Editing Cavern for a King

The '''Cavern for a King''' is a [[cave]] in the [[Primordial Thicket]] in {{p4}}. It is considered the game's final cave, due to it having a staggering twenty sublevels (the most of any cave in the series) as well as containing the game's final [[boss]]. It also features encounters with previous bosses, such as the [[Gildemander]] and features new encounters as well, such as the [[Toxstool]] (who is exclusive to the cave). This cave has {{sparklium|p4|2,935}} worth of treasure.

{{transcript|Finally tamed that huge dog thing. I’m gonna lie down now for a while in its den. It’s really {{color|deep|darkorange}}, and there are {{color|plenty|darkorange}} of snacks. The others will give up and go home.|block=y}}

{{clear}}

** {{icon|Sticky mold|v=P4|y}} (3 poison spotcaps) × 2  

** {{icon|Sticky mold|v=P4|y}} (4 poison spotcaps) × 2

** {{icon|Poison Spotcap|y|v=P4}} × 14 (all inside sticky mold)  

** {{icon|Candypop Bud|v=P4 white|y}} (White) × 2

Bringing the bodies of the [[Moldy Dwarf Bulborb]]s and [[Moldy Slooch]]es back to the [[S.S. Beagle]], or shattering them with [[Ice Pikmin]] or an [[Ice Blast]], will prevent the [[Toxstool]] from resurrecting them. From there, a focused attack from [[White Pikmin]] should be able to dispatch it. If you don’t want to break apart the enemies with ice attacks, just focus on the [[Toxstool]] for now.  

** {{icon|Uniquely You Goo|v=P4|y}} (inside Jumbo Bulborb)

The [[Jumbo Bulborb]] hides in a bush, so be wary of it when fighting the [[Dwarf Bulborb]]s and the [[Bulborb]]. It is recommended that you go for the [[Dwarf Bulborb]]s first, then work your way up. Make sure the room is clear of any stragglers before taking back the treasure.

 

For the first time in 22 years, it's time for the Snagret triple threat. It is recommended to try and bait out and defeat each [[Burrowing Snagret]] individually. Prepare to [[rush]] each Snagret's head just as it pops out of the ground, which can deal with a Snagret in just a handful of attack cycles. Only one holds the treasure, also like the original Snagret fight.  

** {{icon|Candypop Bud|v=P4 ice|y|n=Candypop Bud}} (Ice) × 2

A cutscene plays with Louie lounging around before escaping further into the cavern. After that, you can collect the treasure nearby and use the [[Candypop Bud]]s on this rest sublevel. Once you finish, the player has the option to delve deeper or to leave the area, as a [[cave exit]] is nearby.  

The [[Titan Blowhog]] and the [[Blizzarding Blowhog]] have the same abilities as their smaller counterparts, only much bigger and they launch Pikmin much farther. The same strategies should be applied for each: charge your Pikmin at them, and then whistle them back when the huge Blowhogs are about to throw them. But if you don't want to fight them, you can do a very easy jump around the [[Numbered gate]].  

** {{icon|Candypop Bud|v=P4 blue|y|n=Candypop Bud}} (Blue) × 2

The [[Smoky Progg]] is significantly easier than how it was in {{P1}}, but can still cause mass Pikmin casualties if the player is unprepared. A good strategy is to use Oatchi's [[rush]] skill to send all of your Pikmin onto it, defeating it quickly. Just be sure to jump to avoid the shockwaves produced by its projectiles, and whistle after it shakes off your Pikmin to ensure they don't panic directly into the path of its [[Gloom]] or into the swamp surrounding its arena. However, it's possible to break the egg by either using an [[ultra-spicy spray]], the [[Rush Boots]], a [[Oatchi#Rush|rush]] and tight movement{{cite youtube|_oROvjbABxg|of the Smoky Progg's egg being destroyed before it hatches|published={{date|21|August|2023}}|retrieved={{date|24|August|2023}}}}, or by watching the egg breaking [[cutscene]], leaving the cave and comming back.

** {{icon|Candypop Bud|v=P4 blue|y|n =Candypop Bud}} (Blue) × 1

[[Louie]] appears once again on this sublevel, only to run off. It's a good idea to lure the [[Bloomcap Bloyster]]s out of any water in the cave, so you can deal with them with a whole squad. If you still have [[Ice Pikmin]], use them to freeze the water so the Bloysters crawl over it, making them easier to kill. The Bloysters can eat the treasures they come across in this sublevel, so be sure to you grab the treasure they may spit out.

** {{icon|Candypop Bud|v=P4 purple|y|n=Candypop Bud}} (Purple) × 2

A rest sublevel reminiscent of [[Shower Room#Sublevel 4|the 4th sublevel of the Shower Room]] from {{p2}}. There is a [[cave exit]] to escape to the surface here, if the player is running low on Pikmin. If you don’t have many [[Purple Pikmin]], try using the [[Candypop Bud]]s to produce more, for you will need them for the final boss.  

