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{{Infobox enemy
{{Infobox enemy
|image=Puffstool(PikminNPC).jpg
|pikmin      = y
|size=304px
|pikmin4    = y
|name=Aspergilla podronis
|image       = Pikmin Garden Puffstool render.png
|family=Sporovid
|size       = 260px
|areas=[[The Forest Navel]]
|icon        = Puffstool P4 icon.png
|underground=
|name       = Fungirussus elasticis<br>Aspergilla podronis ''(''Pikmin'' Player's Guide)'
|attacks=Possesses Pikmin
|family     = Sporovid
|weight=10
|custom_icon = y
|weight1=
|areas       = [[The Forest Navel]], [[Primordial Thicket]]
|weight2=
|challenge  = [[The Distant Spring]]
|max_pikmin=20
|attacks     = [[File:Pikmin (game) icon.png|15px]]: Possess Pikmin<br>[[File:Pikmin 4 icon.png|15px]]: [[Confusion|Confuses]] Pikmin
|max_pikmin1=
}}
|max_pikmin2=
|seeds=30 seeds
|value=}}


The '''Puffstool''' is an enemy in [[Pikmin 1]] that appears to be a huge walking fungus, strongly resembling a red-capped bolete. It has twin antennae, a red-capped mushroom head and a tender yellow torso which is vulnerable to swarming. Only minimal details of the creature's biology of the game are supplied. The Puffstool is one of the enemies with which the [[crushing glitch]] happens fairly regularly, the frequency increased in the [[New Play Control! Pikmin|Wii version of the game]].
The '''Puffstool''' ({{j|ボケナメコ| Boke Nameko|Stupid {{w|Pholiota nameko|Nameko}}}}) is an [[enemy]] in {{p1}} and {{p4}} that appears to be a huge walking fungus, strongly resembling a red-capped {{w|bolete}}. It has twin antennae, a red-capped mushroom head, and a tender yellow torso which is vulnerable to [[swarm]]ing. Only minimal details of the creature's biology are supplied in-game.


The Puffstool will try to run when attacked, but its legs are clearly not made for sprinting and it trips easily, landing on its head with feet in the air. Since the cap is invulnerable to attack, [[Pikmin (species)|Pikmin]] must be thrown onto its undersection once it's on the ground. After a few seconds, the Puffstool will right itself up and blow out a purplish cloud of spores which cause a strange change in nearby Pikmin, which the Puffstool acts as a [[Captain]] for. Affected Pikmin turn purple and grow small brown mushroom caps on their stalks. These Pikmin are known infamously as [[Mushroom Pikmin]], Zombie pikmin, or Toadmin.
The Puffstool will try to run when attacked, but due to its stumpy legs clearly not being made for sprinting, it trips easily, landing on its head with its feet in the air. Since the cap is invulnerable to [[Pikmin family|Pikmin]] attacks (but not Olimar's [[punch]]), one must [[throw]] the Pikmin onto its undersection once it's on the ground. After a few seconds, the Puffstool will right itself up and blow out a purplish cloud of spores which cause a strange change in nearby Pikmin, which the Puffstool acts as a [[leader]] for.


==Ship Log==
In the original ''Pikmin'', [[Mushroom Pikmin|affected Pikmin]] turn purple, grow small brown mushroom caps on their stalks, and become aggressive. In ''Pikmin 4'', while the Puffstool cannot affect Pikmin in the same way as before, it can still [[Confusion|confuse]] Pikmin with its spores and cause them to jump around aimlessly (similar to the effects of the chemicals expelled by the [[Groovy Long Legs]]).


''"This creature's cap is elastic, negating any Pikmin attacks. Attacking its lower torso works better, but the puffstool lets out spores that turn the Pikmin into mushrooms, which then attack me! They return to normal when shaken off."''
In ''Pikmin 4'', a poisonous relative to the Puffstool named the [[Toxstool]] was introduced that, while possessing some differences in its coloration and behavior, mostly shares the same general physical characteristics and behavior to that of the Puffstool.


