Editing Hole of Heroes

{{Infobox cave

The '''Hole of Heroes''' ({{j|百戦錬磨の穴|Hyakusenrenma no Ana|Hole of Veterans}}) is a [[cave]] in ''[[Pikmin 2]]'', found in the [[Wistful Wild]], the game's fourth and last [[area]]. It is the longest cave in the game with 15 sublevels but only 13 treasures, and of a difficulty comparable to the other Wistful Wild caves. The later sublevels are based around repeats of encounters with all the [[bosses]] from the previous areas in ''Pikmin 2'' except the [[Waterwraith]] and the [[Giant Breadbug]]. The final boss is the [[Raging Long Legs]]. In the US [[Region|version]] for this cave, there are {{pokos|2205}} worth of treasure. In the European version, there are {{pokos|2235}} worth of treasure.

From the landing site, you should head forward. Destroy the gate guarded by the [[Hermit Crawmad]], and remove the [[clog]] on that water. Use [[Yellow Pikmin]] to destroy the electric gate, and then go around the [[Conifer Spire]] and the [[Armored Cannon Beetle Larva]] to reach the cave.

All Pikmin types are relevant. Focus on Red and Purple Pikmin, as this dungeon focuses on combat above other elements. Also remember to bring a healthy amount of [[Blue Pikmin]] for the water-logged sublevel, and the two arachnorb bosses.

*'''Theme''': Garden

*'''Music''': ''[[Music in Pikmin 2#Yard|Yard]]''

*'''Treasures''':

**{{icon|Corpulent Nut|y}}

*'''Enemies''':

**{{icon|Cloaking Burrow-nit|y}} × 2

**{{icon|Creeping Chrysanthemum|y}} × 2

**{{icon|Dwarf Orange Bulborb|y}} × 4 (drop from the sky, 2 in dead ends)

**{{icon|Female Sheargrub|y}} × 5

**{{icon|Male Sheargrub|y}} × 5

**{{icon|Shearwig|y}} × 5

**{{icon|Skitter Leaf|y}} × 4

*'''Obstacles''':

**None

*'''Plants and fungi''':

**{{icon|Clover|y}} × 2

**{{icon|Figwort|y}} (small) × 2

**{{icon|Margaret|y}} × 2

*'''Others''':

**{{icon|Egg|y}} × 3 (in dead ends)

 

Whatever hopes you had of having a gentle first sublevel are ruined here. [[Creeping Chrysanthemum]]s, [[Sheargrub]]s, [[Shearwig]]s, [[Skitter Leaf]]s, and [[Cloaking Burrow-nit]]s are littered across the scenic maze. [[Purple Pikmin]] are the best choice, but be weary of the [[Dwarf Orange Bulborb]]s that fall from the sky. Because of this, it is recommended you keep the [[camera]] zoomed out above you.

 

It's advised that you escort whatever loads your [[Pikmin family|Pikmin]] are carrying back to the [[Research Pod]]. Aside from the [[Corpulent Nut]], the only other items worth grabbing are [[nectar]] or [[spray]]s, so keep an eye out for [[egg]]s.

*'''Theme''': Concrete

*'''Music''': ''[[Music in Pikmin 2#Electricity|Electricity]]''

*'''Treasures''':

**{{icon|Essence of True Love|y}}

*'''Enemies''':

**{{icon|Anode Beetle|y}} × 6

**{{icon|Antenna Beetle|y}} × 1

**{{icon|Bumbling Snitchbug|y}} × 1

**{{icon|Careening Dirigibug|y}} × 2

**{{icon|Swooping Snitchbug|y}} × 2

*'''Obstacles''':

**{{icon|Bomb-rock|y}} × 2 (drop from the sky in dead ends)

*'''Plants and fungi''':

**{{icon|Figwort|y}} × 4

**{{icon|Shoot|y}} (large) × 2

**{{icon|Shoot|y}} (small) × 4

*'''Others''':

**1 type of [[gate]], with 2500 [[Health|HP]]

**{{icon|Egg|y}} × 3 (in dead ends)

 

Both [[Bumbling Snitchbug]]s, and [[Swooping Snitchbug]]s live down here, along with [[Anode Beetle]]s, the irritating [[Careening Dirigibug]]s, and an [[Antenna Beetle]]. There are a lot of bug enemies here. If this isn't enough all together, bomb-rocks drop just like the Dwarf Bulborbs in the last sublevel. Take extreme caution and try to get all of the bombs down with a leader before bringing your troops in. The [[Essence of True Love]] is buried; [[dig]] it up with [[White Pikmin]].

