Editing Empress Bulblax

{{Infobox enemy
|pikmin2     = y
|pikmin4     = y
|image       = P4_Empress_Bulblax_Render.png
|size        = 270px
|icon        = Piklopedia Empress Bulblax.png
|namecustom  = ''Oculus matriarcha'' (''Pikmin 2'')<br>''Oculus kageyamii matriarchia (hypertrophic, gravid)'' (''Pikmin 4'')
|family      = Grub-dog
|areas       = None
|underground = [[Frontier Cavern]], [[Hole of Beasts]], [[Hole of Heroes]], [[Kingdom of Beasts]], [[Cradle of the Beast]], [[Cavern for a King]]
|challenge   = [[Emperor's Realm]]
|attacks     = Crush Pikmin, cause boulders to fall, birth larvae
}}

The '''Empress Bulblax''' ({{j|クイーンチャッピー|Kuīn Chappī|Queen Chappy}}) is a [[boss]] in ''[[Pikmin 2]]'' and ''[[Pikmin 4]]''. Its markings and general features are similar to those of the [[Bulborb|Red Bulborb]], but its body is much larger and composed of five distinct segments; its comparatively tiny legs dangle above the ground.

Unlike most [[boss]]es, its behavior is different each time it's encountered. In the [[Hole of Beasts]], it must be woken up before battling, rolling from side to side to crush any [[Pikmin family|Pikmin]] under its weight. In the [[Frontier Cavern]] (as well as the [[Emperor's Realm]] in [[Challenge Mode (Pikmin 2)|Challenge Mode]]), it will already be awake, and giving birth to [[Bulborb Larva]]e. In the [[Hole of Heroes]], it does the same while also causing [[boulder]]s to fall when it hits a wall.

==Stats==
{{Game help|p4}}
{{enemy stats
|weight2 = 20  
|carriers2 = 30
|seeds2 = 30<ref group="note">This enemy cannot be delivered to Onions in-game. This information is obtained from the game files.</ref>
|value2 = 15
|hp2 = 5000<ref group="note">In the Hole of Beasts, this enemy has 3300 HP instead.</ref>
|regen2 = 1.5<ref group="note">In the Hole of Beasts, this enemy regenerates 1 HP per second instead.</ref>

|weight4 = 20 
|carriers4 = 
|seeds4 = 50
|value4 = 20
|hp4 =
|regen4 = 
}}

{{refs|note}}

{{Notes|olimar=y|louie=y}}

===Dalmo's Notes===
{{transcript|The striking polka dots along that expansive hide provide the very image of royal splendor. While that regal presence essential for queenly quality might throw you off guard, her grand, lumpy figure has more that just visual impact. When provoked, this charmer will roly-poly over and squash any threats! Approach with the utmost caution!|block=y}}

===''Pikmin 2'' Nintendo Player's Guide===
{{transcript|The rolling wonder squashed Pikmin and its own larvae. Attack one end of the creature by tossing a small group of purples at it, but call them to your pilot's side before it shakes them off. If they are thrown off, they may land near the creature's rolling midsection.|block=y}}

==Strategy==
{{guide}}
===Pikmin 2===
To defeat the Empress Bulblax, [[throw]] (preferably [[Purple Pikmin|Purple]]) [[Pikmin family|Pikmin]] onto its face and call them back before it throws them off. After shaking Pikmin off, the boss rolls from side to side across the chamber in an attempt to [[Crushing|crush]] its aggressors, smashing into walls, and making rocks fall from the ceiling in most encounters in the game. Although risky, the Bulblax can be [[ultra-bitter spray|petrified]] if the spray is released on the middle of its elongated torso.

The Empress Bulblax is one of the few bosses that can vary depending on where the player encounters it: for the Hole of Beasts fight, it is easier to throw the Pikmin on the Empress Bulblax's side to the left and retreat to the alcove in the wall between attacks. Here, it is also effective to [[Group move|swarm]] the body from the left at the start of the battle, before the boss wakes up. Doing this will deal heavy damage if many Pikmin manage to latch onto the Empress.

This is not as effective in the later two battles, as the Pikmin have less time to attack the enemy before it shakes the Pikmin off, and they have the Empress continuously giving birth to [[Bulborb Larva]]e. These are easily defeated by their own mother's rolling; alternatively, in the Frontier Cavern, since the number that can exist is finite, they can be lured away from the Empress with one leader while the other fights the boss, resulting in a fight that is about as easy as in the Hole of Beasts. For the Hole of Heroes fight, the player starts off behind the Empress, and it can make boulders fall after hitting the walls; these are most easily avoided by moving behind the exit hole, itself behind a [[gate]]. All rules apply here the same as the Frontier Cavern fight, but trapping the larvae is nearly impossible, and requires a decoy leader who is in good condition.

When defeated, four of the Empress Bulblax's front body segments explode, leaving only the segment attached to the head, which can be returned to the Research Pod and cashed in for {{pokos|15}}.

During the fights with the Bulborb Larvae, it is suggested that a leader should distract the larvae, preferably at full health and with the [[Metal Suit Z]] obtained, as the larvae can deal a lot of damage otherwise.