{{notes|enemy}}
==Stats==
{{enemy stats
|weight1 = 10    |weight4 = 12
|carriers1 = 20  |carriers4 = 24
|seeds1 = 30      |seeds4 = 20
|value1 =        |value4 = 20<ref group="note">This enemy cannot be delivered to the [[S.S. Beagle]] in-game. This information is obtained from the [[Piklopedia (Pikmin 4)|Piklopedia]].</ref>
|hp1 = 2500      |hp4 = 15000
|regen1 = Unknown |regen4 = Unknown
}}


==Killing Strategy==
{{refs|note}}
[[Image:Pickymin2.jpg|thumb|250px|Some regular Pikmin and some [[Mushroom Pikmin]] near a Puffstool.]]
Mushroom Pikmin will attack [[Captain Olimar]] and any unaffected Pikmin. The effect will wear off in a short time, but more instantaneous remedies can also be used. Tossing a single Pikmin next to a Mushroom Pikmin will result in a small scuffle between the two, after which the enslaved Pikmin is knocked back to its senses and rejoins your army; using more Pikmin than necessary will more than likely kill the creature, counting towards your total number of Pikmin lost. A much safer strategy is attract the attention of multiple Mushroom Pikmin with your captain, then shake them off when they attack, instantly curing them without the risk of killing them. You can also get rid of the mushroom effect by killing the Puffstool or throwing them into water.


To quickly dispatch the Puffstool, bring about 80 [[Red Pikmin]] into its arena. First swarm its legs with about 30 Pikmin. It will try to run away, but flip over, legs flailing. It will also crush most of those underneath, but in this state you can kill it by throwing all remaining Pikmin on top. It will die, and appear to deflate, leaving a large circle that can be carried by 10 Pikmin if in story mode.
{{Notes|reel=y|voyage=y}}


To minimize the risk of losing Pikmin, it is recommended to attack only with the [[captain]]. Furthermore, the Puffstool has no attacks that could harm Olimar. Note, however, that this may consume a fair amount of time, and as the sporing habits of the Puffstool are fully predictable, having Pikmin turned into mushroom-Pikmin is usually not a problem for competent players.  
===''Pikmin'' Official Player's Guide description===
{{transcript|Red sporovids seem to have developed higher functions than other fungi, as evidenced by the protruding reproductive organs on their caps. These organs act much like a flower would on a normal plant. This species appears to be able to separate for a short time from the fungal colony to which it belongs. This occurs when the mushroom cap has reached a certain size and the spore sac is full. It will then sever its connection to the colony to walk around a limited area to spread the spores. This walking form can no longer absorb nutrients from the colony, but if the released spores contact another living creature, spore-encased fungal filaments will begin an explosive cycle of reproduction within the host, taking over its central nervous system. The host will be controlled by the red sporovid within its area of activity. Edible, considered a delicacy. Referred to as "punchstool" in some locales.}}
 
{{transcript|Chase the puffstool and crowd your Pikmin around its feet to topple the mushroom. When it's upside-down, toss Pikmin onto its stem. If the puffstool flips back over, its cap will tremble—the telltale sign that it's about to release poisonous spores. Retreat or the spores will turn your Pikmin into zombies.}}
 
===''Pikmin'' Nintendo Power booklet description===
{{transcript|This fearsome fungus releases spores that can take over the central nervous system of Pikmin. Infected Pikmin immediately go insane, ruthlessly attacking Captain Olimar.|block=y}}
 
=== Dalmo's notes ===
{{transcript|Come, let us ponder the Puffstool. This devious li'l bean releases spores that have a hallucinogenic effect on Pikmin. At the first inhale, affection sprouts, and they are drawn in closer. Then they breathe in more and more of the confusion-inducing spores. Soon they think of nothing but the Puffstool as they jump around... Boing, boing...bo...|block=y}}
 
=== Olimar's notes ===
{{transcript|A type of Ambulofungus, the current working theory is that the Puffstool evolved from a more common species of fungus that gained animal-like characteristics over time, including the ability to walk.
 
When it senses danger, it will scatter spores from under its cap, releasing a hallucinogen that confuses its attackers. The hallucinogenic compound in the spores is only effective against this species's natural enemies, the Pikmin, causing them to mistake it for their leader. Pikmin who fall into this trap are then used as workers to maintain nutrition or defenses for the Puffstool.|block=y}}
 
=== Louie's notes ===
{{transcript|Flip upside down, and cook cap over a charcoal grill, low and slow. Once it starts to sweat, it's ready to eat.|block=y}}
 
===Pikmin Garden===
'''Text'''
{{transcript|
キノコが動物的な性質を獲得し、歩けるようになった歩菌類の一種。幻覚作用のある胞子をふりまいてピクミンを捕らえ、ワーカーとして使役する。
 
特徴 その1 歩くキノコ
:菌糸が筋肉のように発達し、歩くことができる。
:(Image text: 足が短く、転びやすい)
 
特徴 その2 胞子をふりまく
:ピクミンを混乱状態におちいらせて護衛や栄養の確保などに利用する。
 
特徴 その3 美味である
:傘の部分が食用に適している。日光に当てて乾燥させると、うまみ成分やビタミンが増加する。
|block=y}}
 
'''Translation'''
{{transcript|
A type of Ambulofungus, which has gained animal-like characteristics and is able to walk. It captures Pikmin by scattering hallucinogenic spores and uses them as workers.
 
