Pikmin Bloom is gearing up for one of its most peculiar updates yet — and this time, it’s bringing a fresh twist straight from the kitchen. The new Pasta Decor Pikmin are making their debut, and if you want to grow them, you’ll need to visit your local Italian restaurant to find their seedlings.

Yes, you read that right. Niantic, the mastermind behind AR experiences like Pokémon GO and Peridot, continues to blur the lines between gaming and daily life in unexpected ways. This latest update might just be its quirkiest challenge yet: sending players on a mission to track down Italian eateries not for a meal, but for in-game rewards.

Once obtained, these quirky Pikmin will accompany you on your walks, each one donned in pasta-inspired attire ranging from classic spaghetti to more exotic noodle varieties. It's an odd yet oddly charming addition to the Pikmin universe — and perhaps the most deliciously themed update in mobile gaming history.

Boy, this stuff is good

Let’s be honest — it’s probably going to work because it’s weird. Sometimes, the most absurd ideas are the ones that stick. And while I’m not exactly sure how the concept of pasta-clad Pikmin came to be, I can’t deny it’s got my attention. Plus, if nothing else, local Italian restaurant owners may appreciate the unexpected bump in foot traffic (as long as players aren’t blocking the sidewalk, of course).

To start collecting these new seedlings, make sure you’ve updated your Pikmin Bloom app to the latest version. It’s a small ask for a chance to grow something totally unique.

And if you’re looking for more mobile game goodness while you wait for your next walk, why not check out our list of the top five new mobile games to try this week? Or dive into our review of Magical Maintenance Mystery, a delightfully odd text adventure that might just scratch that puzzle-solving itch.