The player controls a captain which commands a horde of up to 100 plant-like creatures called Pikmin, and uses their unique abilities to explore the world, combat enemies, solve puzzles, and amass treasures. Pikmin can be directed to accomplish various tasks, such as building bridges, destroying barriers, collecting spoils, and defeating enemies. They come in various colors and different physical features that signify their special abilities and immunities to hazards. For example, Red Pikmin are immune to fire and are stronger than other Pikmin, Yellow Pikmin are immune to electricity and can be thrown farther, and Blue Pikmin are immune to water.
Pikmin 3 retains the Red, Yellow, and Blue Pikmin, and also introduces two Pikmin types: the grey-colored Rock Pikmin, which can destroy tough barriers and are immune to being crushed by heavy objects; and the pink-colored Winged Pikmin, which can attack airborne enemies and travel through the air and over water.[3] The game also retains the White Pikmin, which poisons enemies when eaten, and the Purple Pikmin, which have the strength of ten Pikmin, both which are from Pikmin 2, but are only available in the side modes of this game.
The player controls up to three captains and switches between them to accomplish tasks and solve puzzles.