Pikmin 4, the latest installment in Nintendo’s beloved Pikmin series, has finally been released. One of the most exciting new features in this entry is the introduction of a new companion named Oatchi, a cute and unique space dog, that will aid players in their quest to solve puzzles, overcome obstacles, and explore the mysterious planet.
A unique gameplay role for the Pikmin 4 dog, Oatchi
Although players don’t start in Pikmin 4 with the adorable sidekick Oatchi at their side right away, the lovable canine joins the adventure shortly after the game begins. Once players have collected enough cadets and progressed to the S.S. Beagle, they can begin upgrading their furry friend.
Pikmin 4: Upgrading Oatchi
To upgrade Oatchi, players can seek out Shepherd, a character with long hair and stripes under her eyes. She will train Oatchi and teach him new tricks, but it will require Pup Drive, a resource obtained by rescuing Castaways and Leaflings found in underground caves. Players can also earn Pup Drive by completing Dandori battles and challenges unlocked by talking to Leaflings.
The upgrades you unlock for Oatchi make him an even more useful and versatile partner. Some of the upgrades include Buff, which allows Oatchi to transport heavier items, Chomp, which enhances his attack skills, and Rush, which reduces the time needed to charge up for a rush attack. Some skills, like Jump and Dig, are naturally learned as players progress through the game, and once Oatchi has mastered all levels of a skill, it is considered complete.
Oatchi’s role in Pikmin 4
Oatchi proves to be an indispensable companion during the journey, serving various gameplay roles such as swimming across pools of water while carrying the entire party, protecting fragile Pikmin from water and other obstacles, and aiding in battles with Pikmin clinging to his backside.
The dog’s size and strength also come into play as he can break obstacles by charging into them, including large pots. Oatchi’s strong jaws can even drag various objects, helping players navigate puzzles and challenges. Moreover, his keen sense of smell allows him to locate lost characters and items such as various hidden treasures making him an invaluable asset for exploration.
Oatchi: A welcome addition by developers
Oatchi got the zoomies!!! #Pikmin4 #Pikmin #NintendoSwitch pic.twitter.com/P4Mc35eC8E
— ZeroPG™️TEAM SKELETON💀 (@Abeliox09) July 17, 2023
In a recent interview, Pikmin’s developers, Yuji Kando, Yutaka Hiramuki, and Shigeru Miyamoto shed light on the creation of Oatchi and the development process that went behind developing his unique gameplay.
The Pikmin 4 development team was looking for a standout feature that would draw players in and make the game aesthetically appealing when developing Pikmin 4. And what better addition than that of a cute dog companion! One early concept involved giving players control of a Bulborb, one of the local brutes, and making it interact with Pikmin. However, there were a number of gameplay challenges with this concept. The notion of having players ride and control colorful brutes in the narrative was also entertained, but it was too challenging to implement such a mechanism into the game.
Players can switch to Oatchi from the main character and control him, using his capacities to throw and call Pikmins, as well as act as a ‘mega Pikmin’ with the power of ten Pikmins as Yuji Kando describes it. Oatchi’s canine nature allows him to play a pivotal role as a cute rescue dog who sniffs out castaways, adding a compelling aspect to the game that players didn’t know they needed but got anyway.
