|v=P3}}
**{{icon|Data Glutton|y}}
**{{icon|Nectar|y|v=P3}}
**{{icon|Folded Data Glutton|y}}
**{{icon|Ultra-Spicy Nectar|y|v=P3}}
**{{icon|Phosbat|n|n=Phosbat Pod|l=Phosbat Pod}}
**{{icon|Phosbat Pod|n}}
**{{icon|Large crystal|n|n=Mireclops crystal|l=Mireclops crystal}}
**{{icon|Plasm Wraith|n|n=Elemental plasm|l=Plasm Wraith}}
**{{icon|Plasm Wraith|n|n=Elemental plasm|l=Plasm Wraith}}
**[[Lucky Marble]]
**[[Victory Macaroon]]
**{{icon|Nugget|y}}s
**[[1 pellet]]
**[[1 pellet]]
**[[5 pellet]]
**[[5 pellet]]
**[[10 pellet]]
**[[10 pellet]]
**{{icon|Lucky Marble|y}}
**[[Victory Macaroon]]
**{{icon|Nugget|n|n=Nuggets}}
**Floor screws (only exist in {{p3d}})


Notes:
Notes:
*The following objects display "???" in story mode, before they are identified by the crew:
*The following objects display "???" in story mode, before they are identified by the crew:
**All fruits
**{{icon|Sunseed Berry|v=FF|l=Fruit#List}} All fruits
**All upgrades
**{{icon|Scorch Guard|l=Gear}} All gear
**Data Glutton
*Objects that Pikmin return to to get more of, usually in piles, can only be locked-onto in their original resting places. When they are, it focuses on the entire pile and is labeled in plural, even if only one object remains. This applies to:
**Foldable Data Glutton
**{{icon|Dusk Pustules}} Dusk Pustules
**{{icon|Dawn Pustules}} Dawn Pustules
**{{icon|Fragment}} Fragments
**{{icon|Hay}} Hay
**{{icon|Nugget}} Nuggets
*The [[Vehemoth Phosbat]] can not be locked-onto while it is invisible, even though the player can still point at its faint silhouette.
*Locking-onto a [[Scornet]] in the [[Scornet Maestro]] battle will instead lock-onto the actual boss. Similarly, locking-onto an independent group of Scornets will instead focus on the center of the swarm. It will also display "Scornets", in plural.
*Locking-onto a [[Scornet]] in the [[Scornet Maestro]] battle will instead lock-onto the actual boss. Similarly, locking-onto an independent group of Scornets will instead focus on the center of the swarm. It will also display "Scornets", in plural.
*Only the [[Quaggled Mireclops]]' fruit-like head can be locked onto. The rest of its body cannot.
*Although the legs, feet, bottom, and head of the [[Quaggled Mireclops]] can be locked-on, its grassy top cannot. When it is dead, only its head can be locked-onto.
 
==Visuals==
When the cursor is on top of something that can be locked, it changes from being a simple circle with a dot projected on the terrain, to a circle with three triangles pointing inward, facing the screen. Once the player begins holding down the lock button, the cursor also changes aspect to indicate how much more the player needs to hold the button down for so that the lock takes place. This isn't very useful, since locking on takes a fraction of a second.
 
While scanning, the left and right portions of the screen darken, two curved lines appear near the darkened areas, and some textual information is shown on some corners of the screen. The bottom-right corner of the [[HUD]] shows the object's name surrounded by some [[Koppaite text]] that translates to "Space library lite" "Simple dictionary in the PIPAD" "Just has the names". The top-left corner displays an icon of the same button used to trigger lock-on, but with the string "Cancel Lock-On" afterwards: this indicates that the button can be pressed again to cancel. The bottom-right corner shows that issuing a [[dismiss]] in this state ({{button|wiiu|b|wii|nunchukshake|wiiu|pcb}}) makes the Pikmin party charge at it. With Stylus mode, the dismiss button on-screen also changes caption to read "Charge".
 
==Charge==
[[File:ChargeDataFile.jpg|320px|thumb|The [[Data File]] explaining how to charge.]]
By [[dismiss]]ing while locked-on, [[leader]]s can make their [[Pikmin family|Pikmin]] '''charge''' at the object. This causes them to run in a hurry at the target and interact with it, much like they would if [[throw]]n at it. This effectively replaces the [[group move]] mechanic from the previous games. After activating the charge, a horn is heard, the Pikmin jump up and perform a battle cry, and after a small delay, they run at the object. A charge can also sometimes be initiated in the small time window before a leader loses a lock-on due to distance, which can be useful for bypassing certain puzzles when combined with Winged Pikmin.
 
