Pikmin 4: All of the Gear upgrades

Upgrade your explorer!

Pikmin 4 lets players upgrade their characters along their adventures. If you’re struggling in Pikmin 4, you probably need a Gear upgrade. Using materials can improve your equipment, provided you have enough currency. Find out what each upgrade does for your character and Oatchi in this adorable Nintendo title.

Related: How to find Olimar in Pikmin 4

Pikmin Gear Upgrades

Pikmin 4 all gear upgrades
Image via Nintendo

You can see every available upgrade in Pikmin 4 here and their material cost.

GearDetailsCost
Survey DroneUse a drone to scout the area from the sky.10
Charging HornPress X to order Pikmin to charge forward.20
HeadlampIlluminate caves for increased visibility.30
Treasure GaugeDetect treasures and nearby castaways.40
Air Armor: PlayerReduce overall damage for the Player character.40
Tuff Stuff: PlayerIncrease the Player’s maximum HP.40
Triple ThreatUnlock the Triple Punch attack for the Player character40
Anti-ElectrifierBecome immune to electric damage.50
Scorch GuardGain immunity to Fire Damage50
Thermal Defense: PlayerProtect the Player character from all freezing effects.50
Air Armor+: PlayerIncrease damage mitigation of the Air Armor60
Air Armor: OatchiReduce overall damage for Oatchi80
Brace BootsPrevent the Player character from being blown away or sucked up by attacks.80
Homesick SignalCall Pikmin, not in your squad, back to the S.S. Beagle80
Idler’s AlertCall idle Pikmin to your location.80
Tuff Stuff: OatchiReduce damage taken by Oatchi in battle.80
Anti-Electrifier: OatchiGrants Oatchi immunity to electrical damage.100
Headlamp+Improve the range and power of the Headlamp.100
Scorch Guard: OatchiGrants Oatchi immunity to fire damage.100
Sniff SaverGrants Oatchi immunity to poison damage.100
Thermal Defense: OatchiPrevents Oatchi from freezing when hit by frost attacks/effects. 100
Treasure Gauge+See the total amount and locations of treasure on each map.100
Air Armor+: OatchiImprove damage absorption for Oatchi, making him take only half the damage. 120
Air Armor++: PlayerMax damage mitigation for the player.120
Rush BootsIncrease movement speed.120
Power WhistleIncrease the whistle’s range significantly.120
Tuff Stuff++: PlayerMax out the Player character’s HP.120
Gunk BustersPrevent movement slowdown in gunk and goo.240
Tuff Stuff++: OatchiMax our Oatchi’s HP.240

How to Unlock Gear Upgrades in Pikmin 4

Pikmin 4 russ
Screenshot by Tai Hofmann

You must first find and rescue Russ, the Last Frost Cavern, a cave in the Sun-Speckled Terrace. Head to the northernmost cave in the area, as shown below, to find this underground level.

Pikmin 4 last frost cavern
Screenshot by Tai Hofmann

Use Ice Pikmin to break down the wall leading to the exit and collect this researcher by using three of your little helpers.

Last frost cavern image
Screenshot by Tai Hofmann

Next time you go to your base, Russ can upgrade your gear each time you talk to him, provided you have enough Materials.

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Tai Hofmann
Tai Hofmann

Writing Lead and Editor for Press SPACE to Jump. My first memory is forcing my parents to play 50-round games of Mario Party on the N64. Now I love games on all platforms and hone in on new releases. Some of my favorite titles include Cuphead, Final Fantasy XIV, God of War, Persona 5, and Super Smash Bros.

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