How to Use Items in Pikmin 4

In Pikmin 4, you can rely on a handy item in you pack at any time to help out, but in a frantic flurry of activity you may forget how to use them. It happens. Especially if you’re consumed with managing Pikmin and Oatchi. Fortunately, it’s all always just a long-press on Y and analog stick swipe away.

How do you use items in Pikmin 4

So there may be two reasons you’d forget how to use items in Pikmin 4. One is that it just doesn’t come up super often. The other is that if Oatchi is nearby, a tap on the Y button will make you hop on or off him for a ride, rather than bring up the menu. So to use items, you need to hold Y until the menu for opening your pack, commanding Oatchi, disbanding all your current Pikmin, and switching protagonists shows up. Once that dial is there, press right on the left analog stick. That will bring up the pack. Note that while this menu is open, you don’t need to keep holding Y.

Once your pack is highlighted, press A to use an item in Pikmin 4. You’ll then see everything in your character’s pockets. Select an item and press A or Y to use it. If it is the Idler’s Alert or Homesick Signal, it will automatically go off. If it is a consumable item, you’ll then go back to the map and be able to choose where you throw it.

Which items should you have on-hand in Pikmin 4

Some things are super helpful to have around in Pikmin 4. Always keep some Scrummy Bones for Oatchi. I tend to send him out alone to fight some enemies, to keep my Pikmin safe. And since he can also use items when you’re controlling him, he can use that to heal himself. I also recommend the Lightning Shocks, especially if you’re going to be around multiple strong enemies, to stun them. Trackonator tracking bombs and Ice Blasts are good too to damage and stop opponents.

Pikmin 4 is available for the Nintendo Switch.