Red Pikmin
Red Pikmin are a type of Pikmin introduced in Pikmin, alongside Blue Pikmin and Yellow Pikmin, and they appear in all games of the Pikmin series. Red Pikmin have spiked noses and the special abilities of fire resistance and above average Combat|attack power, at 1.5× that of most types. They are the first Pikmin type seen or discovered by the captain in the Pikmin games, and are usually considered the main Pikmin color due to their relatively simple traits and early discovery. Red Pikmin are cultivated via the Red Onion (or the Master Onion), and like Yellow Pikmin, Blue Pikmin and Bulbmin, their buds and flowers are white. These Pikmin are present in all games of the series, and make an appearance in all game modes.
| Red Pikmin | |
|---|---|
 Pikmin 4 artwork | |
| First appearance | Pikmin (2001) |
| Latest appearance | Pikmin 4 (2023) |
| Resistance | Fire |
| Attack | Above average |
| Mobility | Average |
| Throw | Average |
| Carrying capacity | 1 |
Unlike Red Pikmin, when most other Pikmin types except Bulbmin and Glow Pikmin make contact with fire, their leaf, bud, or flower lights up, and the Pikmin runs around in panic. According to Olimar's notes in the Piklopedia of Pikmin 4, this is because their skin and muscle fibers are made up of a flame-resistant cellulose. The fire resistance abilities of Red Pikmin are noticable in Pikmin 4, with the presence of fire starters that only they can pick up and sizzling floors that only they can extinguish. It is also useful in Pikmin and Pikmin 3 because fire geysers cannot be destroyed and several Fiery Blowhogs are encountered. The fire resistance abilities of Red Pikmin is have fewer uses in Pikmin 2, where the geysers can be destroyed by any Pikmin, and Fiery Blowhogs can be defeated quickly by Purple Pikmin; it is mostly for defeating Fiery Bulblaxes, but it is not always required. In Hey! Pikmin, besides their usual traits, Red Pikmin can also stomp out flames, allowing Olimar or other Pikmin to travel by safely.
In 2-Player Battle in Pikmin 2, Player 1's army is made up of Red Pikmin, while Player 2's army is made up of Blue Pikmin. To give the second player equal strength, Blue Pikmin are given the same 1.5× attack power, and the only elemental hazards are from Fiery Blowhogs and Watery Blowhogs.
History
Pikmin series
Pikmin
In Pikmin, Red Pikmin are found in The Impact Site, along with their Onion. They are the first Pikmin type discovered by Olimar, just a short distance from the landing site. When the dormant Red Onion wakes up and ejects a seed, Olimar plucks it, revealing the first Red Pikmin and marking the first time he ever sees a Pikmin. Olimar must be assisted by at least 20 Red Pikmin to carry back the Main Engine to the S.S. Dolphin so that he can exit the planet's surface during the night. It is possible to get up to 25 Red Pikmin on the first day.
There are no tasks that require only the abilities of Red Pikmin. However, as they are the first type discovered, they are required by default until another type is obtained. Red Pikmin are unaffected by streams of fire from Fiery Blowhogs.
Red Pikmin are needed to carry the Libra, the Analog Computer, and Omega Stabilizer through fire geysers, unless one uses careful timing, whistles, and a large number of carriers. As Red Pikmin retrieve the Secret Safe, only they can cross the path of fire geysers necessary to complete the puzzle to the ship part, but with accurate aiming and a long throw, Yellow Pikmin can be thrown from the northern bridge onto the end of the geyser path.
Pikmin 2
In Pikmin 2, the first Red Pikmin are found by Captain Olimar, immediately after landing on the planet. There are 5 Pikmin fighting a Dwarf Red Bulborb in the Valley of Repose, right next to where Olimar lands. By whistling at the Red Pikmin, Olimar gains control over them, which he uses to defeat the enemy. After this, once Louie has regained consciousness, he walks a short distance and finds the Red Onion. From there, Louie builds up the population in order to crush a bag separating him from Olimar, and from then on, the leaders are united.
Like the first Pikmin, there is no task that can only be completed with Red Pikmin specifically. However, as they are the first type discovered, they are required by default until another type is obtained. There are some treasures that are intended to be retrieved by Red Pikmin but can by other types as well.
The Gyroid Bust is the main treasure intended to be retrieved by Red Pikmin, due to all the fire geysers they must carry it through. Other Pikmin types can retrieve the Gyroid Bust if all the fire geysers are destroyed, or through a combination of timing, whistles, and fast carrying strategies.
