White Pikmin In-game icon.
A White Flower Pikmin from Pikmin 4.
Scientific name Pikminidae venalbius
Family Pikmin
Resistance Poison
Attack strength Pikmin 2:  Average(?)
Pikmin 3:  Below average(?)
Pikmin 4:  Below average(?)
Pikmin Bloom:  Below average(?)
Mobility High(?)
Throw Average
Digging speed Pikmin 2:  Average(?)
Pikmin 3:  Below average(?)
Pikmin 4:  Average(?)
Carrying capacity 1
Pikmin 4 Piklopedia number 115
Voice actor Hajime Wakai[1]

The following article or section is in need of assistance from someone who plays Pikmin 4.

White Pikmin (白ピクミン?) are a type of Pikmin found in Pikmin 2, Pikmin 4, Pikmin Bloom, and non-story game modes in Pikmin 3. They are the third type of Pikmin found in Pikmin 2, the first of which are found in the White Flower Garden. Their most noteworthy characteristics are their faster speed compared to other Pikmin, ability to find buried objects that are completely hidden underground, and their immunity to poison. Their defining physical characteristics are their red eyes, white color, and smaller size.

In Pikmin 2, White Pikmin share a number of similarities with Purple Pikmin. Firstly, they can only be obtained via certain Candypop Buds, in this case Ivory Candypop Buds in Pikmin 2, and Candypop Buds in Pikmin 4. Their flowers (as well as buds) are magenta rather than white. In addition, at the end of each day, they are stored in the Hocotate ship. In Pikmin 4, they are stored in the Master Onion instead, and a White Onion can be obtained to produce White Pikmin by completing the 5th floor of the Trial of the Sage Leaf.

Traits and abilities

 
A Dwarf Red Bulborb dying by consuming the poisonous White Pikmin.

White Pikmin are smaller than other types of Pikmin. They have red eyes that in Pikmin 2 allow them to locate treasures that are completely buried underground, unlike other Pikmin, which is demonstrated shortly after discovering them in the White Flower Garden. They are the fastest of all Pikmin, such that, when flowered, they run at least as quickly as leaders equipped with Rush Boots. In Pikmin 3, this is their main ability, as they are only found in Mission Mode, which requires carrying back treasures quickly. In Pikmin 3 and Pikmin 4, they have weaker attack power than most other Pikmin, on par with Winged Pikmin, but match the strength of the standard types in Pikmin 2.

White Pikmin also possess the unique ability to be able to stand through poisonous gases without choking to death, as do Bulbmin. This makes them quite important when taking out poisonous enemies and destroying poison emitters, although other types of Pikmin might still be able to cause damage, with some difficulty. Upon being eaten, White Pikmin eject a poisonous fluid into the eater, which poisons them. This causes instant damage, and is often enough to kill smaller enemies, like a Dwarf Orange Bulborb. With that said, this does not prevent the Pikmin's death, so it should be used as a last resort. The damage dealt by poison varies per game and difficulty mode. In Pikmin 3, they seem to not be immune to ink[2] or the Vehemoth Phosbat's dust,[3] which are the two closest things to poison in the game. In Pikmin 4, White Pikmin are no longer the only Pikmin type that can unearth completely buried objects and deal less poison damage to enemies that eat them than in Pikmin 2. However, they make up for this with their swift movement and carry speed (particularly useful in Dandori Challenges) and their ability to deal with the greater number of poison-spewing enemies and hazards, particularly within the final area of the game: the Primordial Thicket.

Venom and poison

 
A White Pikmin spewing some form of acid in Occupational Hazards.

White Pikmin are poisonous; if ingested by an enemy, they will poison their foe (with different enemies requiring different doses before dying). The poison itself is described by Olimar as being similar to aconite, which matches with the speed at which the poison affects anything exposed to it.

However, it is possible that White Pikmin may be venomous as well. Venom must be injected with a wound from the attacker, and although White Pikmin do not do that directly in any canon game, some hints in non-canon media indicate that they might be able to expel some hazardous material and use it similarly to venomous creatures.