Feature #1: Walking mushroom
:Its hyphae have developed like muscles, allowing it to walk.
:(Image text: Its legs are short and it falls easily)
 
Feature #2: Scattering spores
:It puts Pikmin into a state of confusion and uses them as guards and to maintain nutrition.
 
Feature #3: Delicious
:The cap part is edible. When dried in the sun, the umami and vitamins increase.
|block=y}}
 
==Strategy==
{{guide}}
{{see also|Mushroom Pikmin}}
In ''Pikmin'', to quickly dispatch the Puffstool, the player should bring a high number of [[Red Pikmin]] into its arena. First [[Group move|swarm]] its legs with a good chunk of Pikmin, though be careful when swarming because although the Puffstool flipping around won't harm Pikmin, in the GameCube and Wii versions, there is a chance that the [[Glitches in Pikmin#Crushing glitch|crushing glitch]] may happen. Don't throw the Pikmin before its fallen over, as they'll bounce off of its cap and return to the group. When attacking its torso, the Puffstool will try to run away but flip over, legs flailing. In this state, it can be killed by throwing all remaining Pikmin on top. It will die and appear to deflate, leaving its cap, which can be carried by 10 Pikmin to their Onion. If a player is looking to minimize the risk of losing Pikmin, it is recommended to attack only with the [[leader]]. Furthermore, the Puffstool has no attacks that could harm Olimar. (Note, however, that this may consume a fair amount of time.) Should you run the risk of being attacked, however, just run away until the spore cloud dissipates. While it is also possible to drop some [[Bomb rock]]s at its feet, due to the Puffstool always running, this tactic can be hard unless the creature is cornered. A successful explosion should sap away a quarter of its health if successful though.
 
In ''Pikmin 4'', the overall strategy of taking down the Puffstool remains mostly the same. The key difference lies in that its past [[Mushroom Pikmin|ability]] from ''Pikmin'' has been replaced with a different, still fairly unique [[Control|hazard]]. The Puffstool's spores now cause Pikmin to jump around it aimlessly, with the player being unable to whistle them out of this effect. Depending on where this effect takes place, this can potentially be hazardous due to the surrounding patches of sticky mold with poison mushrooms. On top of that, two [[Moldy Slooch]]es patrol the area, meaning that it is recommended to dispose of the enemy, sticky mold, and mushrooms in order to focus on the Puffstool. Unlike its less passive relative, the [[Toxstool]], the Puffstool will not actively attempt to revive the enemy, sticky mold, and/or mushrooms around it. Oatchi, in particular, is helpful against the Puffstool due to his immunity to its spores. If looking to battle it with just Pikmin, however, [[White Pikmin]] are recommended for the aforementioned Moldy Slooches, sticky mold, and mushrooms around the field. [[Ice Pikmin]] would also help due to their freezing ability negating the Puffstool's defenses and spore attack.


==Locations==
==Locations==
A single Puffstool can be found in [[The Forest Navel]], where it holds the [[Omega Stabilizer]]. Once defeated, its cap can be returned to an [[Onion]] where it will produce a whopping 30 Pikmin seeds. Two Puffstools can also be found in [[The Distant Spring]] in [[Challenge Mode (Pikmin 1)|Challenge Mode]], allowing a player to make more Pikmin. When defeated, the Puffstool can cause the [[Crushing Glitch]].
[[File:Pickymin2.jpg|thumb|150px|Some regular Pikmin and some [[Mushroom Pikmin]] near a Puffstool in an [[Pikmin prerelease information|early version]] of the game.]]
Making its debut in [[Pikmin (game)|Pikmin]], a single Puffstool can be found during the game's main campaign within [[The Forest Navel]], where it holds the [[Omega Stabilizer]]. Once defeated, its cap can be returned to an [[Onion]], where it will produce 30 Pikmin seeds. In the game's [[Challenge Mode (Pikmin)|Challenge Mode]], two more Puffstools can be found in [[The Distant Spring]]. According to early screenshots (as seen on the right), a Puffstool would have appeared in [[The Forest of Hope]] on the plateau overlooking the small body of water where the trio of [[Burrowing Snagret]]s are in the final game.
 
