Nintendo surprises with free Pikmin 4 update adding challenge and chill modes Nintendo has announced a free update for Pikmin 4 that directly addresses a major fan complaint about the games difficulty. The update, scheduled for a November release, introduces a Fierce mode designed to provide a more challenging experience for players who found the base game too easy. While specific details on what Fierce mode entails are still unknown, the addition of a higher difficulty level is a welcome change. Fans are hopeful it might include features like enemy respawning, bringing it closer to the challenge of the beloved Pikmin 2. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the update also introduces a Relaxed mode. This option is for players who want an even more peaceful experience. In Relaxed mode, enemies will not attack unless provoked first. This new mode pairs well with another new feature, the Field Camera. This camera function adds a Pokemon-Snap-style element to the game, allowing players to take photos of their Pikmin and squad in the wild. Players can set up shots with various angles, hide characters, and decorate their pictures with filters, frames, and stamps. Relaxed mode ensures that a photoshoot will not be interrupted by hostile creatures. The update also brings a popular element from the mobile game Pikmin Bloom to the mainline title: Decor Pikmin. Players will soon be able to find Pikmin adorned in tiny costumes and add these special characters to their squad. The announcement suggests that taking a picture of them might be the method for acquisition. Furthermore, Pikmin Bloom players will have the ability to send these special Decor Pikmin to the mobile app to join their squad there as well. There is also news specifically for Pikmin Bloom players. The mobile game is finally receiving Ice Pikmin on November 1. These new Pikmin will sprout from new blue seedlings, which will initially be found at Restaurant and Roadside locations. This announcement comes after Nintendo generated significant speculation about new Pikmin content earlier in October with the release of an animated short film. The short was later confirmed to be related to Pikmin, but Nintendo clarified it was simply the first work from its Nintendo Pictures studio and not a promotion for a new game. However, with this new free update giving players a fresh reason to return to Pikmin 4, the earlier excitement from fans has now been validated.
