Area

The overworld, as seen in Pikmin (NPC).

The Pikmin games consist of areas, which are locations in which the the ship is able to land. In Pikmin 2, each area contains three or four entrances to caves. In each game, there is initially a single area available, and others are unlocked throughout the progression of the game by completing certain objectives. For instance, to access to the Perplexing Pool in Pikmin 2, a specific treasure, Geographic Projection, must be collected. The following is a list of areas in the Pikmin series:

Areas

Pikmin

• The Impact Site
• The Forest of Hope
• The Forest Navel
• The Distant Spring
• The Final Trial

Pikmin 2

• Valley of Repose
• Awakening Wood
• Perplexing Pool
• Wistful Wild

Relations

Though not thoroughly confirmed, it's been heavily implied that some areas in Pikmin 2 are in fact from Pikmin, albeit changed. The Awakening Wood has the same layout as the Forest of Hope. It has been implied by Olimar that these are the same location, as read on his journal about the Geographic Projection: "I explored this forest the last time I was here, but it's clear that it has undergone some dramatic changes. The plants and animals have also evolved significantly. I've given this forest a new name... The Awakening Wood. I must begin to form a hypothesis to explain why the forest changed so rapidly."

Likewise, the Perplexing Pool shares the same layout as the Distant Spring.

The Wistful Wild is a bit different. It's consisted of both the Impact Site and the Final Trial. However, the 'Impact Site' part could just be a coincidence, and more of a reference on part of the level designers; the Wistful Wild seems to be the Final Trial, with an area similar to the Impact Site attached to it. This can be backed up by the fact that in the level selection screens, the Final Trial and the Wistful Wild share basically the same spot. This however, is still just conjecture.

Terrain

Above ground, terrain varies in both Pikmin games. It doesn't really affect gameplay, but does change the atmosphere and the different types of enemies that may be encountered.

Pikmin 1

Most areas in the first Pikmin game have natural surfaces such as sand, soil and wood.

Typical grass terrain.

Grass

Found in most areas, except for the Forest Navel (because it is underground).

Soil

This is what the captain and his Pikmin will be walking on for a majority of the time. Soil is found in every area in the game.

Sand

Usually, when there is water, there is sand, especially in The Distant Spring. In it, about half the amount of land is submerged in water, and that amount of land is sand. It can also be found in the small pond area in the Impact Site and the large lake in the Forest Navel.

Wood

Various tree stumps can be found in the game. They can be found in the Impact Site, Forest of Hope and the Distant Spring.

Cardboard

The Cardboard boxes in the Impact Site and the Final Trial can be walked upon by using a nearby rock as a platform.

Rusted metal

In The Final Trial, large slabs of rusted metal are used to cross the body of water separating the landing site, from the area where the player battles against the Emperor Bulblax, which actually takes place in a large metal 'bowl' like arena.

Pikmin 2

In Pikmin 2, the player will find a vast array of different terrain.

Natural

Snow

In some caverns, one may find the area to be covered in a blanket of snow. This terrain can be found in the Valley of Repose and its respective caverns.

Grass

A common terrain, mostly found in above ground areas. With the Awakening Wood being an common example. Grass-like terrain can be found in the Perplexing Pool, however considering the areas aquatic nature it's possible that it's actually moss.

Man-made

Concrete

Can be found in a few areas, most of the Valley of Repose is formed from concrete. This is due to it being believed to be a crosswalk of sorts.

Tile

This style consists of simple turquoise-coloured tile filled floors and walls, which have sand filled in between each tile. Areas with this style usually have water, which is typically found in in small descents of ground. The tiles may be interrupted by sand or a metallic floor.

Stone formations

Inside the Perplexing Pool, there are odd stones formations that are mysteriously shaped, some of which are walk-able. These odd formations do not appear to be natural, ranging from simple pathways to maze-like structures.

Scales

In several areas, there are sets of scales. They can be used to lift Pikmin and the Captains to higher areas, and several sets of these scales must be navigated to obtain treasure.