What is the correct order to play the Pikmin Games?
Nintendo’s long-running Pikmin brand may not have a large overarching plot like other video game franchises, but there is still much to be gained by playing the games in the series in order. Putting aside the more apparent graphical enhancements, it may be interesting to study how the mechanics of these strategic puzzlers have grown and changed from one game to the next. Here is a full list of all Pikmin games and the platforms on which they may be played.
Pikmin Games – From Oldest to Newest
It’s always wise to get things going the right way from the get-go, so we’ll be covering all of the Pikmin games in chronological sequence. This will allow you to observe the progression of the series’ gameplay and recognise all inside jokes and references:
Pikmin (2001)
Platform: GameCube and Wii
Pikmin 2 (2004)
Platform: GameCube and Wii
Pikmin 3 (2013)
Platform: Wii U and Switch
Hey! Pikmin (2017)
Platform: 3DS
Pikmin Bloom (2021)
Platform: Android and iOS devices
Pikmin 4 (2023)
Platform: Switch
To give you an idea of what’s to come in the sequels, the first Pikmin focuses on Olimar’s struggle to survive in a dangerous environment following a crash landing. To stay alive, he must use the natural plantlike Pikmin to complete puzzles and collect the missing components of his spaceship.
While Pikmin 1 had a strict time limit, Pikmin 2 removes this constraint and greatly enhances the primary Pikmin gameplay by introducing a new character named Louie and enabling the player to switch between him and Olimar.
Pikmin 3 improves on the formula by allowing the user to simultaneously control three leaders. Aside from that, it features the introduction of two new Pikmin varieties, each with their own set of skills and applications. In Pikmin 4, the creature Oatchi joins the Pikmin to help solve puzzles and guide the captain as he explores the planet.
Pikmin Bloom, the fifth item on this list, is an augmented reality mobile game created by Niantic, which is worth noting. It’s a bit of a misfit in the series due to its gameplay similarities to Pokémon GO. However, you may want to check it out anyhow to see how Pikmin is reimagined in a new light.