Nothing will happen if the player attempts to charge with no Pikmin or leader in their party. When charging, any leaders following the current leader will be [[dismiss]]ed, possibly to make it easier for the current leader to [[punch]] the target in unison with the Pikmin horde. Pikmin not suited for the task will move slightly towards the target, but will retreat shortly after and rejoin the leader. This happens for the following Pikmin:
 
*Flowered Pikmin directed towards [[nectar]].
*Non-[[Winged Pikmin]] directed towards [[bamboo gate]]s or [[Flukeweed]]s.
*[[Bomb rock]]-wielding Pikmin directed towards anything.
*Non-[[Blue Pikmin|Blue]] or non-[[Winged Pikmin]] directed towards submerged objects.
**This one acts a bit differently. When Pikmin are charging, they tend to walk in a line. If non-Blue or non-Winged Pikmin are charged at an underwater object, they will run towards it, but if the few at the beginning of the line jump into the water, the ones towards the back will give up charging.
 
Due to this, it is advised to stay well-aware of the Pikmin in the current leader's group, if one wishes to direct said leader to attack alongside them, otherwise a press of the [[punch]] button may end up tossing a bomb-armed [[Pikmin family|Pikmin]] instead.
 
When charging, if they do not reach their destination in about one and a half seconds, they will sigh and give up. However, due to a glitch of sorts, there may be times when the Pikmin are told to charge at an object, but give up much quicker than usual, around a total of half a second. The cause for this is currently unknown.
 
In story mode, charging is only possible after [[Alph]] finds his [[KopPad]].


==History==
==History==
{{stub|Add 1.0.0 version images.}}
In a [[Pikmin 3 prerelease information|prerelease version]] of ''Pikmin 3'' the lock-on screen appeared much more different and simpler.
In a much [[Pikmin 3 prerelease information|prerelease version]] of ''Pikmin 3'' the lock-on screen appeared much more different and simpler.


Prior to [[Update|version 2.0.0]], the pieces of text on the left corners of the screen didn't exist. They were added with the update, in order to make it easier for players to know how to cancel the lock-on and how to charge.
Prior to [[Update|version 2.0.0]] of ''Pikmin 3'', the pieces of text on the left corners of the screen didn't exist. They were added with the update, in order to make it easier for players to know how to cancel the lock-on and how to charge.


===Older appearance images===
===Older appearance images===
;Prerelease
<gallery>
Pyroplasmic Slooch P3 early.png|The [[Pyroclasmic Slooch ]] locked-on.
Pikmin3 SkitterleafScan.png|The [[Skitter Leaf]] locked-on.
Pikmin3 Skutterchuck.png|The [[Skutterchuck]] locked-on.
Crystalized wall.png|A [[crystal wall]] locked-on.
</gallery>
;1.0.0
<gallery>
<gallery>
Pyroplasmic Slooch P3 early.png|The [[Pyroclasmic Slooch ]] in an earlier lock-on.
Shaggy Long Legs P3 analysis.png|The [[Shaggy Long Legs]] locked-on.
Pikmin3 SkitterleafScan.png|The [[Skitter Leaf]] with an earlier lock-on.
SeesawBlock.jpg|A [[seesaw block]] locked-on.
Pikmin3 Skutterchuck.png|The [[Skutterchuck]] in an earlier lock-on.
Crystalized wall.png|The [[crystal wall]] in an earlier lock-on.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 119: Line 136:
<gallery>
<gallery>
LockOnHUD.jpg|The [[Whiptongue Bulborb]] locked-on in [[Tropical Wilds]].
LockOnHUD.jpg|The [[Whiptongue Bulborb]] locked-on in [[Tropical Wilds]].
Shaggy Long Legs P3 analysis.png|The [[Shaggy Long Legs]] locked-on in Tropical Wilds.
Pikmin 3 lock-on.jpg|The [[Skeeterskate]] locked-on in [[Distant Tundra]].
Pikmin 3 lock-on.jpg|The [[Skeeterskate]] locked-on in [[Distant Tundra]].
Arctic Cannon Larva P3 fight.jpg|The [[Arctic Cannon Larva]] locked-on in Distant Tundra.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==See also==
==Names in other languages==
*[[Throw]]
{{foreignname
*[[Controls]]
|Jap=ロックオン
*[[Group move]]
|JapR=Rokkuon
*[[Camera]]
|JapM=Lock-on
*[[Dodge]]
|ChiTrad=鎖定
|ChiTradR=
|ChiTradM=
|ChiSimp=锁定
|ChiSimpR=
|ChiSimpM=
|Fra=Verrouiller un cible
|FraM=Lock a target
|Ger=Kamera fokussieren
|GerM=Focus Camera
|Ita=Agganciare
|ItaM=Grasp
|Kor=조준
|KorR=jojun
|KorM=Aim
|Spa=Fijar objetivo
|SpaM=Fix objective
}}


