Editing Squad

{{game icons|p=y|p2=y|p3=y|p4=y|pa=y|hp=y|pb=y}}

The '''squad''' (also '''group''') is a term used to refer to the [[Pikmin family|Pikmin]] that are following a [[leader]]. While Pikmin are in the squad, they can be [[Throw|thrown]], [[Swarm|swarmed]], [[Charge|charged]], and [[Dismiss|dismissed]], among other actions. Some [[Enemy|enemies]] may also be followed by Pikmin or enemy squads.

If a Pikmin is whistled, but gets stuck on a wall or similar, they will first attempt to navigate around it, but if they fail they will stop, look around, and then become idle, leaving the squad. Leaders added to the squad will behave much the same as Pikmin do, even having similar animations. Pikmin that are too far away from the leader will also eventually leave the group after some seconds. If Pikmin are following any leader when the [[Day#Sunset|day]] ends, they will be considered safe and board their [[Onion]].

To keep track of the squad, there are the [[HUD#Pikmin counter|Pikmin counter]] and [[HUD#Standby Pikmin|standby Pikmin]] HUD indicators during gameplay, which provide information on the number of Pikmin in the squad and the type and [[Maturity|maturity]] of the closest Pikmin, respectively. If there is no Pikmin within range, the standby counter will display a hollow figure in the shape of a Pikmin. [[Olimar's monitor]], which can be accessed by pressing {{button|gc|y|wii|+}} during gameplay, provides detailed information on type and number of Pikmin currently in the player's party.

 

The [[Puffstool]] also acts as a leader for squads of [[Mushroom Pikmin]]. Mushroom Pikmin will dance around the Puffstool that infected them and start following Captain Olimar to attack him when he gets close. If they are returned to normal, they will stop following the Puffstool unless they are infected again.

[[File:P2squad.png|thumb|Olimar and a squad of Pikmin, in the second game.]]

Like in ''Pikmin'', the player can use the [[HUD#Pikmin counter|Pikmin counter]] and [[HUD#Standby Pikmin|standby Pikmin]] HUD indicators to keep track of the squad in a similar fashion. The [[pause menu]] essentially replaces Olimar's monitor from the first game, providing similar information on Pikmin type and number in the player's squad.

 

*[[Antenna Beetle]]s produce a sound that causes Pikmin within their range to start following them.

Once again, the squad in {{p3}} works mostly the same as it did in the previous games. However, swarming has been replaced with [[charging]], which makes all Pikmin in the squad rush at a locked-on [[enemy]], [[obstacle]], or object. In {{p3d}}, charging works slightly differently. Only the selected type of Pikmin will rush forward, and the player does not need to be locked on to charge. [[Bomb rock]] carriers will not follow charge orders. When going underwater, non-Blue Pikmin may refuse to follow leaders, and cannot be grabbed directly, although they can still be switched to when holding a [[Blue Pikmin]] if within range.

Squads in {{pb}} act entirely different to the main series games, due to the game having radically different gameplay. In this game, the term "squad" is used to refer to the Pikmin following the player's [[Mii]]. The amount of Pikmin in the player's squad determines the thickness of the [[Flower Planting|flower]] trail the player can plant. Pikmin in the squad will show up in the [[Pikmin Bloom interface|garden]], and can be fed nectar. They will also take part in various animations, such as celebrating when a Pikmin becomes a [[Decor Pikmin]], and taking part in the daily lookback in the [[lifelog]]. The maximum number of Pikmin in the squad at a time can be increased via [[Level|leveling up]], to a maximum of 40 Pikmin at level 55. The player can change which Pikmin are in the squad at any time, but is impossible to have 0 Pikmin in the squad.