After an over two-decade-long absence from the series, the Puffstool returns in ''[[Pikmin 4]]'', being found within the game's final area: the [[Primordial Thicket]]. Similar to its appearance in ''Pikmin'', the Puffstool appears only once during the main campaign of ''Pikmin 4''. Unlike in ''Pikmin'', however, bringing the Puffstool's cap back to the Onion yields 20 Pikmin seeds as opposed to 30. Curiously, however, while the Pikmin produced from the cap has decreased, the weight of the cap has increased from 10 to 12.


{{clear}}
{{clear}}
== Appearances in other games ==
[[Image:Puffstool Figurine.gif|thumb|''Minish Cap'' Puffstool sprite.]]
:''See also: the [[w:c:zelda:puffstool|Puffstool]] article at [[w:c:Zelda|Zeldapedia]]''


In ''Legend Of Zelda: The Minish Cap'' for the Game Boy Advance, Puffstools are enemies that are encountered in a dungeon known as the Deepwood Shrine. If the player does not kill the Puffstools, they will leave clouds of gold spores everywhere, which must be disposed of with an item known as the 'gust jar'. Their appearance has been slightly altered. They now have eyes, a white ring around the cap of the mushroom, are taller, and have bigger feet. They are presumably about the same size as they are in Pikmin, in which Olimar's size makes them appear relatively much larger.
==Technical information==
{{p1 enemy technical
|name = kinoko
|hp = 2500
}}
 
==Other information==
{{enemy other info
|technical = Red Sporovid
|piklopedia4 = 74
}}
 
==Naming==
{{See more|Sporovid family#Naming}}
{{naming
|common    = Puffstool. It is a combination of "puff", referring to how it blows out spores, and "toadstool" (mushroom), referring to its appearance. The "puff" can also come from the name "{{w|puffball}}" which is given to any fungi in the division {{w|Basidiomycota}}.
|jpcommon  = {{j|ボケナメコ|Boke Nameko|Stupid Nameko}}. A {{w|Pholiota nameko|nameko}} is a type of mushroom, and the adjective stupid is because of its appearance and behavior, mostly over how it trips when running away.
|jpname    = {{j|アカボケオオナメコ|Aka Boke Ō Nameko|Red Stupid Big Nameko}}.
|scientific = ''Fungirussus elasticis''. ''Fungirussus'' is a combination of "fungi" and ''russus'', Latin for red. ''Elasticis'' refers to the creature’s elastic cap. [[Canon#Debatable_canon|Unofficially]], in the ''Pikmin'' Player’s Guide, its scientific name is ''Aspergilla podronis''. ''Podronis'' may refer to the pods some fungus releases through gases, much like the Puffstool does to infect Pikmin.
|internal  = <code>KINOKO</code>. It is the Japanese word {{j|きのこ|kinoko|mushroom|f=tp}}. In ''Pikmin 4'', its internal name was changed to <code>BOKENAMEKO</code>.
}}
 
===Names in other languages===
{{foreignname
|Jap  = ボケナメコ
|JapR = Boke Nameko
|JapM = Stupid {{w|Nameko}}
|ChiTrad  = 呆呆菇
|ChiTradR = Dāidāi Gū
|ChiTradM = Stupid Mushroom
|ChiSimp  = 呆呆菇
|ChiSimpR = Dāidāi Gū
|ChiSimpM = Stupid Mushroom
|Dut  = Strompelzwam
|DutM = Stumbleshroom
|Fra  = Champispore
|FraM = Portmanteau of ''champignon'' (mushroom) and ''spore''
|Ger  = Puffmorchel
|GerM = Puffed {{w|Morel}}
|Ita  = Amanita panciuta
|ItaM = Potbellied {{w|amanita}}
|Spa  = Seta de esporas
|SpaM = Spore mushroom
|Kor  = 멍텅버섯
|KorR = Meongteong Beoseot
|KorM = Stupid Mushroom
|Por  = Cogupança
|PorM = Mushbelly
|PorN = The name is a portmanteau of "cogumelo" (mushroom) and "pança" (belly)
|notes = y
}}
 