{{controls}}
{{controls}}


[[Category:Gameplay]]
[[Category:Gameplay]]

Latest revision as of 02:44, August 6, 2024

Gameplay screenshot of a Baldy Long Legs.
Locking on to a Baldy Long Legs in the Tropical Forest.

This article or section is in need of more images.
You can help Pikipedia by uploading some images.

Lock-on (or "lock on", ロックオン?, lit.: "Lock On", "Target Lock"[1] in Pikmin 4) is a combat and exploration mechanic in Pikmin 3 and Pikmin 4. This feature makes the action focus on a certain enemy, obstacle or other object. This allows players to maneuver around it and not lose its sight, making attacking easier. In the Wii U release of Pikmin 3, locking-on also allows the player to obtain the target's name and to order the Pikmin army to charge.

Lock-on is achieved by getting the cursor near enough to an object that can be locked on to, and pressing the corresponding button when the game indicates that locking on is possible. Unlike other Nintendo games that have lock-on functionality (e.g. Metroid Prime), the player does not need to hold the button in order to keep it. Moving far enough away from the target will also cancel the lock-on automatically.

This mechanic works differently in Pikmin 3 and Pikmin 3 Deluxe.

Pikmin 3[edit]

To lock-on, the player must be close enough to an object, and must move the cursor to it. At that point, the cursor will change, and the player must then hold the ZL Button on the Wii U GamePad / the Z Button on the Nunchuk / the ZL Button on the Wii U Pro Controller for roughly half a second so that the scan's lock takes place. Once locked-on, briefly tapping the same button again cancels the lock-on.

Once locked-on, the camera zooms in and focuses on the object, and rotates to follow it around. While locked on, manual camera controls are disabled. Dodging will make the leader and Pikmin roll around the object, as opposed to rolling in a straight line left or right. With the GamePad or Wii U Pro Controller, holding the lock-on button will place the cursor on top of the target that started the lock-on, and keeping it held will keep the cursor there.

Visuals[edit]

When the cursor is on top of something that can be locked, it changes from being a simple circle with a dot projected on the terrain, to a circle with three triangles pointing inward, facing the screen. Once the player begins holding down the lock button, the cursor also changes aspect to indicate how much more the player needs to hold the button down for so that the lock takes place. This isn't very useful, since locking on takes a fraction of a second.

While scanning, the left and right portions of the screen darken, two curved lines appear near the darkened areas, and some textual information is shown on some corners of the screen. The bottom-right corner of the HUD shows the object's name surrounded by some Koppaite text that translates to "Space library lite" "Simple dictionary in the PIPAD" "Just has the names". The top-left corner displays an icon of the same button used to trigger lock-on, but with the string "Cancel Lock-On" afterwards: this indicates that the button can be pressed again to cancel. The bottom-right corner shows that issuing a dismiss in this state (the B Button on the Wii U GamePad / Nunchuk shake / the B Button on the Wii U Pro Controller) makes the Pikmin party charge at it. With Stylus mode, the dismiss button on-screen also changes caption to read "Charge".

Pikmin 3 Deluxe[edit]

To lock-on, the player must move the cursor close enough to an object, which will cause an indicator to appear above said object. The player can then press the ZR Button on the Switch to lock on there. Unlike the original game, the lock-on is instant.

Once locked-on, the movement controls and the camera will remain the exact same, but the cursor will be stuck on the object. That said, if gyro controls are enabled, the cursor can be moved a small distance around the locked object. If there is another object that can be locked-on to in the vicinity, the indicator will appear above it, and pressing the lock-on button again will change the focus to that one instead. This can be repeated for as long as there are objects to lock-on to, and once the player runs out, the lock-on mode ends. Lock-on can also be stopped prematurely by pressing the whistle button.

