Editing Formidable Oak

|screenshot  = 05 Site Formidable Oak.png

|map          = Formidable Oak map.png

The '''Formidable Oak''' ({{j|哀しき獣の塔|Kanashiki Kemono no Tō|Tower of the Sorrowful Beast}}) is the fifth and final area of ''[[Pikmin 3]]''. It is home to the final [[boss]], the [[Plasm Wraith]]. The leaders come here after being pointed to it by [[Louie]]. The area requires the use of all five [[pikmin family|Pikmin]] types discovered over the course of Story Mode. Most of the map is a massive cave system, in which the player must transport an unconscious [[Captain Olimar]] with at least 5 Pikmin (but up to 14, if Winged Pikmin are used) through the maze of puzzles and enemies, while making sure that the [[Plasm Wraith]] doesn't catch up to Olimar. After transporting him outside, the final boss fight with the Plasm Wraith will automatically begin. There are no [[fruit]]s to collect in this area, and the [[enemies]] disintegrate after being killed (aside from the [[Nectarous Dandelfly]]).

After Louie has been rescued from the [[Quaggled Mireclops]], he discloses the location where he thinks [[Captain Olimar]] is, which happens to be at the Formidable Oak. As the Koppaites land in the area, they make their way up the termite hill, only to find an unconscious Olimar with a strange golden creature standing over him. As the explorers approach the life form, it forms a protective bubble around Olimar, but with the help of the Pikmin, they free the captain in seconds. Since they can't take the same path they took up the termite hill to get back to the [[S.S. Drake]], they venture through the cave, as [[Brittany]] guides the carrier Pikmin.

As [[Alph]] and [[Captain Charlie]] go into the cave with the remaining Pikmin, the gold creature comes in pursuit of them in a form known as the [[Mysterious Life Form]]. The Mysterious Life Form chases after the Pikmin carrying Olimar, and tries to take him back out to the termite hill. As such, Brittany tries to stall the creature as Alph and Charlie clear the way forward.

They eventually make it to the end of the cave, in which they end up in a circular arena near base. As the Mysterious Life Form makes it out of the cave, it transforms into the [[Plasm Wraith]] and absorbs Olimar. The explorers begin to fight the wraith, and once defeated flees to the termite hill, freeing the captain. Olimar and the Koppaites proceed to have a conversation, in which Olimar apologizes for the trouble Louie has caused them by giving a "piece of treasure", which is actually the [[cosmic drive key]]. Olimar mentions how the Hocotate ship is out of commission, so the Koppaites offer to drop Olimar off on Hocotate before venturing to Koppai. As they leave, they have a small conversation about the Pikmin, how much they helped them along the journey, and how their life will go on without them. Before they hit the atmosphere, they see the Plasm Wraith atop of the termite hill, roaring at the [[S.S. Drake]].

[[File:formidableoak.jpg|thumb|250px|A view of the desert steppe climate found here.]]

The Formidable Oak is a large termite hill found in a desert/steppe climate. From the top of the termite hill, one can access the cave system, which is the largest cave system in ''Pikmin 3''. It has all sorts of areas, from open rooms to tight corridors,with some sections connecting with others. It also boasts much biodiversity, having enemies like the Arachnode and the Bearded Amprat all in the same cave. This area is also home to all known species of [[Candypop Bud]]s in ''Pikmin 3''. This cave is also home to some enemies that are found nowhere else, such as the Watery Blowhog and the Shearwig. However, whenever enemies are defeated, they explode into plasm, possibly meaning that the only enemy in this area is the Plasm Wraith, and all other enemies are illusions. South of the landing site is a circular arena which is where the Plasm Wraith is fought. Interestingly, the pattern on the ground of the arena resembles the few islands near the [[Smoky Progg]]'s egg from [[The Distant Spring]] in ''[[Pikmin (game)]].''

==Key sections==

The densest part of the area takes place inside the hill. On the following list, each section corresponds to a different section of the area, meaning that a transition occurs when going from one to another.

The [[S.S. Drake]] lands on a stump a bit above ground level. There are two corridors here. One leads to the top of the hill, while a smaller one goes to the Plasm Wraith's arena. This battlefield has a very rough round shape, with an alcove that is a dead end and has a ledge from which one exits the underground part of the area.

The corridor that leads to the top ends in a dead end, but has an opening to fall down onto a circular room. This is where [[Captain Olimar]] sleeps and where the [[Mysterious Life Form]] is first encountered. A hole leads inside the termite hill, and one can get back up to the corridor by use of a nearby [[geyser]], meaning that Olimar cannot be [[Carrying|carried]] back through the same path.

Upon entering the hill, there is a long pathway leading forward. Near the start there is a fork in the path that goes to a shortcut, but it is blocked off by a [[reinforced wall]], so it cannot be taken the first time around, as [[bomb rock]]s can't be found yet. There is a column-like wall in the middle of this shortcut, which leads to a section further down south. At the end of the main hallway is the first main section of the cave.

;First main section

The section starts off with an open room containing [[Yellow Spectralid]]s. The corridor on the other end splits into two, with one side heading to a new room and the other being blocked off by a [[paper bag]] on a higher ledge.

The second room has [[Red Bulborb]]s and a [[dirt wall]] blocking the way forward. It also has a pathway coming off the side that drops down to the Spectralid room for a one-way shortcut back.