== Gallery ==
{{image|images of the Puffstool in the [[Primordial Thicket]] in P4.}}
===''Pikmin''===
<gallery>
Puffstool.png|Artwork of the Puffstool from ''[[Pikmin (game)|Pikmin]].
Mushroom Pikmin P1.png|Artwork of a [[Mushroom Pikmin|Pikmin exposed to the Puffstool's spores]] from ''Pikmin''.
Reel17 Puffstool.png|The Puffstool in the [[enemy reel]].
Puffstool.jpg|A Puffstool in [[The Distant Spring]].
P1 Puffstool Sketch.png|A Drawing of the Puffstool from the ''Pikmin'' Official Player's Guide.
P1 Puffstool idle.jpg|An idle Puffstool in [[The Forest Navel]].
P1 Puffstool flipped.jpg|A flipped Puffstool due to it tripping over whilst being chased by Pikmin.
P1 Puffstool spray.jpg|A Puffstool spraying anything near it with its spores.
P1 Puffstool corpse.jpg|The corpse of a Puffstool.
</gallery>


===''Pikmin 4''===
<gallery>
P4 Primordial Thicket Introduction 2.jpg|The Puffstool seen from the intro to the [[Primordial Thicket]].
Puffstool idle.jpg|An idle Puffstool looking towards the player.
Puffstool flipped.jpg|A Puffstool that has flipped over, exposing its vulnerable underside.
Puffstool spray.jpg|A Puffstool spraying its spores to confuse a Pikmin.
Puffstool corpse P4.jpg|The corpse of a Puffstool in the [[Piklopedia (Pikmin 4)|Piklopedia]].
P4 Puffstool PT.jpg|A closer look at the Puffstool in Primordial Thicket.
Puffstool P4 Passive.jpg|A Puffstool unbothered by the player and their squad of Pikmin.
P4 Puffstool Flipped PT.jpg|[[Red Pikmin]] attacking a Puffstool.
Puffstool P4 Dance Party.jpg|A Puffstool with a large amount of confused Pikmin around it.
P4 Dead Puffstool.jpg|A defeated Puffstool from a different angle.
</gallery>


== Trivia ==
== Trivia ==
*In the official guide book for the [[New Play Control! Pikmin]] game , The Puffstool's page states that its name is commonly pronounced incorrectly as "Punchstool" by Hocotatains.
*If the player kills the Puffstool as it begins to get up, it will still do so and release its spores with its [[health]], indicating it is dead; a similar effect occurs when a [[Wollyhop]] is defeated when jumping.
*If the player kills the Puffstool as it begins to get up, it will still do so and release its spores with its health indicating it is dead; a similar effect occurs when a [[Wollywog]] is defeated when jumping.
*The Puffstool is one of the enemies with which the [[Glitches in Pikmin#Crushing glitch|crushing glitch]] happens fairly regularly, with the frequency increased in the [[New Play Control! Pikmin|Wii version of the game]].{{source needed}}
*There is an enemy in ''[[zelda:The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap|The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap]]'' called the [[zelda:Puffstool|Puffstool]], which has a similar look and size; however, they have different Japanese names, so the reference may have been added in localization.
*When it flips onto its cap, it makes the same sound as the [[Anode Beetle]] flipping over.
*Occasionally, if Pikmin are carrying the remains back to the [[Onion]] in [[The Forest Navel]], they will be unable to cross some of the [[bridge]]s that lead back to base, rendering the remains uncollectable.
*The Puffstool's ability to control Olimar's Pikmin with its spores is possibly based on a real fungus called ''{{w|Cordyceps}}'', whose spores take over an insect's nervous system and force it to help the mushroom.
*In ''Pikmin'', despite the [[Mushroom Pikmin|Pikmin exposed the Puffstool's spores]] commonly being referred to as "Mushroom Pikmin" or "Puffmin," no official name has ever been given to them by Nintendo.
*In ''Pikmin 4'', while the Puffstool doesn't have its unique [[Mushroom Pikmin|ability]] from ''Pikmin'', it and the [[Groovy Long Legs]] both share a unique defense mechanism to expel a chemical that causes Pikmin to jump around erratically, unable to be controlled. This hazard is not found anywhere else in the game and is unique in that it cannot be dispelled through whistling.


