Summary
Pikminwas originally released for GameCube back in 2001, and it immediately took the world by storm. It gave Nintendo fans an excellent real-time strategy and puzzle game that spawned an incredibly successful franchise. Fans of the series didn’t have to wait long at all for a sequel toPikmin, and the second game was also released for GameCube in 2004.
The next mainline entries in the series took quite a long time to materialize, but bothPikmin 3andPikmin 4delivered quality. The latter was one of the best Switch games of 2024, and it expanded the franchise’s core ideas in a refreshing way. At this point, the nextPikmingame has to be a long way off, so fans will need to look elsewhere to scratch that itch.
Updated on June 27, 2025 by Mark Sammut:The specifications have been added for everygame like Pikminmentioned in this discussion.
Pikminisn’t the only game that makes use of smaller creatures to engage in combat, andThe Wild At Hearttook that feature and ran with it. It is an indie game released in 2021 that has interesting visuals and is generally straightforward, even if the combat can be tricky at times.
The Wild At Heartis an open-world exploration game that players can enjoy in a non-linear fashion, where they use spritelings and their abilities to defeat enemies. Much likePikmin, players can use “spritelings” to solve puzzles and gather resources in it.
Stoneflyis an indie game that allows players to enjoy a relaxing environment with some challenges sprinkled throughout, just likePikmin. Although there are no small creatures to use in Stonefly, the rest of the game has a similar feel to thePikminseries.
The player travels the world and battles with bugs to gather resources and craft new parts. It’s easy to forget the dangers that those bugs present when piloting the ship through the world ofStonefly, as players can often get lost in the visuals.
LikePikmin,Masters of Animais areal-time strategy gamethat focuses on the player controlling other creatures. In this game, players take control of a magician called Otto who can summon different types of “guardians” that each serve a different purpose.
There are five types of “guardians” that players can use, directing them to assist in both puzzle-solving and combat throughout the game.Masters of Animawas generally well-received, and fans ofPikminwill almost certainly enjoy exploring the world and defeating the enemy golems.
Unravel Twowill likely remind players ofPikmindue to its unusual style and the requirement to think outside the box to solve puzzles. Players take control of a red and a blue Yarny, making them work together to travel the island-setting and complete the cleverly-designed levels.
Unravel Twoisa beautiful game without violenceat any point, making it the ideal choice for younger fans eagerly awaiting the release ofPikmin 4. With a single-player mode and the option for couch co-op,Unravel Twois a greatgame for kids and adultsto play together.
TheOverlordseries functions much the same asPikmin, but the setting could not be more different. The original game was released in 2007, andOverlord 2quickly followed in 2009. Both of these games saw players take control of the titular overlord, directing hordes of goblins to do his bidding.
The series has been pretty much left alone since 2009 but a spin-off,Overlord: Fellowship Of Evil, was released in 2015. The gameplay changed quite a lot and players could now choose one of four characters to control, but the main function of controlling goblin hordes remains the same.
InSpore,players guide a species through its evolutionary journey, shaping its development in various stages, including the tribal and civilization phases. The striking resemblance toPikminemerges through the group management aspect, akin to Olimar’s role in leading and directing the adorablePikmincreatures to solve puzzles and explore an alien world.
The unexpected connection deepens during the tribal stage inSpore. During this phase, players observe their species from a third-world perspective, similar to the viewpoint experienced while leadingPikminin their adventures. This unique feature enhances the exploration and strategy aspects of the game, sparking curiosity and leaving players intrigued by the connections between these titles.
InLittle King’s Story, gamers take on the role of a young king, tasked with managing and commanding a diverse group of loyal subjects. Similarly, inPikmin, players control Captain Olimar, guidingPikminto solve puzzles and explore an alien world. Both games emphasize the importance of group management and strategic thinking. InLittle King’s Story, players must lead their subjects wisely, making decisions that affect the kingdom’s growth and prosperity.
InPikmin, players must utilize different Pikmin types, each with unique abilities, to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies. The sense of exploration and adventure is another shared aspect between the two games.Little King’s Storytakes players on a whimsical journey to conquer neighboring lands, whilePikminexplores the mysteries of an alien planet. Both titles offer a blend of exploration and combat, enticing players to immerse themselves in the worlds they present.
When seeking games that remind players ofPikmin’scaptivating gameplay,Lemmingsstands out as a classic gem. Originally released in 1991 but receiving sequels and remakes,Lemmingschallenges playersto guide endearing, green-haired creatures known as “Lemmings” through perilous landscapes, much like Captain Olimar’s adventures with Pikmin. InLemmings, players must strategize to navigate their cute, yet somewhat oblivious, “Lemmings” safely through treacherous environments. Just likePikmin, successful progress relies on clever problem-solving and resource management.
Only a few “Lemmings” have specific abilities, such as digging, building, or floating, that players must utilize ingeniously to overcome obstacles. Through this gameplay,Lemmingsoffers an experience akin toPikmin’sstrategic and explorative elements. The sense of responsibility for a group of creatures, coupled with the joy of witnessing them conquer challenges, creates an endearing connection for players. For those yearning to relish the spirit ofPikmin’sadventures while indulging in mind-bending puzzles,Lemmingsprovides a delightful and nostalgic journey that satisfies the craving for that charming, strategic gameplay.
InThe Maw, players take on the role of a lovable alien creature named Frank, who befriends an adorable, purple creature known as The Maw. Similar to Captain Olimar and his Pikmin companions, Frank andThe Mawform an endearing duo, embarking on a journey through a vibrant and mysterious world.The Maw, with its insatiable appetite, can devour almost anything in its path, growing in size as it feasts on various creatures and objects.
As players guide Frank andThe Mawthrough a series of captivating levels, they must utilize teamwork and ingenuity to solve puzzles and overcome challenges. Much likePikmin’s strategic gameplay,The Mawrequires players to strategize and use the unique abilities of The Maw to progress. The adorable duo must work together to outsmart foes, navigate treacherous landscapes, and forge a bond that “grows” stronger with every adventure.
Inde Blob 2, players control the lovable Blob, who possesses the ability to absorb and mix colors to restore life and vibrancy to a monochromatic world. Similar toPikmin, Blob is accompanied by a group of friends called the Graydians, who assist in achieving various tasks and objectives. The game involves strategic thinking and puzzle-solving as players lead Blob and the Graydians through diverse levels, overcoming obstacles, and thwarting enemies.
Just like inPikmin, Blob’s friends play a crucial role in progressing through the game, and players must strategically manage and deploy them to maximize their effectiveness in different situations. Bothde Blob 2andPikminoffer engaging gameplay that revolves around group management, strategic thinking, and using the unique abilities of the protagonist’s companions to achieve objectives.
