In Pikmin Adventure, gameplay is similar to the caves in Pikmin 2, where players must reach The Ship at the end of each course while avoiding mechanized enemies like Bulborbs, dropped by Dark Monita. The game introduces new creatures with their own names, classifications, and biology notes, much like the Piklopedia in Pikmin 2. Players can level up by defeating enemies or finding nectar in "?" blocks, increasing their speed, damage, and in Olimar’s case, the number of Pikmin he can carry. To complete levels, players must defeat the boss or enemy horde and reach their ship, with certain stages resembling timed challenges similar to Super Mario 3D games.