In the short movie Occupational Hazards, a White Pikmin spews some form of acid at one point. The contents of the liquid are not known, but the fact that the Pikmin can expel it might mean that it is possible for White Pikmin to attack enemies by injecting this liquid, making them partially venomous. The liquid itself is highly corrosive and can melt metal objects. In the Super Smash Bros. games, when a White Pikmin pummels an enemy (either via Olimar's grab or side special attack), some "poison" particles are emitted and extra damage is caused, compared to a normal Pikmin strike.

Although those points are ambiguous at best, the European version of their trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U does mention that they have venom.[4]

Even though this information only applies to non-canon media, White Pikmin do emit a cloud of "poison" from their mouth area on their introduction cutscene. This could be a sign of a potential venom injection ability that goes unused by the Pikmin in the canon games. That being said, it is also possible that the Pikmin's poison is simply absorbed through an enemy's skin and that the particle effects are purely aesthetic, or otherwise meant to illustrate their abilities without having to allow a Pikmin to be eaten first. This is further supported by multiple reports of aconite poisoning being caused by handling the plant without protective gloves.

In Pikmin 2

Discovery

 
A White Pikmin when first discovered in the White Flower Garden.

Captain Olimar first finds the White Pikmin in the White Flower Garden. On the 3rd sublevel, he runs across 3 Ivory Candypop Buds, and throws his available Pikmin into them to turn them into White Pikmin. Once he plucks one, the Hocotate ship immediately notices that they are much smaller than the others, but appear to be faster. On their way through the sublevel's exit route, the White Pikmin stop in their tracks and automatically start digging out a buried treasure in the way, alerting Olimar and Louie of their ability.

Mandatory uses

White Pikmin are needed for the following treasures and tasks, as no other Pikmin type is up for the job, not even if exploits are used.

  • Treasures
    • Any and all fully buried treasures. Such a list can be found here.
  • Enemies
    • None
  • Caves
    • None

Recommended uses

 
Poison emitters are hazardous obstacles that often block treasures and can only be destroyed by White Pikmin.

White Pikmin are recommended for the following tasks, although they are not strictly necessary.

  • Treasures
    •   Geographic Projection: There is a gate covered in poison emitters blocking the way to the treasure. However, it's possible to ignore the gate and build the bridge by the treasure instead by going out of bounds, or by using Blue Pikmin (the early Blue Pikmin glitch is required for this latter method).
    •   Seed of Greed: The section of the Wistful Wild with this treasure is blocked off by two gates with poison emitters, each on different exits. The emitters can be destroyed with the Gatling Groink's shots, though.
    •   Anti-hiccup Fungus: Same as Seed of Greed.
  • Enemies
    • None
  • Caves
  • Other
    • The Yellow Onion is in a room closed off by a gate with poison emitters. It is, however, possible to use a carrying path oversight to get to that room and bypass the gate. In addition, other Pikmin types can also, if ineffectively, destroy the poison emitters.

In Pikmin 3

White Pikmin, like Purple Pikmin, are only present in Mission Mode and Bingo Battle, in Pikmin 3, and even then, only in some of the levels. This list contains all stages where White Pikmin can be found, either ready to use, or obtainable through Ivory Candypop Buds.


Mission Mode
Bingo Battle

In Pikmin 4

To do: Add locations and mandatory/recommended uses.
Care to do so?

The following article or section is in need of assistance from someone who plays Pikmin 4.
Particularly: Add uses in Dandori caves

Discovery

In Pikmin 4, White Pikmin can first be found in Subzero Sauna, by the use of White Candypop Buds hidden in frozen hydro jelly.

Recommended uses

White Pikmin are recommended for the following tasks, but Oatchi, Glow Pikmin, the player and other Pikmin types can also do them.

Treasures

To do: Write a list of treasures which White Pikmin are useful for collecting.
Care to do so?