** {{icon|Poison emitter|v=P4|y}} × 2

** {{icon|Poison Spotcap|y|v=P4|l=Spotcap}} × 14 (all inside sticky mold)

** {{icon|Candypop Bud|v=P4 white|y|n=Candypop Bud}} (White) × 1

** {{icon|Water spout|y|v=P4}} × 3

** {{icon|Candypop Bud|v=P4 blue|y}} (Blue) × 2

** {{icon|Connection Detector|v=P4|y}} (inside one of the Waterwraiths)

**{{icon|Dirt wall|v=P4|y}} × 2

**{{icon|Potted plant|v=P4|y}} × 2

**{{icon|Numbered gate|v=P4|y}} × 1 (lowers after 2 Waterwraiths are defeated)

** {{icon|Candypop Bud|v=P4 purple|y|n=Candypop Bud}} (Purple) × 2

** {{icon|Fire-Breathing Feast|v=P4|y}} (inside Empress Bulblax)

** {{icon|Empress Bulblax|v=P4|y}} × 1

** {{icon|Bulborb Larva|v=P4|y}} × 10 (a group of 10 will fall from the ceiling every time Empress Bulblax hits the wall the second time during her attack)

** {{icon|Numbered gate|v=P4|y}} × 1 (lowers after 1 Empress Bulblax is defeated)

** {{icon|Geyser|v=P4|y}} × 2

The Empress Bulblax on this sublevel occupies a small chamber which, unlike any other encounter with it, means that there is no single place to stand to avoid its rolling attack. Instead, there are two [[geyser]]s which shoot you to the opposite sides of the arena and a small passage in the back. The intended method is to use these to jump over the top of the boss or to slip behind it before making your way back to the arena, but it is far easier to use six or so [[bomb rock]]s and finish the job before it can even attack. Don't [[rush]] with Oatchi as that triggers its roll attack immediately.  Alternatively, [[Rock Pikmin]] can be used for their immunity to being crushed against the soft floor of the sublevel. Be careful though as other Pikmin can be crushed by its rolling attack as well as the boulders that spawn after it hits the wall. Rock Pikmin can also be eaten by the Bulborb larva that fall from the ceiling, so be careful of those as well.

** {{icon|Don't-See-It Specs|v=P4|y}} (inside Sovereign Bulblax)

** {{icon|Sovereign Bulblax|v=P4|y}} × 1

** {{icon|Numbered gate|v=P4|y}} × 1 (lowers after 1 Sovereign Bulblax is defeated)

** {{icon|Candypop Bud|v=P4 blue|y|n=Candypop Bud}} (Blue) × 3

** {{icon|Egg|y|v=P4 large}} × 1

The [[Sovereign Bulblax]]'s arena is unique in that it can be changed during the fight. The boss's crushing slam and jump attack (as well as the boulders that come crashing down after it lands) can deform the landscape, which can create small pools of water. For this reason, using [[bomb rock]]s and [[ultra-spicy spray]] to defeat the Bulblax before it can make the arena too hard to navigate is a good strategy. Note that the [[Don't-See-It Specs]] and the Sovereign Bulblax's corpse will need to be carried over or through the small ring of water surrounding the main arena, so use Blue Pikmin or an [[ice blast]] (it takes 50 Ice Pikmin to freeze the water here), or [[upgrade]] [[Oatchi]]'s super buff to allow him to carry through water.

** None

** {{icon|Candypop Bud|v=P4|y|n=Candypop Bud}} × 5 (Red, Yellow, Blue, Ice, and White)

The penultimate sublevel of this cave is a very forgiving one, with no hostile enemies. A shallow body of [[water]] contains a few of the treasures, so use Blue Pikmin to retrieve them. It is also recommended to utilize the [[Candypop Bud]]s to create some more Pikmin types, as they will be very useful in the upcoming sublevel. There is a [[cave exit]] present to escape, and the final sublevel entrance is buried under a pile of sand near the broken green bucket.

** {{icon|Gift of Friendship|v=P4|y}} (on Ancient Sirehound)

** {{icon|Ancient Sirehound|v=P4|y}} (Does not return after first defeat)

** {{icon|Castaway|n=Louie|y|v=P4}} × 1 (on Ancient Sirehound)

This sublevel contains a landing area for the [[S.S. Beagle]], and a large arena where [[Louie]] and the [[Ancient Sirehound]] are found. It drops the [[Gift of Friendship]]. The player does not need to actually transport the Gift of Friendship or Louie, as it happens during a cutscene immediately after defeating the Ancient Sirehound. Additionally, on the first visit, this final sublevel contains no [[cave exit]], as the player, Oatchi, and their Pikmin will use the S.S. Beagle to fly out of the cave instead. On return visits, a cave exit will appear next to the base.

* It's possible that the name of this cave is based on [[Louie]]'s name as a treasure in {{p2}}: [[King of Bugs]]. Louie himself rarely uses the name Cavern for a King however, instead opting for descriptions such as "the dog-thing's den" (in his [[Pikmin 4 voyage log|voyage log]]) or "the giant dog's den" (in his explanation of the sixth Fit for a Feast [[Side Mission]], when requesting a single [[Sovereign Bulblax]]).

* This is the longest cave in any ''Pikmin'' game, beating the [[Hole of Heroes]]'s 15 sublevels by five. It is more than three times as long as the second longest cave in ''Pikmin 4'', which only contains 6 sublevels: the [[Kingdom of Beasts]].

*[[Dream Den]]

*[[Hole of Heroes]]