Pikmin 3 Guide - Pikmin Types and Abilities

Pikmin 3 for the Wii U features five different types of Pikmin, including two that are all new to the series. These Pikmin each have different skills and abilities that help the player navigate each level. Getting through each level successfully requires the player to know each Pikmin type and how to use them effectively.

Blue Pikmin

Blue Pikmin are the only Pikmin able to enter the water found in levels. They are also immune to water attacks.  

Red Pikmin

Red Pikmin are immune to fire, so they are needed to get through any fiery obstacles in a level. Red Pikmin have a lot of attack power as well, so they are a good choice for fighting enemies.

Yellow Pikmin

Yellow Pikmin are immune to electricity, so they can cross electrical hazards unharmed. They are also needed to connect electrodes found throughout the levels.  Yellow Pikmin are also very useful because they can be thrown higher than other Pikmin, making it easier for them to reach certain areas, and they can also dig faster than other Pikmin, finding buried objects more quickly.

Rock Pikmin

Rock Pikmin are new to the series, and they are needed to destroy crystal objects and barricades. They also do a lot of damage against enemies when they are thrown, and they have a high defense level.  They are unable to be crushed or trampled.  However, they fall down after each attack and they cannot cling to objects like other Pikmin.

Winged Pikmin

Winged Pikmin are also new to Pikmin 3, and they have the ability of flight. They can fly over obstacles or blockages while carrying an item to solve puzzles. They can fight while flying. Winged Pikmin are also used to pull up a special item called Flukeweed throughout the game. These Pikmin are not suited for most combat situations and have low attack power.