Onions

Enemies

  •   Doodlebug: Enemies that release a cloud of poison every time they move.
  •   Moldy Dwarf Bulborb: Enemies that release a cloud of poison every time a Pikmin is thrown on its growth.
  •   Moldy Slooch: Enemies that release a cloud of poison every time a Pikmin is thrown on its growth.
  •   Startle Spore: Enemies that attack with their long tongues which creates a poisonous pool.
  •   Toxstool: Enemies that release a large poison cloud that can revive defeated enemies, mushrooms, and mold.
  •   Venom Dweevil: Enemies that release poison gas when attacked.

Others

In Pikmin Bloom

In Pikmin Bloom, White Pikmin are the fifth Pikmin type unlocked, at level 9. Their seedlings require a minimum of 3 carrying strength to be retrieved, along with 3000 steps to grow. In expeditions, they have a carrying strength of 1 and have a time modifier of 0.5. In mushroom battles, they have a base attack power of 2.

Notes

Olimar's Voyage Log

Rare White Pikmin come from Candypop Buds that bloom in caves. They're small and notably fast on their feet, but their attacks are lacking. Imbued with enough poison to be lethal to a Bulborb, these wily Pikmin are resistant to poisonous gas themselves.

Dalmo's Notes

These tiny White Pikmin can dart about quite swiftly. Their bold red eyes are as charming as they are startling. Like a flower that has sharp thorns, these cute little ones possess a potent poison! Such small critters need to be tough to survive.

Olimar's Notes

White Pikmin are "born" through a color-changing process within white Candypop Buds, which only grow underground.

The poison within its body is a type of diterpene alkaloid similar to a toxin often found in certain plant roots. If ingested, it can lead to vomiting, respiratory distress, and complete organ failure, ultimately resulting in death due to cardiac arrest.

Though strong, this poison also has medicinal uses, sometimes going by the name aconite.

The Pikmin are Ambuloradices and evolved from plants, but it seems some species retain more of their plant-based evolutionary heritage than others.

Louie's Notes

Not to be ingested. Best used as bait.

Pikmin Bloom description

White Pikmin have big red eyes compared to their small, nimble bodies. Don’t let their size fool you though; they’re poisonous!

Pikmin Garden

Text

純白の小さな体に、赤い瞳が目を引くピクミン。体内に非常に強い毒(附子という生薬にもなる)を持ち、さまざまな毒物に対して耐性がある。地下にだけ咲く白ポンガシグサから生まれる。

特徴 その1 毒に強い

毒への耐性があり、毒ガスや毒の胞子に触れても問題ない。

特徴 その2 毒がある

体内に強い毒を持ち、白ピクミンを捕食した生物を死に至らしめるほどである。

特徴 その3 足が速い

ピクミンの中で最も速く走ることができる。一方で、体が小さく、たたく力は弱い。

Translation

A Pikmin with a small, pure white body and striking red eyes. It has a very strong poison in its body (which can be used as a herbal medicine called aconite) and is resistant to a variety of poisons. It is born from white Candypop Buds, which bloom only underground.

Feature #1: Resistant to poison

It is resistant to poison and has no problem coming into contact with poisonous gas or poisonous spores.

Feature #2: Poisonous

It has a strong poison in its body that can kill creatures that prey on White Pikmin.

Feature #3: Quick on its feet

It can run the fastest of all Pikmin. However, it has a small body, and its striking power is weak.

In the Super Smash Bros. series

White Pikmin appear in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as a kind of Pikmin that Olimar is able to pull from the ground via his standard special move, Pikmin Pluck. They also appear as a trophy in Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. They have the lowest vitality, and deliver the lowest amount of damage and knockback if Olimar uses them for his aerials and smashes, but when they latch onto an enemy, they deal poison damage, which is much more damaging than the pummeling of other Pikmin. White Pikmin can be thrown the farthest, despite this not being the case in the Pikmin games. In Brawl, they also appear as a sticker.

Brawl trophy

  Description:

A type of Pikmin. White Pikmin are resistant to poisons and are themselves toxic to creatures that eat them. Their low weight makes them very speedy, and they can also dig up buried items. White and purple Pikmin do not live inside Onions, so you must change other Pikmin into them by tossing them into ivory candypop buds and violet candypop buds.

