Tracking down every Onion in Pikmin 4 is key to expanding your Pikmin army and gaining access to their unique strengths. Onions are crucial as they allow you to grow more of each Pikmin type once acquired. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of every Onion location in the game, along with the best ways to retrieve them—so you can build a diverse, powerful squad and maximize your expedition’s potential.


Red Onion (Tutorial Area)

The Red Onion is the very first Onion you’ll acquire, and it’s found during the game’s tutorial section. There’s no complication here—it’s essentially handed to you as part of the basic introduction to gameplay. You’ll be able to start producing Red Pikmin immediately.


Yellow Onion – Sun-Speckled Terrace

This Yellow Onion is located in the top corner of the Sun-Speckled Terrace map. All you need is a group of at least 20 Pikmin to collect and transport it. It’s a straightforward retrieval, and unlocking it will greatly help with puzzles and reaching high places moving forward.


Blue Onion – Sun-Speckled Terrace

This one requires a bit more effort, particularly if you have fewer than 50 Pikmin. Fortunately, it’s still possible with 40:

  • Use 30 Ice Pikmin to freeze the water.
  • Deploy 10 Red Pikmin to deal with the enemies across the water.
  • Use Oatchi to throw or assist Ice Pikmin up the wall.
  • Bring the Onion down with at least 20 Pikmin.
  • Refreeze the water and carry the Onion back with your 10 Reds and Oatchi, assuming he has at least a 10 strength rating.

First Flarlic Bulb – Last-Frost Cavern

The first Flarlic is located on the only sublevel of Last-Frost Cavern. It’s easy to spot and access. In fact, you’ll likely collect this even before securing the Yellow or Blue Onion, depending on your route.


Second Flarlic Bulb – Sun-Speckled Terrace

This one is located above ground and can be reached using Yellow Pikmin. Simply dig it up and return it to base—no complicated requirements.


Second Yellow Onion – Blossoming Arcadia

This Onion grants you an additional 20 Yellow Pikmin if you’ve already obtained the first. To reach it, you’ll need to loop around the map. Once accessed, unlock shortcut paths to simplify returning it to your ship.


Flarlic Bulbs – Blossoming Arcadia

There are two here:

  • One is above ground and can be easily returned using Blue Pikmin.
  • The other is in the Secluded Courtyard on the third sublevel—watch out for enemy ambushes here. Come prepared, as unguarded Pikmin can be picked off quickly.

Second Blue Onion – Serene Shores

Located in the top corner of the Serene Shores map, this Onion is close to a landing site. Once the site is clear, the path to the Onion becomes simple. Just use Blue Pikmin to defeat surrounding enemies and carry it back.


Flarlic Bulbs – Serene Shores

One bulb sits in the water and requires Blue Pikmin to defeat the nearby foes. The other is located in the Seafloor Resort on sublevel one. For that one:

  • Bring Ice and Blue Pikmin.
  • Use Blue Pikmin to disable a sprinkler.
  • Bring raw materials with you since the level contains very little of it, but you’ll need some to fix the valve mechanism.

Ice Onion – Hero’s Hideaway

To obtain the Ice Onion:

  • Progress through the cave system to reach the exit area.
  • From there, simply walk and drop down to collect it.

Flarlics in this region:

  • One can be found near a movable box and a table. Move the box and make your way up to retrieve it.
  • Another is in Plunder Palace on the final sublevel. Clear out all enemies before retrieving the Onion to avoid ambushes on the way back.

Rock Onion – Giant’s Hearth

This Onion is located at the back of the map, guarded by enemies and a boss. Defeat the boss using:

  • Bomb Rocks and Purple Pikmin (ideal combo)
  • Or a mix of Rock Pikmin and other types with Bomb Rock support

It’s not too difficult with proper preparation.

Flarlics:

  • One is located atop the Giant Hearth near a landing site.
  • Another is in the Dream Home, first sublevel. Navigate the map, toss Pikmin to the Flarlic, and return with it.

Pink Onion – Primordial Thicket

To reach the Pink Onion:

  • Use Oatchi to jump up to the area where the Onion is located.
  • Clear the path and push the box to open the route.
  • Then simply hop up and bring it back to base.

Flarlic locations:

  • One is above ground—build a ramp and it’s easy to retrieve.
  • Another is in the Mud Pit on sublevel two. Move your base close and defeat the nearby enemy first.

White and Purple Onions – Rescue Command Post

To unlock these, finish Olimar’s story to access the Leaf Sage missions.

White Onion (5th Mission)

  • Use Wing Pikmin to collect distant treasures early.
  • While they work, collect other Pikmin and clear out enemies.
  • The treasure gate opens once all items are secured.
  • Use a mix of White and Wing Pikmin to bring the Onion back. White Pikmin are faster, while Wing Pikmin can take shortcuts.

Purple Onion (10th Mission)

  • Quickly gather Purple Pikmin and defeat the Water Wraith early on.
  • You can break its wheels or fully eliminate it.
  • Use Oatchi to carry the Onion while clearing hazards with Pikmin.
  • Use an efficient route—some paths are faster than others.
  • Defeat blowhogs and snowball enemies en route.

Final Thoughts

Collecting all the Onions in Pikmin 4 opens up the full range of strategic depth the game has to offer. Each Onion not only boosts your available Pikmin types but also gives you more flexibility and control in tackling obstacles, puzzles, and enemies. Whether you’re chasing 100% completion or just want the full Pikmin experience, hunting down every Onion is a must.

Happy plucking!


Discover more from My Gaming Tutorials

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a comment

Trending