A new type of gameplay in Pikmin 4 are "night expeditions". This marks the first time in the Pikmin series that areas can be explored at nighttime. At the end of each day, the player has the option to either end the day like normal, or choose to remain on the planet for the night. Night expeditions feature tower defense-like gameplay. The goal of night expeditions is to protect "Lumiknolls", tall mounds of dirt with holes in them, revealing a glowing interior. Lumiknolls contain a substance known as "glow sap", which is described as being very valuable.
At nighttime, standard enemies will become frenzied, which is indicated by their eyes glowing a bright red. In this state, these enemies will seek out and attack Lumiknolls. The Lumiknolls' health is indicated by a health bar at the top of the screen, but each hit it takes will also cause one of the glowing holes to darken. At night, the only Pikmin type available are a new type of Pikmin called Glow Pikmin. Completing night expeditions rewards the player with glow seeds, used to summon Glow Pikmin in caves, and glow sap, used to cure Leaflings.
A group of Glow Pikmin standing in front of a Lumiknoll.
The player traveling the planet at night, showing enemies with glowing red eyes.
Names in other languages
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 Japanese |
夜の探索? Yoru no Tansaku |
Night Search |
 Chinese(traditional) |
晚上的探索 Wǎnshàng de Tànsuǒ |
Night Search |
 Dutch |
Nachtexpeditie | Night expedition |
 French |
Expédition de nuit | Night expedition |
 German |
Nachtexpedition | Night expedition |
 Italian |
Esplorazione notturna | Nocturnal exploration |
 Korean |
야간 탐색 yagan tamsaeg |
Night Search |
 Portuguese |
Expedição noturna | Nocturnal expedition |
 Spanish |
Expedición nocturna | Nocturnal expedition |