*'''Theme''': Concrete

*'''Music''': ''[[Music in Pikmin 2#Concrete 2|Concrete 2]]''

*'''Treasures''':

**{{icon|Love Sphere|y}}

*'''Enemies''':

**{{icon|Fiery Blowhog|y}} × 2

**{{icon|Puffy Blowhog|y}} × 1

**{{icon|Volatile Dweevil|y}} × 5 (drop from the sky, 2 in dead ends)

**{{icon|Watery Blowhog|y}} × 2

**{{icon|Withering Blowhog|y}} × 2

*'''Obstacles''':

**None

*'''Plants and fungi''':

**{{icon|Figwort|y}} (large) × 4

**{{icon|Figwort|y}} (small) × 4

*'''Others''':

**1 type of [[gate]], with 2500 [[Health|HP]]

 

Sublevel three is a maze of all species of the [[Blowhog family]]. Barriers make this place a pain, especially when there's a [[Withering Blowhog]] right on the other side. All of the Blowhogs can attack through the barriers, so be careful with the two earthbound types and do your best to keep the Withering Blowhogs from blowing away your Pikmin's flowers. You'll probably need flowered Pikmin for the next sublevel.

 

[[Volatile Dweevil]]s still appear in this level, so be very careful. Try scouting across all the available terrain alone before moving on. Travel with your group while carrying the [[Love Sphere]] and the corpses, just in case. One mistake could be all it takes to ruin your chances of success. If you're lucky, a [[Dweevil]] may appear next to a Blowhog and do damage for you, making your job a little easier.

*'''Theme''': Concrete

*'''Music''': ''[[Music in Pikmin 2#Common boss battle|Boss]] (only when combating)

*'''Treasures''':

**{{icon|Lustrous Element|y}} (inside the Pileated Snagret)

*'''Enemies''':

**{{icon|Burrowing Snagret|y}} × 1

**{{icon|Pileated Snagret|y}} × 1

*'''Obstacles''':

**None

*'''Plants and fungi''':

**{{icon|Common Glowcap|y}} × 3

**{{icon|Fiddlehead|y}} × 2

*'''Others''':

**None

 

{{see also|Burrowing Snagret#Strategy|t1=Burrowing Snagret strategy}}

{{see also|Pileated Snagret#Strategy|t1=Pileated Snagret strategy}}

 

Here is where you want flower Pikmin. It's the first boss return of the cave. There are two Snagrets, one [[Pileated Snagret]] and one [[Burrowing Snagret]], and there's a sandy sinkhole in the middle of the arena that causes a huge issue when you find yourself retreating from the feathered Snagret. Note that you do not have to kill both beasts, only the Pileated Snagret. Fight it for the [[Lustrous Element]], but be careful not to walk into its burrowing partner. Locate both monsters if you must. You may want to use [[White Pikmin]] as a last resort.

*'''Theme''': Concrete

*'''Music''': ''[[Music in Pikmin 2#Rest|Rest]]''

*'''Treasures''':

**None

*'''Enemies''':

**{{icon|Honeywisp|y}} &times; 4<ref group="Sublevel 5 notes">The game files indicate that only one should appear, but four appear instead.</ref>

**{{icon|Iridescent Glint Beetle|y}} &times; 2

**{{icon|Mamuta|y}} &times; 2

**{{icon|Unmarked Spectralids|y}} &times; 2 (number of groups)

*'''Obstacles''':

**None

*'''Plants and fungi''':

**{{icon|Queen Candypop Bud|y}} &times; 1

**{{icon|Shoot|y}} (small) &times; 5

*'''Others''':

**None

 

A treasureless rest level. There aren't any creatures here that can kill, and all four of them could even contribute to your squad. Mamutas pound your Pikmin into the ground, but give them flowers. Honeywisps and Unmarked Spectralids provide nectar or, if you're lucky, a spray. [[Iridescent Glint Beetle]]s have the same results: 1^st hit nectar, 2^nd hit sprays.

 

If you have taken severe damage and feel you need to return to the surface, there's a geyser waiting for you here. There's also a Queen Candypop Bud and plenty of nectar just in case there's a couple of leaf or bud Pikmin among your flowered soldiers.

