Pikmin 4, the most recent addition to Nintendo's real-time strategy series, launched exclusively on Nintendo Switch in July 2023, and prior to its launch we pulled together all of the information, trailers, and news we received on the game into one page.
This new series entry promised a bunch of brand-new gameplay features as well as some fun new friends that'll shake up the way you play, and as we discussed in our review, it's an incredibly fun addition to the well-loved series.
But, if you want to learn more about everything we had access to leading up to release and how that compares to the game now, this page contains all the information we knew in advance so you can reflect now the game is out.
Pikmin 4: cut to the chase
- What is it? The fourth installment in Nintendo's real-time strategy series
- When did it launch? July 21, 2023
- What can I play it on? Nintendo Switch
Pikmin 4 release date and platforms
Pikmin 4 was released exclusively for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo OLED, and Nintendo Switch Lite on July 21, 2023.
Pikmin 4 trailers
Last trailer
The last trailer for Pikmin 4 before it launched was showcased during the February 2023 Nintendo Direct. This second trailer showed off some new gameplay elements and a deeper look at the world that we can now explore as the leader of the Pikmin.
The trailer showed a new way to deploy Pikmin, new Pikmin variants, and even a furry friend that'll help us on our journey. There's also a quick look at the environments and the locations that you'll have to traverse.
More trailers
If you want to find out more about Pikmin 4 and the colorful companions that'll help you on your journey you can find all of these over at Nintendo of America's official YouTube channel.
Pikmin 4 story and setting
We didn't go into Pikmin 4 knowing much about the story, but given we knew it was a real-time strategy game, puzzles are your greatest focus instead of a storyline.
However, Pikmin 4 does have a loose story that was set up in previous games. Previously, in Pikmin 3, the inhabitants of your home planet Koppai suffered from a serious famine. In order to save the starving population you and some other explorers were sent out to collect seeds. This is where you first encounter the Pikmin who help you in your endeavor.
Pikmin 4 built off this narrative. While in search of new seeds, some of your fellow tiny travelers have become lost. It's your job to find the castaways that are scattered throughout this unknown world and bring them back to safety.
Pikmin 4 gameplay
As a real-time strategy game, Pikmin 4 revolves around puzzles. You'll use various types of Pikmin to scale obstacles, fight enemies, and collect treasure that can be used to build up your base.
Pikmin 4 is filled with new features that are set to make this RTS game a thrilling addition to the series. Pikmin 4 adds a new mechanic to deploy Pikmin as well as a camera option that is now much closer to the ground. There's also brand-new nighttime gameplay.
However, the star of the show has to be the new Ice Pikmin that can freeze enemies as well as water, which you and your group of Pikmin can then walk over. You'll be able to find a limited supply of these critters in caves, like the white and purple Pikmin.
There's also a new dog-like companion named Oatchi. Like the Ice Pikmin, this pooch allows you to traverse over water by carrying you and your Pikmin on his back. Oatchi can also help protect weaker Pikmin, fight off enemies, and break through large obstacles.
Our list of the best Nintendo Switch games is kept up to date with all the newest releases worth playing on your hybrid handheld console, but if you're looking exclusively for more strategy-based games, you might want to check out our list of the best PC strategy games too.