  Pikmin 2
How to obtain: Random appearance. Type: Fighter

Smash 4 trophy

3DS
    US description:
These tiny, white Pikmin have bright-red eyes. They are the fastest of the Pikmin, perfect for finding and retrieving hidden treasure. In Smash Bros., you can use them to poison your enemies. Since they can fly the farthest of any Pikmin when thrown, use them to poison enemies from afar.
  EU description:
These small, fast-footed Pikmin are white with red eyes. That ominous look they have might give you the chills, and you'd be right to be scared – the little blighters are poisonous! In this game, they'll hang on to any enemy you throw them at and generously share their venom with them.
How to obtain: Random appearance. Type: Fighter
Wii U
    US description:

These tiny, white Pikmin have bright-red eyes. They are the fastest of the Pikmin, perfect for finding and retrieving hidden treasure. In Smash Bros., you can use them to poison your enemies. Since they can fly the farthest of any Pikmin when thrown, use them to poison enemies from afar.
Appears in:

  Pikmin 2 (08/2004)
  Pikmin 3 (08/2013)
  EU description:

These small, fast-footed Pikmin are white with red eyes. That ominous look they have might give you the chills, and you'd be right to be scared – the little blighters are poisonous! In this game, they'll hang on to any enemy you throw them at and generously share their venom with them.
Related Games

  Pikmin 2 (10/2004)
  Pikmin 3 (07/2013)
How to obtain: Random appearance. Type: Fighter Trophy Box: 60. Pikmin

Technical information

Pikmin 2 technical information (?)
Attack strength 10
Carrying strength 1
Running speed 144 leaf, 168 bud, 204 flower
Digging speed ≈1× the norm
Pikmin 3 technical information (?)
Attack strength 5
Carrying strength 1
Running speed Unknown
Digging speed ≈0.5× the norm
Pikmin 4 technical information (?)
Attack strength 5
Carrying strength 1
Running speed 168 leaf, 204 bud, 240 flower, 264 spicy
Digging speed ≈1× the norm
Pikmin Bloom technical information (?)
Base attack strength 2
Carrying strength 1
Expedition time modifier 0.5

Pikmin 2 poison

In Pikmin 2, enemies that have the ability to eat Pikmin have an internal parameter for how much damage they take when they eat a White Pikmin. The following table shows the damage each of those enemies takes, and compares that to the enemy's health to show the proportion of health lost from eating a White Pikmin.

White Pikmin poison damage in Pikmin 2
Enemy Damage taken Health Proportion
  Bulbmin 500 300 167%
  Bulborb Larva 300 5 6000%
  Burrowing Snagret 200 1500 13%
  Cloaking Burrow-nit 300 300 100%
  Creeping Chrysanthemum 2500 2500 100%
  Dwarf Bulbear 500 500 100%
  Dwarf Orange Bulborb 300 250 120%
  Dwarf Red Bulborb 300 200 150%
  Emperor Bulblax 200 1300 15%
  Fiery Bulblax 300 1400 21%
  Hairy Bulborb 650 650 100%
  Hermit Crawmad 500 500 100%
  Male Sheargrub 300 50 600%
  Orange Bulborb 425 850 50%
  Pileated Snagret 400 5000 8%
  Ranging Bloyster 200 1500 13%
  Red Bulborb 750 750 100%
  Shearwig 300 200 150%
  Snow Bulborb 300 150 200%
  Spotty Bulbear 400 1200 33%
  Toady Bloyster 200 800 25%
  Water Dumple 300 200 150%

Pikmin 3 poison

In Pikmin 3, all enemies have a value for how many White Pikmin ingestions it takes to kill them. To calculate the damage dealt by eating a White Pikmin, the health of the enemy is divided by this value. For enemies that cannot eat Pikmin, and also bosses, this value is set to 0. The following list shows the values used by different enemies:

1 White Pikmin ingestion to kill
3 White Pikmin ingestions to kill
5 White Pikmin ingestions to kill
10 White Pikmin ingestions to kill

Note that some of these values are unused, as White Pikmin are only found in a few Mission Mode and Bingo Battle stages. Asterisks denote enemies that cannot be seen with White Pikmin under normal circumstances.