The Essence of Despair, Frosty Bauble, and Gemstar Wife, the Dimensional Slicer, and the Insect Condo, as well as the Patience Tester in PAL releases only, normally have to be retrieved by Red Pikmin because there is no water around the Fiery Bulblax nearby.
Fiery Blowhogs as well as the debuting Fiery Bulblaxes and Fiery Dweevils are the three enemies that only Red Pikmin are invulnerable to, but any Pikmin type can defeat them.
Pikmin 3
In Pikmin 3, the story begins with Charlie discovering Yellow Pikmin and ending up captured by the Vehemoth Phosbat. After this prologue, Alph wakes up in a small puddle at the Tropical Wilds. He walks a short distance before seeing a Red Pikmin, which surprises both of them. After walking a bit more, he finds three wild Red Pikmin trying to free their Onion from a branch. Alph throws the Pikmin at it and succeeds in freeing it. He then proceeds to grow his army up to 20 (21 if the one sitting on the pot is obtained), so that he can push the cardboard box and get back to the S.S. Drake, as well as try to rescue Brittany. Although Yellow Pikmin are seen first, Red Pikmin are the first type to have their Onion discovered, and thus, formally introduced.
Like the previous two games, there are no tasks that can be completed by only Red Pikmin, but because Red Pikmin are the first type discovered, they are required by default until another type is obtained. The only task designed specifically for Red Pikmin is retrieving the Sunseed Berry in the Distant Tundra, because the fruit is inside of the fiery enemy Pyroclasmic Slooch, which is not near any water.
Fiery Blowhogs return again, still intended to be defeated by Red Pikmin, but remain defeatable by any Pikmin type. Similarly, the introduced Plasm Wraiths have a fiery attack, so they are also meant to be defeated by Red Pikmin, but can still be by any type.
Pikmin 4
In Pikmin 4, Red Pikmin are discovered in the tutorial on day 1. Once the player character reaches the landing site of the Rescue Command Post and has Oatchi dig out a Red Onion nearby, the Onion releases a single Red Pikmin seed, which the player can pluck to start growing a squad.
In Olimar's Shipwreck Tale, a Red Onion stands next to the S.S. Dolphin at the start of day 1. It is already active and contains 10 Red Pikmin. Just like the main campaign, it is necessary for the player to use Red Pikmin to discover other means of carrying and combat. It is unavoidable to either collect two ship parts with Red Pikmin to get to the Blossoming Arcadia and find Moss, or to get the Yellow Onion with Red Pikmin in order to get Yellow Pikmin; otherwise, there are no ship parts that require Red Pikmin.
Red Pikmin are now always required to obtain certain treasures. They are the only Pikmin type that can destroy the hazardous sizzling floors. They are also the only Pikmin that can carry fire starters, which they are required to do to destroy dried plants in the Frozen Inferno, the Cradle of the Beast, and the entrance to a Dandori Challenge in the Giant's Hearth.
There are more enemies intended to be fought by Red Pikmin than in any other game. Besides the returning Fiery Blowhog, Fiery Bulblax, Fiery Dweevil, and Pyroclasmic Slooch, there is also is the Titan Blowhog and Scorchcake. One of the bosses, Ancient Sirehound, uses fire-based attacks during the fourth phase of battle.
At the Rescue Command Post, two of the treasures, the Stone of Advancement and the Path Creator, can be collected by only Red Pikmin due to being the only type available.
There are a few Dandori Caves where only Red Pikmin are available, including Dandori Day Care, 2nd Story: Snow Problem, and Trial Run.
Hey! Pikmin
In Hey! Pikmin, after Captain Olimar crash-lands on the planet, he explores the area he lands in until he stumbles upon a lone Red Pikmin. After he and the S.S. Dolphin II's pod stare at it for a bit, it runs away. After moving forward some more, Olimar and his ship find the Pikmin's hiding spot, a bush. After using the whistle here, the Pikmin that was hiding behind, along with three others, pop out of the bush and join him. These Pikmin are used shortly after to collect some Sparklium Seeds that are out of reach. Eventually, Olimar finishes exploring this starting area, and leaves the Pikmin he found behind. The adventure proper then starts, with the area First Expedition, where he once again meets the Red Pikmin, again, hiding behind a bush. This time, and from here on out, he takes any Red Pikmin he finds and salvages at the end of the area with him, and leaves them in the Pikmin Park.
Unlike the mainline series, Fiery Blowhogs can be only defeated by Red Pikmin. Fiery Dwarf Bulblaxes, Fiery Young Yellow Wollywogs, and Fireflap Bulborb can all be defeated by Red Pikmin only. Although Fiery Blowlets and Firesnout Beetles are also fiery enemies, other Pikmin types can defeat them, but they are mainly intended to be destroyed by Red Pikmin.