==See Also==
==See also==
*[[Puffstool Glitch]]
*[[Mushroom Pikmin]]
<center><youtube>qOpGkxfOqWo</youtube></center>
*[[Puffstalk]]
*[[Toxstool]]
*[[Glitches in Pikmin#Controlling Mushroom Pikmin|Controlling Mushroom Pikmin]]
*[[Glitches in Pikmin#Rebel Mushroom Pikmin|Rebel Mushroom Pikmin]]


{{Enemies}}
{{Bosses}}
[[Category:Pikmin 1 enemies]]
{{p1enemies}}
{{p4enemies}}
[[Category:Pikmin-altering enemies]]
[[Category:The Forest Navel]]
[[Category:Primordial Thicket]]
[[Category:Pikmin 1 Challenge Mode]]
[[Category:Pikmin 1 bosses]]
[[Category:Pikmin 4 bosses]]

Latest revision as of 05:48, December 9, 2024

Puffstool Icon used to represent the enemy on the wiki.
Render of a Puffstool from Pikmin 4.
Appears in PikminPikmin 4
Scientific name Fungirussus elasticis
Aspergilla podronis
(Pikmin Player's Guide)
Family Sporovid
Areas The Forest Navel, Primordial Thicket
Caves None
Challenge Mode stages The Distant Spring
Dandori Challenge stages None
Dandori Battle stages None
Attacks Game icon for Pikmin articles.: Possess Pikmin
Game icon for Pikmin 4 articles.: Confuses Pikmin

The Puffstool (ボケナメコ?, lit.: "Stupid Nameko") is an enemy in Pikmin and Pikmin 4 that appears to be a huge walking fungus, strongly resembling a red-capped bolete. It has twin antennae, a red-capped mushroom head, and a tender yellow torso which is vulnerable to swarming. Only minimal details of the creature's biology are supplied in-game.

The Puffstool will try to run when attacked, but due to its stumpy legs clearly not being made for sprinting, it trips easily, landing on its head with its feet in the air. Since the cap is invulnerable to Pikmin attacks (but not Olimar's punch), one must throw the Pikmin onto its undersection once it's on the ground. After a few seconds, the Puffstool will right itself up and blow out a purplish cloud of spores which cause a strange change in nearby Pikmin, which the Puffstool acts as a leader for.

In the original Pikmin, affected Pikmin turn purple, grow small brown mushroom caps on their stalks, and become aggressive. In Pikmin 4, while the Puffstool cannot affect Pikmin in the same way as before, it can still confuse Pikmin with its spores and cause them to jump around aimlessly (similar to the effects of the chemicals expelled by the Groovy Long Legs).

In Pikmin 4, a poisonous relative to the Puffstool named the Toxstool was introduced that, while possessing some differences in its coloration and behavior, mostly shares the same general physical characteristics and behavior to that of the Puffstool.

Stats[edit]

Game Weight Max.
carriers
Seeds Value Health Regen.
Pikmin 10 20 30 N/A 2500 Unknown
Pikmin 4 12 24 20 20[note 1] 15000 No
  1. ^ This enemy cannot be delivered to the S.S. Beagle in-game. This information is obtained from the Piklopedia.

Notes

Olimar's voyage log

This creature's cap is elastic, negating any Pikmin attacks. Attacking its lower torso works better, but the puffstool lets out spores that turn the Pikmin into mushrooms, which then attack me! They return to normal when shaken off.

Reel notes

Many consider this walking fungus a delicacy.

Pikmin Official Player's Guide description[edit]

Red sporovids seem to have developed higher functions than other fungi, as evidenced by the protruding reproductive organs on their caps. These organs act much like a flower would on a normal plant. This species appears to be able to separate for a short time from the fungal colony to which it belongs. This occurs when the mushroom cap has reached a certain size and the spore sac is full. It will then sever its connection to the colony to walk around a limited area to spread the spores. This walking form can no longer absorb nutrients from the colony, but if the released spores contact another living creature, spore-encased fungal filaments will begin an explosive cycle of reproduction within the host, taking over its central nervous system. The host will be controlled by the red sporovid within its area of activity. Edible, considered a delicacy. Referred to as "punchstool" in some locales.

Chase the puffstool and crowd your Pikmin around its feet to topple the mushroom. When it's upside-down, toss Pikmin onto its stem. If the puffstool flips back over, its cap will tremble—the telltale sign that it's about to release poisonous spores. Retreat or the spores will turn your Pikmin into zombies.

Pikmin Nintendo Power booklet description[edit]

This fearsome fungus releases spores that can take over the central nervous system of Pikmin. Infected Pikmin immediately go insane, ruthlessly attacking Captain Olimar.

Dalmo's notes[edit]

Come, let us ponder the Puffstool. This devious li'l bean releases spores that have a hallucinogenic effect on Pikmin. At the first inhale, affection sprouts, and they are drawn in closer. Then they breathe in more and more of the confusion-inducing spores. Soon they think of nothing but the Puffstool as they jump around... Boing, boing...bo...

