Panic

Panic refers to any non-lethal event that causes Pikmin to scatter and thrash around in random directions. In a panic scenario, something has scared or affected them to the point where they separate from a leader and run off, and while these Pikmin are not in any direct danger, they risk running into a more dangerous hazard or an enemy. A panicking Pikmin can be returned to normal by whistling it. Purple Pikmin are immune to some types of panic. In, Pikmin in a panic will behave differently depending on the exact source of panic. In, panic scenarios visually affect Pikmin, and though they spread out in random directions, they will eventually stop panicking on their own accord.

In Pikmin Sunshine
In Pikmin Sunshine, alternate panic is when Pikmin panic with non-official hazards. Alternate panic types include dust panic, particle panic, and substance panic.

In Pikmin: Wide World
Panic is a harmless, yet potentially devastating, hazard appearing in Pikmin: Wide World. Purple Pikmin are immune to most sources of panic, and leaders, but not Captmin, are completely immune to panic. Pikmin of any kind that fall into a panic will scatter in random directions, usually away from the source, deserting the group they are part of if they are in one. They will be completely uncontrollable while they run aimlessly about and may run into danger such as enemies or other hazards. Pikmin can be instantly soothed, however, by whistling them. If they aren't whistled, Pikmin will eventually calm down on their own, becoming idle unless there is something to interact with nearby. The only sources of panic Purple Pikmin are not resistant to are ultra-spicy spray, which has a very small chance of making affected Pikmin panic due to their behavioral instability, and black nectar, which causes Pikmin it is sprayed on to panic. Juvenile parasitic Pikmin hosts will fall into a panic upon the death of one or both of the group's adult hosts. Dazzling bomb rocks, upon detonation, will temporarily blind nearby leaders, Pikmin, and enemies that were looking at it, and Pikmin that are affected will also panic. Orbular Pollenspouts continuously eject panic-inducing mold spores from a hole on the top of its bulb. Although Asphyxiating Moldclumps periodically emit bursts of mold spores, Pikmin have no adverse reaction to them.

Chaotic Kettlebugs emit a loud, piercing screech that makes Pikmin in its radius panic. Cinnamon Breadbugs and Giant Cinnamon Breadbugs produce a short-lasting cloud of pink, glittering particles upon behind struck with enough force, which causes exposed Pikmin to panic. Ginger Breadbugs and Giant Ginger Breadbugs emit an odor that is disliked by all except Purple Pikmin and induces panic. The death of a Humming Kettlebug will cause any Pikmin following it to panic. Inky Waddlepi spit ink at their attackers, which induces panic in Pikmin that are hit by it. Jamboree Blowhogs blow out confetti-like particles at Pikmin while producing a loud sound reminiscent of a party horn, which throws Pikmin into a panic. Mesmerizing Sputtlefish pacify Pikmin before eating them, and killing the creatures will cause affected Pikmin to panic. Mitites passively emit an odor that induces panic in Pikmin. Pikmin will panic upon having a Shrimpy Hydroe removed from its body. Sputtlefish squirt ink at their attackers. Twilight Spectralids spread panic-inducing, iridescent, black and violet scales to defend themselves from attackers. Angler Bulblaxes, Emperor Bulblaxes, Emperor Bulbots, the Grimacing Cremblub, and the Monochromatic Pinchipede all periodically unleash a panic-inducing roar. The Ebony Waddlepus is capable of firing ink at its attackers. Lastly, Vehemoth Phosbats are able to spread glowing pink particles around themselves, which cause Pikmin to panic.