Wistful Wild (Pikmin 251)

The Wistful Wild is the first area in Pikmin 251, despite being the final one in. It is once again an autumn forest, with only minor changes in geography. Louie and Olimar are brought here soon after beginning the story, following the opening cutscene on Hocotate. The Wistful Wild is where Yellow Pikmin are discovered, and where the first treasure, the Grain Grenade, is found. White Pikmin are also discovered in one of the area's caves. Like with the, the first two days consist of tutorials, though the game will expect that the player has played prior.

Plot
Louie and Olimar return to PNF-404 to salvage treasure and pay off their company's second debt. The Wistful Wild is chosen as their first destination, likely due to the fact that all other areas have changed and become unfamiliar. Louie lands the ship, but a collision causes Olimar to be ejected in the process. While separated, Louie discovers Yellow Pikmin and Olimar discovers the Yellow Onion. Both leaders use their given resources to overcome a paper bag and reunite. Their number of Pikmin also allows them to claim the Grain Grenade and end the day. Afterward, the pair explores the Abandoned Toybox and finds Whimsical Radar, which allows them to advance to the Flooded Fields. The Red Pikmin discovered there allows the group to return to the Wistful Wild and tackle the Ivory Metalworks, where White Pikmin are found. These Pikmin later open up access to the remaining two caves once the leaders are ready for it.

Overview
The Wistful Wild carries a strong autumn theme with its use of Foxtails, dead Figworts, and other orange plants. The area consists of a short loop from the landing site and back again, made up of pathways and circular spaces reminiscent of and. Ground varies between bare soil and leaf litter. Stumps, rock, and some metal structures make up wider areas or act as barriers. The section near the Gambler's Den utilizes hollow bamboo and marks the edge of a bamboo grove or forest. A slanted piece of bamboo serves as a one-way exit towards the landing site, existing as the strongest change in elevation in an otherwise horizontal environment. Two small lakes are present, one of which can be drained.

Key sections
North from the landing site is a short, hollow stump where the Yellow Onion is first seen. An Emperor Bulblax claims the stump as its arena on day eleven. South from the landing site is a seesaw block useful for accessing a ledge where a red Burgeoning Spiderwort grows. The spot is guarded by a Silver Bulborb, which holds the Salted Swirl. The counterpart block needed to reach this ledge is just past the Northern stump. Northeast from the landing site is the Abandoned Toybox and a circular zone blocked by a fire bramble gate. This section was once a landing site in, but is now a resting gathering spot for Silver Bulborbs. The Energizing Silo and Ivory Metalworks can be found here. West from the landing site is the Aquatic Depths and a pool of water blocking both it and access to the Gambler’s Den. This is considered the last stretch of the Wistful Wild; Blue Pikmin are needed to clear the water and access both caves.
 * Hollow stump
 * Spiderwort ledge
 * Previous landing site
 * Last stretch

Caves

 * Abandoned Toybox
 * Ivory Metalworks
 * Aquatic Depths
 * Gambler's Den