If you played Pokémon Go during its peak in 2016, you know the takeover was worldwide and all-consuming. It might have been chaotic (see: kids trespassing and walking into incoming traffic), but everyone I know has at least one wholesome story related to that fateful winter. While Pikmin Bloom might not take over your life in the same way, I believe it could have a similar uniting effect if given a chance.
Pikmin Bloom is a mobile game that launched in October 2021, though I only learned about its existence last month. Launching during the pandemic couldn’t have been the best for the mobile game. Still, it managed to amass two million downloads in the two weeks following its release, and over 6.6 million downloads as of March 2026. Its player base is growing quickly but steadily, with over 500,000 monthly players.
Last month, I attended a picnic in the park with Nintendo that aimed to bring a bit of extra love to the mobile game. After a few hours frolicking around the botanical gardens, leaving a trail of brightly coloured flowers and chatting with other guests about their favourite Pikmin, I felt that peak Pokémon Go era whimsy return.
Pikmin Bloom quickly earned a special place in my heart. It compelled me to explore the landmarks and side streets of my neighbourhood, so I could plant flowers and battle poisonous mushrooms with other users who were close by. Every neighbourhood has budding flowers you can bloom, postcards to send to your friends, outfits for your Pikmin family, and access to unique collectible Pikmin. All you have to do is find them.
Part of why I love Pikmin Bloom is that it’s so easy to pick up where you left off. After days or weeks of neglecting your Pikmin, you won’t be worse off. Of course, the more you play, the stronger your Pikmin army. Each boss fight will bring you closer to levelling up, which offers some nice rewards. But you won’t feel obligated to log in and crunch out the daily quests, because there aren’t any. It’s so low maintenance, you can just leave it running in the background while you’re out and about, and your Pikmin will plant flowers, pick up in-game rewards like fruits, and fight bosses in your honour.
Aside from the quirky design of these little guys, part of the fun comes from naming every single Pikmin in your army. In my pack of over 100 Pikmin, my daily walks are accompanied by the Schitt family, the cast of The Office, some of my favourite reality show contestants, and almost all Stardew Valley marriage candidates.
You have nothing to lose by downloading Pikmin Bloom. It might get you out of the house to explore the natural beauties of your neighbourhood. Or you might get a kick out of the quirky special edition Pikmin designs that come and go with every holiday.
At worst, it’ll get your steps up. At best, you’ll encounter a wholesome community of mobile gamers and become one step closer to Pikmin Bloom world domination.
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Hannah Geremia
Digital Content Editor
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