===Pikmin 4===
The strategy for the Empress Bulblax are largely the same in ''Pikmin 4'', but with the expanded roster of available Pikmin, it should be noted that [[Rock Pikmin]], for their high damage upon contact, resistance to crushing, and the fact that they do not cling to enemies, are near-flawlessly effective against the beast. They are also, however, only actually recommended by the game for the earliest encounter with her.

In the final cave of the game, [[Cavern for a King]], an Empress Bulblax is encountered on one of the deeper floors, and is fought in a square arena exactly as large as the Bulblax, necessitating the constant use of [[Geyser]]s to dodge her attacks, as well as having to contend with falling [[Rock]]s and [[Bulborb Larva]]e. This is the trickiest and toughest fight against her in the entire franchise if played as expected, particularly since it is unlikely that the player will have access to Rock Pikmin during the encounter. It should be noted that there is an exit located at the rear-end of the arena, which can allow for an easy escape without having to deal with the typically tricky geyser timing. The player can attack her from the rear with a rush while mounted on [[Oatchi]], recall their Pikmin before she rolls, and simply exit the arena. This can take some time, but is considerably more reliable than other strategies.

==In other games==
===''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''===
The Empress Bulblax appears as a trophy in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''.
{{smash trophy
|image  = Empress Bulblax trophy SSBB.png
|desc   = {{Notes:Empress Bulblax/ssbb}}
|type   = Fighter Related
|obtain = Random appearance.
}}

===''WarioWare'' series===
The Empress Bulblax makes a [[Pikmin in other media|cameo]] appearance in ''[[mariowiki:WarioWare: Smooth Moves|WarioWare: Smooth Moves]]'', in a micro-game simply called ''[[mariowiki:Pikmin 2 (WarioWare: Smooth Moves)|Pikmin 2]]''. In this micro-game, the player must tilt the Wii Remote to squish some Pikmin. This micro-game returns in ''[[mariowiki:WarioWare Gold|WarioWare Gold]]''.

===''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''===
The Empress Bulblax appears as a Primary Spirit in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' after enhancing a [[Bulborb|Red Bulborb]] spirit. Its unique trait allows fighters to gain a large boost to their overall stats upon eating a food item.

==Technical information==
{{p2 enemy technical
|name = queen
|s000 = 0.5
|s001 = 0.5
|s002 = 0.25
|s003 = 0.1
|s004 = 0.3
|fp00 = 5000
|fp01 = 90
|fp02 = 0
|fp03 = 0.05
|fp04 = 0.35
|fp05 = 0.01
|fp06 = 125
|fp08 = 0.1
|fp09 = 200
|fp10 = 25
|fp11 = 70
|fp12 = 200
|fp13 = 90
|fp14 = 50
|fp15 = 120
|fp16 = 1
|fp17 = 300
|fp18 = 1
|fp19 = 120
|fp20 = 150
|fp21 = 25
|fp22 = 150
|fp23 = 25
|fp24 = 10
|fp25 = 50
|fp26 = 50
|fp27 = 50
|fp28 = 10
|fp29 = 15
|fp30 = 500
|fp31 = 0.00001
|fp32 = 300
|fp33 = 250
|fp34 = 50
|fp35 = 1
|fp36 = 50
|fp37 = 0 (0%)
|fp38 = 10
|ip01 = 30
|ip02 = 5
|ip03 = 35
|ip04 = 10
|ip05 = 45
|ip06 = 15
|ip07 = 50
|spec = {{p2 enemy property | fp01 | ローリング時間 | Determines how many rolls it completes (only with base fp06 value)| 3.5 }}
{{!}}-
{{p2 enemy property | fp02 | 出産間隔 ( sec ) | Birth interval | 2 }}
{{!}}-
{{p2 enemy property | fp | Forest 1 Life | [[HP]] on the [[Hole of Beasts]] | 3300 }}
{{!}}-
{{p2 enemy property | fp | 出産数 ( Max ) | Max births until it falls asleep | 50 }}
{{!}}-
{{p2 enemy property | fp | 出産数 ( Min ) | Min number of Larvae on the cave with which it will wake up again | 25 }}
}}

==Other information==
{{enemy other info
|piklopedia = 70
|music      = ''[[Music in Pikmin 2#Common boss battle|Common boss battle]]''
|size       = Body length: {{mm|480}}
}}

