Pikmin 4 Pikmin Types
Updated · 2 min read
Nintendo’s product page lists nine plantlike allies. Match the right type to fire, water, electricity, poison, flight, weight, and darkness.
Type overview (Nintendo descriptions)
| Type | Official highlights |
|---|---|
| Red | Fire is no sweat; strong first line of attack |
| Blue | Happy on land and in water; fling them when the going gets wet |
| Yellow | Great vs electrified gates / currents; dig well; thrown high |
| Ice | Freeze enemies; freeze bodies of water so others can cross |
| Glow | Thrive in the dark; can become a ball of light that stuns enemies |
| Purple | Strength/weight of 10; stun on throw; carry heavy objects; slower |
| Rock | Heavy and unbreakable; smash crystals; handle stompy foes |
| Winged | Carry over water, lift obstructions; fight flying enemies |
| White | Speedy and poisonous; better in toxic environments |
Field squad limit
Nintendo notes that up to three Pikmin types can be with you in the field at a time; the rest hang back until swapped in. The take-out screen Hint (Fresh Recruits) can auto-build a useful mix with X.
Onions and growth
To increase population of a type you have met, collect a matching Onion. Types discovered in caves join your adventure if you leave with them. Glow Pikmin are tied to night-time exploration fantasy on the store page (“thrive in the dark”); see Night Expeditions.
Decor Pikmin (free update)
A November 2025 free update adds Decor Pikmin (outfit-wearing buds) you can photograph with the Field Camera after rescuing Ranger Dingo, with optional transfer to Pikmin Bloom. Details: Updates.
Related
FAQ
How many Pikmin types are in Pikmin 4?
Nintendo’s eShop “Meet the Pikmin” gallery lists nine: Red, Blue, Yellow, Ice, Glow, Purple, Rock, Winged, and White.
How do I grow more of a type?
Fresh Recruits: you need an Onion of the matching color. Oatchi can be commanded to lead you toward more of that type.
What is special about Purple Pikmin?
Nintendo states a single Purple Pikmin has the strength and weight of 10 regular Pikmin, can stun enemies when thrown, carry heavier objects, and moves more slowly.