There are several treasures that can be collected by Red Pikmin only, which is because they are the only Pikmin type in the area. The treasures include: Loop of Beginnings, Hypno Pendulum, Song Sewer, Unassuming Lighthouse, Quantum Traveler, Constitution Gate, Flashy Monument, Preservation Door, Despair-o-Sphere, Revenge Fantasy, Vacated Baby Buggy, Tiny Jumbo Jet, Deluxe Something-or-Other, Sorcerer's Wand, Self-Reflection Engine, Extended Hand of Friendship, Shimmering Skull, Zoo of the Future, Unremarkable Spinner, Authoritative Obelisk, Tempting Vision, and Teeny Power Plant.
In Pikmin Park, the fireplace can only be destroyed by Red Pikmin due to their fire resistance.
Pikmin Bloom
In Pikmin Bloom, Red Pikmin are the first Pikmin type unlocked, with two being given to the player during the tutorial. Their seedlings require a minimum of 1 carrying strength to be retrieved, along with 1000 steps to grow. In expeditions, Red Pikmin have a carrying strength of 1 and have a time modifier of 1. In mushroom battles, they have a base attack power of 4, and they are also the only Pikmin that can battle Fire Mushrooms.
Super Smash Bros. series
Red Pikmin appear in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U as a type of Pikmin Olimar can pull from the ground via Pikmin Pluck. Red Pikmin, like in the games, deal a high amount of damage in most attacks; Purple Pikmin only have higher knockback, but do less damage to foes than Red Pikmin. Also, Red Pikmin have fire effects on their attacks, and are immune to fire attacks such as Bowser's Fire Breath or Mario's Fireballs.
In Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U, Red Pikmin also appear as trophies, and in Brawl exclusively, two stickers exist with Red Pikmin on them, one with a reclining Pikmin, and one with a posing Pikmin. The trophy in Super Smash Bros. Brawl is unlocked by clearing the Sproutage of the Flower Pikmin event.
Profiles and statistics
Pikmin series
Pikmin
- Olimar's Voyage Log: "Fire should be a natural enemy of the Pikmin, but Red Pikmin continue through the flames where other Pikmin would burn... Their attacks are also a little bit stronger than those of the other Pikmin. Could these qualities be somehow related?"
Pikmin 4
Dalmo's notes
"These peppy little darlings are a vivid scarlet red! As you can tell by their appearance, these critters are very passionate. In fact, they're such hotheads that they're immune to fire! Even their displays of affection are ardent. They'll beat their tiny fists on you in an abundance of enthusiasm!"
Olimar's notes
"Pikmin are a part of the Ambuloradicis class, which consists of creatures that exhibit both plant and animal characteristics.
A Pikmin will instinctively follow whoever plucks it from the ground, so it is quite common for them to form symbiotic relationships with another species or accept a leader of a different species, as it serves the goal of propagating their own species as a whole.
The Red Pikmin is the most common Pikmin species. It can be identified by the nose-like protuberance on its head and its highly aggressive behavior.
It also has a few surprising and unique qualities—for example, its immunity to extreme heat and fire, despite the fact that it's a living organism. This can be explained by looking closely at its skin and muscle fibers, which are made up of a flame-resistant cellulose."
Louie's notes
"Looks like a Pikpik Carrot. I bet it tastes good, but I'm practicing self-restraint."
Hey! Pikmin
- United States
"What a joy it was to meet these Pikmin again upon crash-landing here! Working with them is as comforting as eating my beloved pikpik carrots, for whom I named the species. Their pointy noses are a bit carrot-shaped, aren't they? These particular Pikmin are the strongest of the bunch and make short work of any dangerous creatures. I'm not sure how, but they're also impervious to fire, making them good candidates to send into a hot situation."
- Europe
"What a joy it was to meet these Pikmin again upon crash-landing here! Working with them is as comforting as eating my beloved pikpik carrots, for which I named the species. Their noses are a bit carrot-shaped, aren't they? These particular Pikmin are the strongest of the bunch and make short work of any dangerous creatures. I'm not sure how, but they're also impervious to fire, making them good candidates to send into a hot situation."
Pikmin Bloom
"Red Pikmin have a sharp, nose-like spine on their face—and they're immune to fire! They're trusty allies you can rely on in any situation."
Websites
The official home for Pikmin
"Red Pikmin feature a red body and sharp nose. Pikmin in general exhibit both plant and animal characteristics, but Red Pikmin display especially pronounced fighting spirits and curiosity. They also are highly adaptable to the environment—such as having an immunity to extreme heat—and so can be found in a wide range of habitats.
