The Basics

Controls can be accessed at any time from the Options, which can be opened by pressing the - (Minus) Button.
For more detailed controls, you can check the Control Guide found under Gameplay Guide in the Options accessed by pressing the - (Minus) Button.

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The game will be automatically saved at certain points when exploring an area.

  • At the start and end of the day
  • When you enter and exit a cave
  • When you progress to the next level

The word "Saving" will appear in the top-left corner of the screen when the game is being saved.
At the Rescue Command Post, the game will also be saved when you select Return to Title Screen.

The flower on Pikmin's head will bloom when Pikmin drinks nectar or remains underground for some time without being plucked.
Pikmin will be able to move faster and carry things more quickly when the flowers have bloomed.

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By registering frequently used functions such as Command and Disband in Shortcuts, you can call them up with the directional buttons or by pushing in the Left Stick.
You can register Shortcuts from Shortcut Settings in Options, which can be opened by pressing the - (Minus) Button.

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You can play with another player by going to Co-op Mode found in Options, which can be opened by pressing the - (Minus) Button.
The second player can throw Pebbles or items, supporting the player as a Pebble Pitcher!
Teamwork might be the key to defeating even tougher creatures.

Tips for Exploring

When you're unsure of where to explore next, you can give a Command to Oatchi by holding down the Y Button and tilting the Left Stick to the left.
Pick Up a Scent will make Oatchi think about what to look for next.
Oatchi can also help you find treasure or castaways by selecting these options.
Hop on top of Oatchi to be taken straight to whatever you're looking for—how handy!

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Try checking the Radar Map by opening the Tablet with the + (Plus) Button.
Treasures will be displayed with a ★ within the area that you have already explored.
If you create a Treasure Gauge in The Lab, the closer you get to the treasures, the stronger the radar will react.

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Here are some tips for fighting creatures.

  • Bring lots of Pikmin with you
  • Aim for your target's weak points
  • Use your different types of Pikmin wisely
  • With a lot of Pikmin riding Oatchi's back, Rush at your foe with the X Button.
  • When things get hairy, prioritize safety.

If you're still having trouble, try making some more gear or powering up Oatchi.
If you find yourself running low on Pikmin while battling creatures, try increasing the number using Onions.

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You may find new types of Pikmin to befriend in caves.
Until you find an Onion of their matching color, you won't be able to increase the number of your new Pikmin up on the surface.
Give a Command to Oatchi when their numbers are dwindling.
Oatchi will lead you to where more of this type of Pikmin can be found.

Raw materials are required to Build things and to create items and gear.
You can find raw materials on the surface or in caves or they can be obtained as rewards from Side Missions.
The raw materials you dig up from dirt mounds are refreshed every day, so it'll be useful to remember where they are.
Don't worry if you do forget—issue a Command and Oatchi will lead you to raw materials!

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On the screen where you can take out or return Pikmin, a Hint will appear showing what types of Pikmin will be useful in the area.
By tapping the X Button, you can automatically create a squad of these Pikmin.
It might be wise to listen to this Hint when exploring an area or cave for the first time.

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When you've got a target under Auto Target Lock, you can press the ZR Button to switch to Manual Target Lock.
Use this when you want to target a creature after slipping behind them.
If you press the ZR Button once again while Manual Target Lock is active, you can lock onto another target or remove it.

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Time will not pass while the Radar Map, accessed by pressing the + (Plus) Button, or Options, accessed by pressing the - (Minus) Button, are open.
Not only that, time will stop when you use Survey Drones from The Lab.
Utilize the Radar Map or Survey Drones and focus on your Dandori without worry.

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"Oh no, a whole bunch of my Pikmin were defeated!"
"Ugh, that was a bad Dandori!"
If you ever feel like this, you can select Rewind Time from the Options accessed by pressing the - (Minus) Button and start again from an earlier moment.
If you think you've messed up, don't hesitate to wind back the clock and try again!

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Pikmin 4 official site