20 Years On, Pikmin 2’s Waterwraith Remains Nintendo’s Scariest Moment

Surviving the Waterwraith in Pikmin

This challenging level consists of five sublevels, each presenting a unique hazard like fire, water, electricity, and poison. To top it off, you only have Blue Pikmin to navigate through these dangers. And the enemies you encounter along the way, like the Fiery Bulblax, certainly don’t make it any easier. It’s hard to believe this game is rated PEGI 3!

But the real fear sets in when you realize there’s a hidden five-minute timer counting down on each floor. The pressure mounts with each passing minute until you reach sublevel five, where the dreaded Waterwraith emerges. This gelatinous blob on giant rollers can crush your entire Pikmin party in one go. And to make matters worse, it’s invulnerable to attacks until you reach the final sublevel.

Dealing with the Waterwraith means running and hiding until you can gather enough Purple Pikmin to take it down. But back then, most players didn’t know this strategy. The fear of facing an unbeatable foe added a whole new level of panic to the game.

Even in recent iterations like Pikmin 4, the Waterwraith still manages to instill fear in players. Its relentless pursuit and unstoppable nature create a sense of dread that’s hard to shake.

Nintendo has a history of introducing terrifying elements in its games — from Dead Hand in Ocarina of Time to Lavender Town’s eerie music. But for many, the Waterwraith stands out as one of the most suspenseful and heart-pounding challenges in gaming.

While fans eagerly await Pikmin 5, the thought of facing the Waterwraith once more is enough to send shivers down the spine of even the bravest player. It’s a testament to the game’s ability to create a truly terrifying experience.

Share Your Waterwraith Encounters

Do you have a memorable experience with the Waterwraith? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!