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Pikmin 4: Getting started: two players walkthrough

How the second seat works in Pikmin 4: one player leads, the other supports with a pointer.

  • 3 parts · 11 steps

Compiled from 9 guides · checked Oct 19, 2026

0 of 3 done

What each player can do here

P1 · Player 1
  • Leads the Rescue Officer, Oatchi and the Pikmin squad: every Pikmin throw, whistle and order is Player 1's.
P2 · Player 2
  • Aims the Pebble Pitcher, an on-screen pointer: pebbles to hit creatures and speed up carriers, plus items earned from the co-op gauge.

If your skill levels differ: Nintendo pitches the Pebble Pitcher seat for someone not ready to lead the squad: the newer player supports with the pointer while the more experienced one runs Player 1. Since update 1.1.0 a Relaxed setting also stops creatures from attacking unless you hit them first. How to split the roles

Turning co-op on

Part 1 of 3. Get both players into the same save.

  1. BothTwo-player play is local only: both players share one Switch, and there is no online co-op.
  2. BothSwitch co-op on from the Options menu (Minus button) in Story Mode; it can be turned on or off at any time.
  3. BothController choices: each player can hold two Joy-Con or a Pro Controller, or the pair can share single Joy-Con (Player 1 sideways, Player 2 upright).
  4. BothTV and tabletop modes support two players; handheld is single-player only.
  5. BothAn existing save can also be opened in co-op from the options on the title screen.single source

What Player 2 does

Part 2 of 3. Support the squad with the Pebble Pitcher.

  1. Player 2The campaign is built for one leader; the second player only supports, through the Pebble Pitcher.
  2. Player 2Pebbles thrown at creatures help in fights: Nintendo describes them stunning enemies, Pikipedia says each hit takes off a little health and can even finish a creature.
  3. Player 2Landing hits fills a co-op gauge, which pays out items for Player 2 to throw.
  4. Player 2A pebble on Pikmin or Oatchi carrying something makes them move faster.
  5. Player 2Pebbles also slowly dig out buried objects.single source

Where people tend to fall

  • Turning co-op off throws away every item Player 2 has saved up, and they do not come back on rejoining.

Dandori Battle mode

Part 3 of 3. Play head to head or as a team.

  1. BothDandori Battle, on the title screen, lets two players compete with each other or join forces against a computer opponent.
Sources (9)

Steps compiled from 9 text guides, checked Oct 19, 2026, and written in our own words. We did not play the game for this guide. A step marked “single source” rests on one guide so far.