Pikmin 4 poison

In Pikmin 4, all enemies that eat Pikmin can take damage from White Pikmin ingestions, with the exceptions of Startle Spores, Moldy Dwarf Bulborbs, and Moldy Slooches, due to all 3 enemies being poisonous. The following list shows how many White Pikmin ingestions it takes to kill different enemies:

1 White Pikmin ingestion to kill
2 White Pikmin ingestions to kill
3 White Pikmin ingestions to kill
5 White Pikmin ingestions to kill
8 White Pikmin ingestions to kill
10 White Pikmin ingestions to kill
12 White Pikmin ingestions to kill
15 White Pikmin ingestions to kill
20 White Pikmin ingestions to kill
  •   Ancient Sirehound (Each phase takes 20 White Pikmin to kill, except the final phase, which does not eat Pikmin)

Naming

See more: Pikmin family#Naming.
  • Common name: White Pikmin.
  • Japanese nickname: 白ピクミン?, lit.: "White Pikmin".
  • Japanese name: シロブシピクミン?, lit.: "White Bushi Pikmin".[5] "Bushi" refers to a herbal medicine made from the root of Aconitum carmichaelii, an extremely toxic plant.
  • Scientific name: Pikminidae venalbius. Venalbius is a combination of venenum and albus, Latin for "poison" and "white", respectively.
  • Internal names: Unknown.
  • Prerelease: None.

Names in other languages

Language Name Meaning Notes
  Japanese 白ピクミン?
Shiro Pikumin
White Pikmin
  Chinese
(traditional)
白色皮克敏
Báisè Píkèmǐn
White Pikmin
  Chinese
(simplified)
白色皮克敏
Báisè Píkèmǐn
White Pikmin
  Dutch Witte Pikmin White Pikmin
  French Pikmin blanc White Pikmin
  German Weißes Pikmin
Weiße Pikmin (Pikmin 4)
White Pikmin
  Italian Pikmin bianco White Pikmin
  Korean 하양피크민
Hayang-Pikeumin
White Pikmin
  Portuguese Pikmin branco White Pikmin
  Spanish Pikmin blanco White Pikmin
  Czech Bílý Pikmin White Pikmin Name taken from official site
  Danish Hvid Pikmin White Pikmin Name taken from official site
  Norwegian Hvit Pikmin White Pikmin Name taken from official site
  Swedish Vit Pikmin White Pikmin Name taken from official site

Gallery

Pikmin 2

Pikmin 3

Pikmin 4

Pikmin Bloom

Other

Trivia

 
The White Pikmin carrying the Massage Girdle is larger than the one standing behind Olimar.
  • While carrying an object, White Pikmin will become slightly larger, about as large as any other Pikmin type. They revert to their original size once they stop carrying said object. This will occur in both Pikmin 2 and New Play Control! Pikmin 2.
  • White Pikmin have a subtle shift from white to a purplish tint at the end of their limbs. This trait of color-shifting is uncommon in most Pikmin types, although it is much more noticeable in Winged Pikmin.

See also

References

  1. ^ YouTube video of the sound test in the Japanese version of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
  2. ^ YouTube video demonstrating how White Pikmin are inked by a Sputtlefish in water
  3. ^ YouTube video demonstrating how White Pikmin are not immune to the Vehemoth Phosbat's dust
  4. ^ These small, fast-footed Pikmin are white with red eyes. That ominous look they have might give you the chills, and you'd be right to be scared – the little blighters are poisonous! In this game, they'll hang on to any enemy you throw them at and generously share their venom with them. – Trophy description in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
  5. ^ Japanese "Pikmin Garden" website Piklopedia on Nintendo, retrieved on June 22nd, 2023


 

This article was a featured article from June 1st, 2019 to August 1st, 2019.