Flooded Fields (Pikmin 251)

The Flooded Fields is the second area in Pikmin 251. It is the in a waterlogged state, though the general setting remains intact. It is accessible after collecting the Whimsical Radar, found in the Abandoned Toybox. The Flooded Fields presents abundant resources alongside two native Pikmin types. Red Pikmin are discovered near the landing site and Purple Pikmin are much later found in the Grub-dog Domain. Before Blue Pikmin are available, only half of this area can be explored. In the meantime, the Flooded Fields offers the Compacted Encyclopedia, which unlocks the Mystical Beach.

Plot
Louie and Olimar analyze the Whimsical Radar and learn about a new area. Upon arriving, they think little of the Flooded Fields, only occasionally expressing a sense of familiarity in their notes. The two soon discover Red Pikmin, whose abilities open a new route in the Wistful Wild. A later visit with White Pikmin uncovers the Compacted Encyclopedia, an object pointing to the Mystical Beach. They head there as well, but eventually revisit the Flooded Fields to brave the two remaining caves. One cave in particular yields the invaluable Purple Pikmin, which allows for further possibilities elsewhere.

Overview
The Flooded Fields takes place in a spring forest where cherry petals flutter and fall. Much of the area revolves around a large centermost lake, which features little except for a few enemies. The original Awakening Wood landing site can be seen beneath the water. From the current landing site, three paths split from one side and go towards the lake. Two paths curve around the lake and never meet. Some borders can be scaled and explored intentionally, as with the case of the Crimson Delicious. Enemies large and small are abundant, but most are relatively harmless. Groundcover varies from slightly vegetated soil to fallen petals. Walls are primarily composed of soil, though rock and root borders also exist. Some sections feature more architectural details such as stone bricks, pottery and bamboo halves, suggesting that the Flooded Fields was once a garden. To the west, one can find two small puddles that are separate from the main lake. One can be drained and the other can be bridged over.

Key sections
Southeast from the landing site is a short, hollow stump where the Compacted Encyclopedia is found. A Burgeoning Spiderwort and Iridescent Flint Beetle can be found nearby. The entrance to the Wooden Fortress is also here, down by the shore. South of the landing site is an open location surrounded by stone brick architecture. It is plentiful in resources, notably the unique 20-Pellet Posy appearing on later days. Many enemies and smaller posies further improve the Pikmin-growing capabilities of this location. The Flaming Trench can be entered through a hole near the water's edge. Further south is a large lake. Below the surface lies the landing site known from the Awakening Wood. A Bubbling Blowhog flies over this area and will reward a treasure once defeated. Little else can be found in the water, but its position in the center of the area increases the efficiency of solo exploration and object-carrying with Blue Pikmin. Even further south is a dry ledge with a few flowerpots. The Grub-dog Domain and Steel Catacombs can be seen atop the ledge, but accessing them may take some time. This is considered the last stretch of the Flooded Fields; Blue Pikmin are needed to clear the way along the west and access these caves.
 * Hollow stump
 * Stone brick circle
 * Previous landing site
 * Last stretch

Caves

 * Flaming Trench
 * Wooden Fortress
 * Grub-dog Domain
 * Steel Catacombs

Other

 * Nectar weed

Trivia

 * The plane of the area's main water body was once cut off near the ramp by where the was found in Awakening Wood.