Olimar's notes[edit]

A type of Ambulofungus, the current working theory is that the Puffstool evolved from a more common species of fungus that gained animal-like characteristics over time, including the ability to walk.

When it senses danger, it will scatter spores from under its cap, releasing a hallucinogen that confuses its attackers. The hallucinogenic compound in the spores is only effective against this species's natural enemies, the Pikmin, causing them to mistake it for their leader. Pikmin who fall into this trap are then used as workers to maintain nutrition or defenses for the Puffstool.

Louie's notes[edit]

Flip upside down, and cook cap over a charcoal grill, low and slow. Once it starts to sweat, it's ready to eat.

Pikmin Garden[edit]

Text

キノコが動物的な性質を獲得し、歩けるようになった歩菌類の一種。幻覚作用のある胞子をふりまいてピクミンを捕らえ、ワーカーとして使役する。

特徴 その1 歩くキノコ

菌糸が筋肉のように発達し、歩くことができる。
(Image text: 足が短く、転びやすい)

特徴 その2 胞子をふりまく

ピクミンを混乱状態におちいらせて護衛や栄養の確保などに利用する。

特徴 その3 美味である

傘の部分が食用に適している。日光に当てて乾燥させると、うまみ成分やビタミンが増加する。

Translation

A type of Ambulofungus, which has gained animal-like characteristics and is able to walk. It captures Pikmin by scattering hallucinogenic spores and uses them as workers.

Feature #1: Walking mushroom

Its hyphae have developed like muscles, allowing it to walk.
(Image text: Its legs are short and it falls easily)

Feature #2: Scattering spores

It puts Pikmin into a state of confusion and uses them as guards and to maintain nutrition.

Feature #3: Delicious

The cap part is edible. When dried in the sun, the umami and vitamins increase.

Strategy[edit]

The following article or section contains guides.
The strategies shown are just suggestions.

See also: Mushroom Pikmin.

In Pikmin, to quickly dispatch the Puffstool, the player should bring a high number of Red Pikmin into its arena. First swarm its legs with a good chunk of Pikmin, though be careful when swarming because although the Puffstool flipping around won't harm Pikmin, in the GameCube and Wii versions, there is a chance that the crushing glitch may happen. Don't throw the Pikmin before its fallen over, as they'll bounce off of its cap and return to the group. When attacking its torso, the Puffstool will try to run away but flip over, legs flailing. In this state, it can be killed by throwing all remaining Pikmin on top. It will die and appear to deflate, leaving its cap, which can be carried by 10 Pikmin to their Onion. If a player is looking to minimize the risk of losing Pikmin, it is recommended to attack only with the leader. Furthermore, the Puffstool has no attacks that could harm Olimar. (Note, however, that this may consume a fair amount of time.) Should you run the risk of being attacked, however, just run away until the spore cloud dissipates. While it is also possible to drop some Bomb rocks at its feet, due to the Puffstool always running, this tactic can be hard unless the creature is cornered. A successful explosion should sap away a quarter of its health if successful though.

In Pikmin 4, the overall strategy of taking down the Puffstool remains mostly the same. The key difference lies in that its past ability from Pikmin has been replaced with a different, still fairly unique hazard. The Puffstool's spores now cause Pikmin to jump around it aimlessly, with the player being unable to whistle them out of this effect. Depending on where this effect takes place, this can potentially be hazardous due to the surrounding patches of sticky mold with poison mushrooms. On top of that, two Moldy Slooches patrol the area, meaning that it is recommended to dispose of the enemy, sticky mold, and mushrooms in order to focus on the Puffstool. Unlike its less passive relative, the Toxstool, the Puffstool will not actively attempt to revive the enemy, sticky mold, and/or mushrooms around it. Oatchi, in particular, is helpful against the Puffstool due to his immunity to its spores. If looking to battle it with just Pikmin, however, White Pikmin are recommended for the aforementioned Moldy Slooches, sticky mold, and mushrooms around the field. Ice Pikmin would also help due to their freezing ability negating the Puffstool's defenses and spore attack.

Locations[edit]

Some regular Pikmin and some Mushroom Pikmin near a Puffstool in an early version of the game.

Making its debut in Pikmin, a single Puffstool can be found during the game's main campaign within The Forest Navel, where it holds the Omega Stabilizer. Once defeated, its cap can be returned to an Onion, where it will produce 30 Pikmin seeds. In the game's Challenge Mode, two more Puffstools can be found in The Distant Spring. According to early screenshots (as seen on the right), a Puffstool would have appeared in The Forest of Hope on the plateau overlooking the small body of water where the trio of Burrowing Snagrets are in the final game.

