Hidden within Pikmin 4’s challenges lie two rare onions that expand your squad’s potential-if you can find them. The Purple and White Onions require sharp strategy, perfect Dandori timing, and a keen eye for secret opportunities scattered across the stages.
You will need to complete timed story missions, as well as special Dandori challenges in order to get the White Onion and Purple Onion. Note that you really do have to complete these challenges on your own – you can’t use Dingo to help auto-complete them the way you can with some of the story bits.
[Ed. note: This guide contains narrative spoilers for Pikmin 4.]
How to access the challenges for the Purple Onion and White Onion
Complete Olimar’s Shipwrecked Tale by gathering all 30 ship parts within 15 days at the Hero’s Hideaway ship base to open the Trial of the Sage Leaf cave at the top of the rescue command post. Enter solo for its 10 floors of Dandori challenges, where the White Onion sits on floor 5 after collecting treasures to lift a gate. Finish all 10 floors to reach the Purple Onion on the final level, using Oatchi to haul it past obstacles like the Waterwraith.
There are a few things you have to do before you can unlock the Purple Onion and White Onion:
- Clear the part of the story in the Hero’s Hideaway (the fourth area) to unlock Olimar at the ship base.
- Complete Olimar’s Shipwrecked Tale – which means gathering all 30 ship parts within the 15-day time limit. You can start this by talking to Olimar by his ship at the hub area.
- Head into the new mysterious cave (“Trial of the Sage Leaf“) that unlocks in the hub area.
This area will have 10 floors of Dandori challenges and you’ll get an Onion for every five floors you complete.
How to unlock the White Onion in Pikmin 4
Complete the main story and reach the first credits to access Captain Olimar’s Shipwreck Tale, which opens the Trial of the Sage Leaf cave at the base. Enter this cave solo for the Dandori challenges, and finish the first four stories to reach the fifth story, “The White Key.” Use Pink Pikmin to fly over gaps and collect billiard balls quickly, along with White and Rock Pikmin, to open the door and carry the White Onion to the ship.
You’ll get the White Onion as a reward for completing “5th Story: The White Key” in the mysterious cave.
To get the White Onion, you’ll need to utilize Pink, White, and Rock Pikmin to collect billiard balls to unlock a door. Once the door is open, you can have Pikmin carry the White Onion to your ship, adding it to your very own Onion.
Make sure to use your Pink Pikmin as much as possible, as they can fly over some of the gaps, reducing the time it takes to collect treasure.
How to unlock the Purple Onion in Pikmin 4
Reach Hero’s Hideaway and finish the first game ending by locating Olimar. Complete all missions in Olimar’s Shipwreck Tale through conversations with him at the hub, then access the Trial of the Sage Leaf cave. Finish all ten Dandori challenges inside, with the final one requiring navigation of a maze carrying the Purple Onion seed while avoiding the Waterwraith using Ice and Purple Pikmin plus a fully upgraded Oatchi.
You’ll have to complete the 10th floor of the mysterious cave, “Final Story: The Purple Key.“
To get the Purple Onion, you’ll need to use Ice and Purple Pikmin, as well as Oatchi, to help you navigate a labyrinth with a Waterwraith in the way. Unless you’re a Dandori expert, you will likely need Oatchi’s strength to be maxed out – meaning he’ll need to be able to carry 100 Pikmins worth of weight.
If you’re having trouble making it in time, destroy the Waterwraith with Purple Pikmin as soon as you can. However, once you destroy the wheels that it rolls on, you can ignore it, as it won’t really get in your way after this. Use Oatchi to grab the heavy Purple Onion and use your Pikmin to clear a path to the ship.
Best Pikmin types to use in Dandori challenges
Wing Pikmin excel as the top choice for most Dandori challenges due to their speed and ability to bypass obstacles. Purple Pikmin provide heavy carrying power and strong attacks, while Ice Pikmin handle water and sticky enemies effectively.
Top Pikmin Types
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Wing (Pink) Pikmin: Fastest transport over gaps and shortcuts; essential for time-sensitive platinums in caves and challenges.
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Purple Pikmin: Highest strength for heavy loads and combat; pair with Wing for balanced squads.
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Ice Pikmin: Freeze water, enemies, and paths; shine in watery or tough terrains.
Type Selection by Challenge
Dandori challenges dictate specific Pikmin based on floors, like Yellows for electricity, Rocks for crystals, and Whites for poison. In solo “Trial of the Sage Leaf” runs, mix available types (e.g., Wing, White, Rock on floor 5; Ice, Purple on final). Prioritize efficiency-avoid weak fighters like Blues unless water-heavy.
Which Pikmin excel at treasure carrying in Dandori challenges
Purple and Wing Pikmin stand out for treasure carrying in Pikmin 4’s Dandori challenges due to their superior strength and speed.
Best Carriers
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Purple Pikmin: Highest carrying capacity per Pikmin, ideal for heavy treasures like melons or gold piles; prioritize them for large loads despite slower speed.
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Wing (Pink) Pikmin: Fastest overall transport, flying over gaps and water to deliver quickly; essential for time-limited platinums.
Strategic Use
Oatchi, when upgraded, carries multiple heavy items solo, freeing Pikmin for other tasks. Use Ultra-Spicy Spray to boost any type temporarily, and assign minimal Pikmin (3-5) to gold nuggets for steady progress without depleting your squad. In challenges like Crowded Kitchen, combine Purples with Oatchi for efficiency.