When locked-on, the charge mechanic works almost the same as normal, but the Pikmin will ignore any other nearby objects and focus on the locked-on one instead, and Winged Pikmin and Blue Pikmin will be able to fly or swim up to where it is. While locked-on, holding down the throw button will make the leader hold the Pikmin or leader for a second, before throwing Pikmin in rapid succession automatically, until the button is released. Any item that can be carried will also display its weight and current carrier count when the player locks-on to it.

Visuals[edit]

The indicator that shows that an object can be locked-on to is a light blue triangle above the object, pointing down at it. If the cursor is locked-on, it changes from its usual look to a reticle with four triangles pointing inward. If the leader moves far enough away that it's impossible to throw, but not so far that the lock-on mode is cancelled, the reticle becomes bigger, the triangles turn to lines, and the whole cursor turns blue.

Certain objects will also show a prompt above them saying "Lock On", along with the required button, when the indicator shows up.

Pikmin 4[edit]

In Pikmin 4, the lock-on system used is very similar to Pikmin 3 Deluxe, though the cursor now automatically locks-on to objects within throwing distance. In cases of there being multiple objects that can be locked-on to, the object closest to the cursor will be chosen. Objects being carried by Pikmin will not be locked-on to. Pressing the ZR Button on the Switch will lock the cursor to the currently locked-on object. Like in the Wii U version of Pikmin 3, pressing the ZR Button on the Switch while locked-on will cycle through nearby targets.

Lockable targets[edit]

The leaf texture used in Pikmin 2's Challenge Mode menu. (Used on Pikipedia in the {{stub}} template.)

This section is a stub. You can help Pikipedia by expanding it.
Suggestions: Complete the list.

To do: verify if and when Olimar/Louie are identified as Hocotatians, "???", or their actual names.
Care to do so?

Only some objects in the game can be locked-on to. Some targets allow the cursor to lock-on to a specific location, like a Bulborb's eyes or back, or a section on the Armored Mawdad.

Although hard, it is possible to lock-on to some objects that are normally too far away to allow a lock-on. This can be done with the Stellar Extrusion on the Tropical Wilds: by positioning the camera such that the fruit appears on one of the top corners, it is possible to put the cursor there, and lock-on. However, shortly after the lock takes place, it will be canceled automatically given the large distance.

The following is a list of objects that can be locked-on to:

Notes:

  • The following objects display "???" in story mode, before they are identified by the crew:
    • Sunseed Berry All fruits
    • Scorch Guard All gear
  • Objects that Pikmin return to to get more of, usually in piles, can only be locked-onto in their original resting places. When they are, it focuses on the entire pile and is labeled in plural, even if only one object remains. This applies to:
    • Dusk Pustules Dusk Pustules
    • Dawn Pustules Dawn Pustules
    • Fragment Fragments
    • Hay Hay
    • Nugget Nuggets
  • The Vehemoth Phosbat can not be locked-onto while it is invisible, even though the player can still point at its faint silhouette.
  • Locking-onto a Scornet in the Scornet Maestro battle will instead lock-onto the actual boss. Similarly, locking-onto an independent group of Scornets will instead focus on the center of the swarm. It will also display "Scornets", in plural.
  • Although the legs, feet, bottom, and head of the Quaggled Mireclops can be locked-on, its grassy top cannot. When it is dead, only its head can be locked-onto.

History[edit]

In a prerelease version of Pikmin 3 the lock-on screen appeared much more different and simpler.

Prior to version 2.0.0 of Pikmin 3, the pieces of text on the left corners of the screen didn't exist. They were added with the update, in order to make it easier for players to know how to cancel the lock-on and how to charge.

Older appearance images[edit]

Prerelease
1.0.0

Gallery[edit]

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning
Flag of Japan Japanese ロックオン?
Rokkuon
Lock-on
Flag of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Chinese
(traditional)
鎖定
Flag of China Chinese
(simplified)
锁定
Flag of France French Verrouiller un cible Lock a target
Flag of Germany German Kamera fokussieren Focus Camera
Flag of Italy Italian Agganciare Grasp
Flag of South Korea Korean 조준
jojun
Aim
Flag of Spain Spanish Fijar objetivo Fix objective
  1. ^ When the Auto Target Lock cursor finds the target you want, press the ZR Button on the Switch to manually lock onto that target. Press the ZR Button on the Switch again to unlock or switch targets. – Rose Shepherd, 29th Captain in the Rescue Journal