After an over two-decade-long absence from the series, the Puffstool returns in Pikmin 4, being found within the game's final area: the Primordial Thicket. Similar to its appearance in Pikmin, the Puffstool appears only once during the main campaign of Pikmin 4. Unlike in Pikmin, however, bringing the Puffstool's cap back to the Onion yields 20 Pikmin seeds as opposed to 30. Curiously, however, while the Pikmin produced from the cap has decreased, the weight of the cap has increased from 10 to 12.

Technical information[edit]

Pikmin technical information (?)
Internal name kinoko
HP 2500

Other information[edit]

Naming[edit]

See more: Sporovid family#Naming.
  • Common name: Puffstool. It is a combination of "puff", referring to how it blows out spores, and "toadstool" (mushroom), referring to its appearance. The "puff" can also come from the name "puffball" which is given to any fungi in the division Basidiomycota.
  • Japanese nickname: ボケナメコ?, lit.: "Stupid Nameko". A nameko is a type of mushroom, and the adjective stupid is because of its appearance and behavior, mostly over how it trips when running away.
  • Japanese name: アカボケオオナメコ?, lit.: "Red Stupid Big Nameko".
  • Scientific name: Fungirussus elasticis. Fungirussus is a combination of "fungi" and russus, Latin for red. Elasticis refers to the creature’s elastic cap. Unofficially, in the Pikmin Player’s Guide, its scientific name is Aspergilla podronis. Podronis may refer to the pods some fungus releases through gases, much like the Puffstool does to infect Pikmin.
  • Internal names: KINOKO. It is the Japanese word きのこ? (lit.: "mushroom"). In Pikmin 4, its internal name was changed to BOKENAMEKO.
  • Prerelease: None.

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Flag of Japan Japanese ボケナメコ?
Boke Nameko
Stupid Nameko
Flag of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Chinese
(traditional)
呆呆菇
Dāidāi Gū
Stupid Mushroom
Flag of China Chinese
(simplified)
呆呆菇
Dāidāi Gū
Stupid Mushroom
Flag of the Netherlands Dutch Strompelzwam Stumbleshroom
Flag of France French Champispore Portmanteau of champignon (mushroom) and spore
Flag of Germany German Puffmorchel Puffed Morel
Flag of Italy Italian Amanita panciuta Potbellied amanita
Flag of South Korea Korean 멍텅버섯
Meongteong Beoseot
Stupid Mushroom
Flag of Brazil Portuguese Cogupança Mushbelly The name is a portmanteau of "cogumelo" (mushroom) and "pança" (belly)
Flag of Spain Spanish Seta de esporas Spore mushroom

Gallery[edit]

This article or section is in need of more images. Particularly:
images of the Puffstool in the Primordial Thicket in P4.
You can help Pikipedia by uploading some images.

Pikmin[edit]

Pikmin 4[edit]

Trivia[edit]

  • If the player kills the Puffstool as it begins to get up, it will still do so and release its spores with its health, indicating it is dead; a similar effect occurs when a Wollyhop is defeated when jumping.
  • The Puffstool is one of the enemies with which the crushing glitch happens fairly regularly, with the frequency increased in the Wii version of the game.[source needed]
  • There is an enemy in The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap called the Puffstool, which has a similar look and size; however, they have different Japanese names, so the reference may have been added in localization.
  • When it flips onto its cap, it makes the same sound as the Anode Beetle flipping over.
  • Occasionally, if Pikmin are carrying the remains back to the Onion in The Forest Navel, they will be unable to cross some of the bridges that lead back to base, rendering the remains uncollectable.
  • The Puffstool's ability to control Olimar's Pikmin with its spores is possibly based on a real fungus called Cordyceps, whose spores take over an insect's nervous system and force it to help the mushroom.
  • In Pikmin, despite the Pikmin exposed the Puffstool's spores commonly being referred to as "Mushroom Pikmin" or "Puffmin," no official name has ever been given to them by Nintendo.
  • In Pikmin 4, while the Puffstool doesn't have its unique ability from Pikmin, it and the Groovy Long Legs both share a unique defense mechanism to expel a chemical that causes Pikmin to jump around erratically, unable to be controlled. This hazard is not found anywhere else in the game and is unique in that it cannot be dispelled through whistling.

See also[edit]