Controls (Exploration Notes)

Controls (操作ガイド^?, lit.: "Control Guide") is a category of data files in the Exploration Notes. They explain the basic controls of Pikmin 3, as well as what to do in some special events. Most of them feature images of characters who appear to be Olimar, Louie, The President, Alph, Brittany, and Charlie. 7 of the 30 Data Files are found around the terrain of certain areas, while the other 23 are acquired by completing specific tasks.

In this article, if there is no location stated for a Data File, it should already be obtained automatically, after meeting certain requirements, such as obtaining a certain item. Unless otherwise specified, the text provided is the same in both the American and European English localizations and in Pikmin 3 Deluxe.

Data files

Moving

• Text: “Move with  /  / /.”
• How to obtain: Comes pre-installed with the Exploration Notes app on the KopPad.

Using the Whistle

• Classic controls text: “Press  /  / / to blow the whistle and call Pikmin over. Hold  /  / / longer to increase the whistle's range.”
• Stylus mode text: “While touching and sliding on the to aim, press to blow your whistle and call Pikmin over.”
• How to obtain: Comes pre-installed with the Exploration Notes app on the KopPad.

Throwing

• Pikmin 3 Classic controls text: “Take aim and press  /  / to throw.”
• Pikmin 3 Stylus mode text: “Touch and slide on the to aim, then tap quickly to throw.”
• Pikmin 3 Deluxe text: “Take aim with the cursor, then press to throw.”
• How to obtain: Comes pre-installed with the Exploration Notes app on the KopPad.

Plucking #1

• US text: “Press  /  /  / / to pluck nearby Pikmin sprouts. Press  /  /  / / to cancel.”
• Europe text: “Press  /  /  / to begin plucking nearby Pikmin sprouts. Press  /  /  / to stop.”
• How to obtain: Comes pre-installed with the Exploration Notes app on the KopPad.

Plucking #2

• Text: “Throw your teammates to have them automatically pluck sprouts.”
• Area: Tropical Wilds
• Pikmin 3 location: In a small alcove right near the base, guarded by two Pellet Posies.
• Pikmin 3 Deluxe location: Near the Dapper Blob at the southernmost room of the main overworld segment of the area.

Looking Around

• Pikmin 3 US Classic controls text: “Press  /  / to move the camera behind you.”
• Pikmin 3 US Stylus mode text: “Touch and slide left and right on to look around. Press to face forward.”
• Pikmin 3 Europe Classic controls text: “Press  /  / to switch the camera angle to the front.”
• Pikmin 3 Europe Stylus mode text: “Touch and slide left and right on the to look around. Press to face forward.”
• Pikmin 3 Deluxe text: “Face forward with and look around with . ( won't work if the Joy-Con is held sideways.)”
• How to obtain: Comes pre-installed with the Exploration Notes app on the KopPad.

Locking On

• Pikmin 3 US text: “Move the pointer onto your target and then hold  /  / to lock on!”
• Pikmin 3 Europe text: “Move the pointer on to your target and then hold  /  / to lock on!”
• Pikmin 3 Deluxe text: “Move the cursor to your target and press to lock on! Throw nonstop by pressing and holding .”
• How to obtain in Pikmin 3: Comes pre-installed with the Exploration Notes app on the KopPad.
• How to obtain in Pikmin 3 Deluxe: Found near the Fiery Blowhogs near the landing site in the Garden of Hope.

Dismissing Squad

• US Classic controls text: “Dismiss your squad with  /  / , and the Pikmin will sort themselves into different color groups.”
• US Stylus mode text: “Use on to dismiss your squad. The Pikmin will split up into different color groups.”
• Europe Classic controls text: “Dismiss your squad with  /  / and the Pikmin will sort themselves into different colour groups.”
• Europe Stylus mode text: “Use on the to dismiss your squad. The Pikmin will split up into different colour groups.”
• How to obtain: Comes pre-installed with the Exploration Notes app on the KopPad.

Charging!

"Charge!" in the European version of Pikmin 3.

• Pikmin 3 US Classic controls text: “While locked on, attack with  /  / ! Cancel the lock-on with  /  / .”
• Pikmin 3 US Stylus mode text: “While locked on, attack with on ! Cancel the lock-on with  /  / .”
• Pikmin 3 Europe Classic controls text: “While locked on to a target, use  /  / to unleash your Pikmin! Cancel lock-on with  /  / .”
• Pikmin 3 Europe Stylus mode text: “While locked on to a target, use on the to unleash your Pikmin! Cancel lock-on with  /  / .”
• Pikmin 3 Deluxe text: “Press and release to charge with the currently selected Pikmin!”
• Pikmin 3 area: Distant Tundra
• Pikmin 3 location: On the other side of the tunnel behind the Drake.
• Pikmin 3 Deluxe area: Garden of Hope
• Pikmin 3 Deluxe location: Under the pile of fragments next to the Dwarf Bulborb used on day 2.

Selecting Pikmin Type

• US Classic controls text: “Select the Pikmin or person you want to throw using  /  / .”
• US Stylus mode text: “Press without touching or use to select the Pikmin or person you want to throw.”
• Europe Classic controls text: “Select the Pikmin type you want to throw using  /  / . You can also throw teammates.”
• Europe Stylus mode text: “Press without touching the , or use to select the Pikmin or teammate you wish to throw.”
• How to obtain: Obtained after discovering the Rock Pikmin.

Switching Leaders

• US Classic controls text: “Press  /  / to switch leaders.”
• US Stylus mode text: “Use the buttons on , or to switch between leaders.”
• Europe Classic controls text: “Press  /  / to switch control to a teammate outside the current squad.”
• Europe Stylus mode text: “Use the icons on the , or press to switch to a teammate outside the current group.”
• How to obtain: Obtained after rescuing Brittany and completing the tutorial of throwing leaders.

Throwing Leaders

• Text: “Throw teammates to places that can't be reached on foot.”
• Pikmin 3 area: Garden of Hope
• Pikmin 3 location: Right outside of where Brittany is trapped.
• Pikmin 3 Deluxe area: Distant Tundra
• Pikmin 3 Deluxe location: Right next to the ledge that a leader must be thrown to, in order to push the iron ball.

Using Ultra-Spicy Spray

• Classic controls text: “Press  /  / to use an Ultra-Spicy Spray and invigorate the Pikmin in your squad.”
• US Stylus mode text: “Press on to use an Ultra-Spicy Spray and invigorate the Pikmin in your squad.”
• Europe Stylus mode text: “Tap on the to use an Ultra-Spicy Spray and invigorate the Pikmin in your squad.”
• How to obtain: Obtained after discovering the Ultra-Spicy Spray.

Using Ultra-Spicy Nectar

"Ultra-Spicy Nectar" in the European version.

• US text: “Explorers automatically collect Ultra-Spicy Nectar when they find it.”
• Europe text: “Explorers collect Ultra-Spicy Nectar directly when they find it.”
• How to obtain: Obtained after discovering the Ultra-Spicy Spray.

Using the Dodge Whistle

• Text: “Press  /  / or  /