Pikmin 4 will include some co-op features, but it will not have a full co-op campaign like Pikmin 3 Deluxe. Previous games in the Pikmin franchise have offered multiplayer and co-op modes, but Pikmin 3 Deluxe took it a step further. With the enhanced Switch version, players could enjoy the entire story campaign with a friend, making co-op one of its main attractions and receiving high praise from critics. Given the popularity of this full co-op mode in Pikmin 3 Deluxe, fans naturally expected Pikmin 4 to bring it back. However, the latest trailer for Pikmin 4 confirms that while the game does have co-op, it won't be on the same scale as Pikmin 3 Deluxe.
Nintendo's latest overview trailer for Pikmin 4 highlights the game's co-op modes, but disappointingly, the second player's role is limited to controlling a cursor on the screen. They can only throw pebbles at objects and enemies and assist player 1 by throwing items on the ground. This departure from the more immersive co-op experience of Pikmin 3 Deluxe is likely to disappoint fans of the franchise.
While Pikmin 4 does have some multiplayer features beyond the main story mode, it fails to compensate for the lack of a proper co-op campaign. Players can engage in the Dondori Battle mode, collaborating against the CPU, or opt for versus multiplayer battles. However, these options are more reminiscent of earlier Pikmin games, which unfortunately feels like a step back for the series.
The good news is that for those concerned about Pikmin 4, there is an opportunity to test the game before its official release. Nintendo has made a playable demo of Pikmin 4 available for download on the Switch eShop. What sets this demo apart from others is that any progress made in the demo will carry over to the full game, ensuring that players won't lose their progress if they choose to purchase the final product when it launches on July 21, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