;Second main section

The last section of the area takes place in a huge room with several walls and platforms. To the southwest of the entrance is a ledge with an access ramp. The main path from the entrance goes south and circles between the wall and the lake in the center, which is split in two due to a high ledge. This high ledge is reachable from the one near the entrance, using a [[bridge]].

* {{icon|Dwarf Red Bulborb|v=P3|y}} × 6

* {{icon|Mysterious Life Form|y}} × 1

* {{icon|Red Bulborb|v=P3|y}} × 1

* {{icon|Yellow Spectralid|y}} × 3

All enemies disappear into plasm when defeated, making them Plasm Wraith illusions. The Nectarous Dandelfly just flies away, meaning it is impossible to conclude whether it's an illusion as well or not.

===Obstacles===  

*{{icon|Geyser|y}} × 1  

*{{icon|Dirt mound|y}} × 5

*{{icon|Paper bag|v=P3|y}} × 1  

*{{icon|Crystal nodule|y}} × 6

*{{icon|Large crystal|y}} × 2

*{{icon|Bridge|v=P3|y}} × 2 ({{icon|fragment}}) ×

===Plants and fungi===

* {{icon|Bloominous Stemple|y}} × 7

* {{icon|Crimson Candypop Bud|y}} × 1

* {{icon|Spotcap|y}} × 3

* {{icon|Golden Candypop Bud|y}} × 4

* {{icon|Gray Candypop Bud|y}} × 2

* {{icon|Lapis Lazuli Candypop Bud|y}} × 2

* {{icon|Pink Candypop Bud|y}} × 2

To start, ascend the obvious path up the Formidable Oak, and fight the golden blob you find. Once it has been defeated, you will find [[Captain Olimar]]. Assign five Pikmin of types you feel are expendable, and [[Brittany]] will begin to guide them. As you follow her through the only available path, the [[Mysterious Life Form]] will begin the chase.

When you first enter the first room and get started in earnest, the first thing to note is to move forward. There is exactly one path you can take, and that path will lead to a [[Red Bulborb]] and six [[Dwarf Red Bulborb]]s. Defeat at least the ones on the left side (facing the way you entered said room), and put all of your Pikmin to work on the dirt wall opposite. Brittany now has a full loop she can take to make the Mysterious Life Form completely ignore you, making solving the puzzles here a lot easier, provided you remind Brittany to Go Here! in a triangular fashion whenever prompted.

Once the dirt wall is destroyed, go up the pathway to find an [[iron ball]]. Roll it down the hill to destroy a crystal wall, and get access to an alcove containing [[Shearwig]]s, two [[Candypop Bud]]s ([[Golden Candypop Bud|Gold]] and [[Gray Candypop Bud|Gray]]), a dirt mound with three bomb rocks, and a [[data file]]. Collect these bomb rocks: they are really valuable later.

Before entering the next room, there is something important to do. Destroy the [[crystal]] on your left, and take one captain to follow the path up to a reinforced wall. Blow it up with those bomb rocks you got earlier. You now have a shortcut if/when you need an extra day to complete the Formidable Oak's puzzle. There is a [[Secret File]] hidden in the [[Spotcap]]s here, so be sure to grab that on your way back.

Call the Pikmin assembling the fragments back once they have been laid, so they don't return to where they found them, and light the [[electrode]] on this ledge. Cross the bridge, and there is another electrode to light. The third isn't far, but there is a puzzle. Go along the right [[Bloominous Stemple]] bridge, and toss a captain and ten Yellows to the other side. Have the other captain light the electrode, finishing both Stemple paths.

Grab 80 [[Winged Pikmin]], 10 [[Rock Pikmin]], and 10 [[Yellow Pikmin]]. Walk to the top and take out the [[Mysterious Life Form]]. Get 10 Winged Pikmin on [[Captain Olimar]]. Walk into the cave as a squad. Go to the [[paper bag]] and dodge and charge the obstacle. Ignore the enemies and grab the 30 [[fragments]]. Throw [[Brittany]] and [[Captain Charlie]] across the bridge and around the [[Arachnode]]. Whistle [[Alph]] as you enter the cave. Build half the bridge and throw Alph, Brittany and some Yellow Pikmin across. Have Alph throw Brittany and some Yellow Pikmin and whistle the Winged Pikmin carrying Captain Olimar and replace them with the Yellow Pikmin. Have the Winged Pikmin lift the [[clipboard]] and escape. Fight the [[Plasm Wraith]] like normal and you’re done.

==Pikmin drawings==

Formidable Oak drawing leaf.jpg|Found on the rim of the [[reinforced wall]].

Formidable Oak drawing bud.jpg|In the [[Plasm Wraith]]'s arena, on a rock near the exit of the cave.

Formidable Oak drawing flower.jpg|On a rock to the east of the [[geyser]], before the entrance to the cave.

Formidable Oak map.png|Map of the area.

FormidableOak-Pikmin3.jpg|The Formidable Oak as seen from afar.

Formidableoakbackground.jpg|Some of the background scenery at the Formidable Oak.

Formidable Oak P3 space view.jpg

Formidoak.jpg|The [[S.S. Drake]] and [[Onion|Master Onion]] blast off from the landing site.

*This location's continental shape is based on Greenland.

*The [[Music (Pikmin 3)#Rain|music that plays outside while raining]] is similar to the music that plays at [[The Final Trial]].

|SpaE=Torre de la Soledad

|SpaEM=Tower of Solitude

|Ger=Turm der Einsamkeit

*[[Mysterious Life Form]]