Pikmin Codexery

Onion Plucking

Harvest the heart of the colony to transplant hope into new, uncharted soil.

Onion Plucking is a core gameplay action in the Pikmin series, performed when a captain harvests a fully grown Onion to relocate the colony. The Onions are the motherships of the Pikmin, serving as incubators for all Pikmin of their respective color and housing them. They play a vital role in Pikmin reproduction: when any food, such as prey or pellets, is delivered to an Onion, it propagates seeds, which grow and are plucked from the ground as fully developed Pikmin. The act of plucking an Onion allows the captain to transport it to a new location, effectively moving the entire colony's base of operations.

First Appears
Pikmin (2001)

Lore & Background

The Onions travel alongside Olimar as he flies to different locations on the planet PNF-404. This indicates that the Onions are not stationary; they can be moved by the captain to accompany the expedition. The source does not describe the emotional weight of leaving an Onion behind or the resilience of Onions after being replanted. It states that Onions store Pikmin for safety after sunset, as they are vulnerable to nocturnal predators, and that they propagate seeds from delivered food. The plucking action itself is not detailed in the source, but the ability to relocate the colony is implied by the Onions traveling with Olimar.

In Their Own Story

The source does not provide a specific narrative moment of Onion plucking. It states that in the original Pikmin, Olimar becomes stranded on an unknown planet and becomes acquainted with Pikmin. The Onions travel alongside Olimar as he flies to different locations on PNF-404. No specific story of a plucking event is given.

Reader's Guide

To perform an Onion Pluck, the player must first ensure the target Onion has finished growing; it cannot be moved while still expanding or if it is actively birthing Pikmin. Once mature, approach the structure and hold down the designated action button to grab the stem. The character will then lift the Onion into their inventory slot, allowing them to carry it across the map. Strategically, this mechanic is essential for survival and progression. If an area becomes overrun by enemies or lacks resources, plucking the Onion allows the captain to relocate the entire workforce instantly. It also serves as a checkpoint; replanting the Onion in a safe zone secures the player's progress and provides a new hub for spawning Pikmin. From a lore perspective, this ability highlights the symbiotic relationship between the Captain and the Pikmin. The tiny creatures cannot move their home alone, relying entirely on the giant to transport their life source. This dependency reinforces the theme of cooperation that defines the entire series.

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