Pikmin 3

Charge

Revision as of 14:51, November 2, 2020 by Espyo (talk | contribs) (Moving this mechanic to its own page. Because Pikmin 3 Deluxe completely changed the way this works, a lot more needs to be said.)
The data file explaining how to charge.

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Charging is a feature in Pikmin 3 that allows the player to instantly order the Pikmin in their group to rush towards a target, and work on it or attack it, much like if they were thrown at it. This effectively replaces the swarm mechanic of the previous games. The feature works differently in Pikmin 3 and in Pikmin 3 Deluxe.

Pikmin 3

In order to charge at something, the player must be locked-on to it. By issuing the "dismiss" command while locked-on, the Pikmin in the group will charge at the object. 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 dismissed, 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 gates or Flukeweeds.
  • Bomb rock-wielding Pikmin directed towards anything.
  • Non-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 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.

Pikmin 3 Deluxe

The following article or section is in need of assistance from someone who plays Pikmin 3 Deluxe.

Names in other languages

Language Name Meaning
  Japanese 突撃?
Totsugeki
Charge
  Chinese
(traditional)
突擊 Charge
  Chinese
(simplified)
突击 Charge
  French Assaut Assault
  German Ausschwärmen Deploy
  Italian All'attacco! Attack!
  Korean 돌격
dolgyeok
Charge
  Spanish ¡A la carga! Charge!

See also