Immunity to Fire
- Red Pikmin possess skin and muscle fibers made up of a flame-resistant cellulose, so they are unaffected by fire and heat.
High Offensive Capability
- Red Pikmin are stronger than most thanks to their nose-like protuberance."
Pikmin Garden
"真っ赤な体に、とがった鼻が特徴のピクミン。半動半植物のピクミンの中でも、最も動物的な闘争心や好奇心が強い。高温などへの適応性も高いため、広い範囲に分布している。
特徴 その1 火に強い
- 皮膚や筋繊維が燃えにくい細胞でできていて、炎や熱に触れても何事もなく活動できる。
特徴 その2 攻撃力が高い
- 鋭くとがった鼻のような突起があるおかげで、ピクミンの中で最もたたく力が強い。"
Translation "A Pikmin with a bright red body and a pointy nose. Among the half-animal, half-plant Pikmin, it has the strongest animal-like fighting spirit and curiosity. It is distributed over a wide area due to its high adaptability to high temperatures and other factors.
Feature #1: Resistant to fire
- Its skin and muscle fibers are made of cells that do not burn easily, and it can be exposed to flames and heat without incident.
Feature #2: High attack power
- Thanks to its sharp, pointy nose-like protuberance, it can strike with the greatest force of all the Pikmin."
Super Smash Bros. series
Super Smash Bros. Brawl trophy
| Name | Image | Game | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Pikmin | 
|
GCN Pikmin GCN Pikmin 2 |
A type of Pikmin--which are odd beings who grow like plants yet are as mobile as animals. Red ones are heat and fire resistant and are strong attackers, which makes them valuable when facing dangerous foes. Purple Pikmin are also tough fighters, but since it's difficult to increase their numbers, red Pikmin are easier to manage. Red Pikmin have distinct pointed noses. |
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U trophy
| Name | 3DS trophy | Wii U trophy | Category | Appears in | Trophy Box | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Pikmin | 
|
|
Fighter | GCN Pikmin (12/2001) GCN Pikmin 2 (08/2004) |
60: Pikmin |
|
Names in other languages
Asia
| Language | Name | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese (Simplified) | 红色皮克敏 (Hóngsè Píkèmǐn) | Red Pikmin |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 紅色皮克敏 (Hóngsè Píkèmǐn) | Red Pikmin |
| Japanese | 赤ピクミン (Aka Pikumin) | Red Pikmin |
| Korean | 빨강피크민 (Ppalgang-Pikeumin) | Red Pikmin |
| Russian | Красный пикмин (Krasnyy pikmin) | Red Pikmin (Super Smash Bros. series) |
Europe
| Language | Name | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Czech | Červený Pikmin | Red Pikmin |
| Danish | Rød Pikmin | Red Pikmin |
| Dutch | Rode Pikmin | Red Pikmin |
| Finnish | Punainen Pikmin | Red Pikmin |
| French | Pikmin rouge | Red Pikmin |
| German | Rotes Pikmin Rote Pikmin (Pikmin 4) |
Red Pikmin |
| Hungarian | Píros Pikmin | Dark Red Pikmin |
| Italian | Pikmin rosso | Red Pikmin |
| Norway | Rød Pikmin | Red Pikmin |
| Polish | Czerwony Pikmin | Red Pikmin |
| Portuguese | Pikmin vermelho | Red Pikmin |
| Spanish | Pikmin rojo | Red Pikmin |
| Swedish | Röd Pikmin | Red Pikmin |
Middle East
| Language | Name | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Hebrew | פיקמין אדום (Pikmin Adom) | Red Pikmin |
Trivia
- The first piece of downloadable content in Animal Crossing: City Folk was a hat item called "Red Pikmin". The item covers all of the character's head except the face, and stems out into a leaf. It could be sent to other regions through befriending Japanese players. The same item was later made available in Europe and then North America (March 25, 2009, as the second DLC item). It is worth 360 Bells.
- A rectangular pot with a red, blue, and Yellow Pikmin planted in it is a piece of furniture in Animal Crossing: City Folk. It can only be obtained by hacking, however.
- A Red Pikmin Hat can be found in StreetPass Mii Plaza by playing Find Mii.
- Red Pikmin are the only Pikmin type to be used as the default for more than one Dandori Battle stage, as they are present in both Trial Run and Hot Sandy Duel.
- In Pikmin 4, if the player only has discovered Red Pikmin, it will always be the recommended type above ground.
External links
- Red Pikmin on Pikipedia
- Red Pikmin on the Pikmin Fandom Wiki
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