==Naming==
{{see also|Grub-dog family#Naming}}
{{naming
|common     = Empress Bulblax. It is the female counterpart to the [[Emperor Bulblax]], and is indeed a large Bulborb. Unlike the other two Bulblaxes, which share at least some features, the Empress seems to have the name only for its role in the ecosystem.
|jpcommon   = {{j|クイーンチャッピー|Kuīn Chappī|Queen Chappy}}. 
|jpname     = {{j|デメマダラ（卵嚢肥大個体）|Deme Madara (rannō hidai kotai)|Spotted Bug-eye (specimen with enlarged egg sac)}}.
|scientific = ''Oculus kageyamii matriarcha (hypertrophic, gravid)'', with ''Oculus kageyamii'' being the scientific name of the Bulborb species, and ''matriarchia'' being similar to the English word "matriarch", which is the female leader of a community. Before Pikmin 4, the scientific name was simply ''Oculus matriarcha''.
|internal   = Its internal name is simply <code>queen</code>.
|prerelease = In the [[Unused content in Pikmin 2|unused early English script]] inside the game's files, Olimar refers to the Empress Bulblax as "Queen Bulborb", a straightfoward translation of the Japanese nickname, and the species name is misspelled as ''matriarhca''.{{cite web|https://tcrf.net/Pikmin_2/Early_English_Script#Empress_Bulblax|Pikmin 2/Early English Script|The Cutting Room Floor}}
}}

===Names in other languages===
{{foreignname
|Jap=クイーンチャッピー
|JapR=Kuīn Chappī
|JapM=Queen Chappy
|Fra=Reine Bulblax
|FraM=Bulblax Queen
|Ger  = Fürstin Knollenauge
|GerM = Lady Bulb-Eye
|Ita  = Bulbica Imperiale
|ItaM=Imperial Bulblax
|Spa=Bulbo emperatriz 
|SpaM=Empress bulb
}}

==Gallery==
===''Pikmin 2''===
<gallery widths="120">
Empress_Bulblax_Spirit.png|Artwork of the Empress Bulblax.
70empressbulblax.png|The Empress Bulblax asleep, in the [[Piklopedia (Pikmin 2)|Piklopedia]].
Empress Bulblax P2 early.png|[[Pikmin 2 prerelease information|E3 2003]] screenshot showing the boss being awakened.
Pikmin 2 Empress Bulblax.png|The boss in the Hole of Beasts.
Bulborb Larva Army.png|The boss with its army of Bulborb Larvae.
Empress Bulblax.png|A close-up of the boss.
Empress Bulblax Spoils.png|The spoils of the boss.
E+ Red4 14.jpg|The creature's [[e-card]], #14 (20<sup>th</sup> red card).

</gallery>

===''Pikmin 4''===
<gallery>
Empress Bulblax P4 icon.png|The Empress Bulblax's [[Piklopedia (Pikmin 4)|Piklopedia]] icon.
Pikmin 4 empress bulblax.jpg|The Empress Bulblax rolling over helpless Pikmin.
Pikmin 4 Empress Bulblax Behind.png|The Empress Bulblax, viewed from behind.
</gallery>

==Trivia==
* The Empress Bulblax can apparently shed its skin, as there appears to be a shed skin on the floor on the last sublevel of the Hole of Beasts, right underneath the Research Pod.
* It is impossible to wake up the Empress Bulblax in the [[Piklopedia (Pikmin 2)|Piklopedia]], no matter how many [[Pikpik carrot]]s are thrown at it. The only other enemies who will not attack in the Piklopedia are the [[Titan Dweevil]] and the [[Segmented Crawbster]].
* The Empress Bulblax is the only member of the [[Grub-dog]] family that cannot kill [[Pikmin (species)|Pikmin]] by eating them. Others like the [[Emperor Bulblax]] and [[Fiery Bulblax]] can also kill Pikmin through means other than eating, but are still very capable of doing so.
* The creature resembles a real-world [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Termite#Caste_system pregnant queen termite]
* The Empress Bulblax gives live birth to its larval-form offspring. This is not only unique to the ''Pikmin'' franchise, but also to Earth lifeforms.
* The Empress Bulblax's specific epithet, ''matriarcha'', indicates that it is considered a different species from its offspring, the Bulborb Larvae (''bambinii''). How a parent of one species can bare the offspring of another is unknown, so this could actually be a [[mistake]]. This is further supported by the fact that she is ''Queen Chappy'' in Japanese, and Red Bulborbs are ''Chappy''. Contrast to the Emperor Bulblax, whose Japanese name does not contain Chappy.
*The Japanese Louie's notes mentions cooking the ovaries of the creature instead of its liver. This was also the case for the prototype version of ''Pikmin 2''{{'s}} English script.{{cite web|http://tcrf.net/Pikmin_2/Early_English_Script/Louie%27s_Notes#Empress_Bulblax|Pikmin 2/Early English Script/Louie's Notes|The Cutting Room Floor}}
* In ''Pikmin 4'', the Empress Bulblax no longer gives birth to Bulborb Larvae, instead summoning them to drop from the ceiling.

== See also ==
*[[Emperor Bulblax]]
*[[Fiery Bulblax]]
*[[Sovereign Bulblax]]

==References==
{{refs}}

{{bosses}}
{{p2enemies}}
{{P4enemies}}
[[Category:Crushing enemies]]
[[Category:Enemy-harming enemies]]
[[Category:Pikmin-eating enemies]]
[[Category:Frontier Cavern]]
[[Category:Hole of Beasts]]
[[Category:Hole of Heroes]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. series]]
[[Category:Pikmin 2 bosses]]
[[Category:Pikmin 4 bosses]]