*'''Theme''': Soil

*'''Music''': ''[[Music in Pikmin 2#Hole of Heroes|Hole of Heroes]]'' (exclusive to this sublevel)

*'''Treasures''':

**{{icon|Nutrient Silo|y}} (US) / {{icon|Stringent Container|y|v=EU}} (Europe/Japan)

*'''Enemies''':

**{{icon|Hermit Crawmad|y}} &times; 2

**{{icon|Water Dumple|y}} &times; 3

**{{icon|Wogpole|y}} &times; 6

**{{icon|Wollywog|y}} &times; 1

**{{icon|Yellow Wollywog|y}} &times; 2

*'''Obstacles''':

**None

*'''Plants and fungi''':

**{{icon|Lapis Lazuli Candypop Bud|y}} &times; 2 (in dead ends)

**{{icon|Shoot|y}} (large) &times; 2

**{{icon|Shoot|y}} (small) &times; 3

*'''Others''':

**{{icon|Egg|y}} &times; 2 (in dead ends)

 

If your Blue Pikmin are low on numbers, the are some Candypop Buds here in your favor. You are going to need them if you want a safe journey across this place. Find a safe spot for your non-aquatic troops. That may involve some fighting for the territory; if not, all the better.

 

The enemies here prove to be chores, aside from the Wogpoles, but the creatures can be problematic if you're retreating or in a situation where you need all the room you can get without having to call off more soldiers. If you need to, Water Dumples don't take too long to kill with a leader. After collecting the [[Nutrient Silo]] ([[Stringent Container]] in the European [[Region|version]]), get rid of the seal over the hole and jump in for your next boss fight.

 

It should be noted that it is possible for the dungeon generator to, in rare cases, give this sublevel an impossible layout, in which the Nutrient Silo is placed atop a stump that is too tall for any type but Yellows to reach; of course, most of the sublevel is flooded, making it impossible for Yellows to access it. Should this happen, reset and try again. This sublevel's layout only appears twice in the game, and its music is unique.

*'''Theme''': Tiles

*'''Music''': ''[[Music in Pikmin 2#Common boss battle|Boss]]'' (only when combating)

*'''Treasures''':

**{{icon|Joyless Jewel|y}} (inside the Ranging Bloyster)

*'''Enemies''':

**{{icon|Armored Cannon Beetle Larva|y}} &times; 2

**{{icon|Decorated Cannon Beetle|y}} &times; 2

**{{icon|Ranging Bloyster|y}} &times; 1

*'''Obstacles''':

**{{icon|Boulder|y}} &times; 1

*'''Plants and fungi''':

**None

*'''Others''':

**1 type of [[gate]], with 4000 [[Health|HP]]

 

{{see also|Ranging Bloyster#Strategy|t1=Ranging Bloyster strategy}}

 

This arena is roomy, and you'll find a Ranging Bloyster just waiting to feed. Get your Pikmin safe behind the hole or in a dead end, and defeat the Cannon Beetles with their own boulders. Otherwise, the Pikmin will be crushed to death. Then you can move to the big blob. Split into two teams, surround the beast, and alternate between leaders to get a good shot at the bulb on the monster's back. Again, you may want to feed it White Pikmin as a last resort. Soon enough, you'll get the [[Joyless Jewel]] as the prize.

*'''Theme''': Concrete

*'''Music''': ''[[Music in Pikmin 2#Rest|Rest]]''

*'''Treasures''':

**None

*'''Enemies''':

**{{icon|Bulbmin|y}} &times; 1

**{{icon|Doodlebug|y}} &times; 2

*'''Obstacles''':

**None

*'''Plants and fungi''':

**{{icon|Shoot|y}} (small) &times; 5

**{{icon|Crimson Candypop Bud|y}} &times; 2

**{{icon|Queen Candypop Bud|y}} &times; 1

 

Yet another rest level. You're more than halfway through, but you get another chance to go back to the surface here, along with Crimson Candypop Buds and a Queen Candypop Bud. If you've lost Pikmin, you can use that and the Bulbmin wandering down here. Be careful, aside from the Bulbmin, Doodlebugs may appear to endanger your soldiers. Lastly, there's a good chance to get nectar and sprays here. There's no treasure here.

*'''Theme''': Tiles

*'''Music''': ''[[Music in Pikmin 2#Tile 1|Tile 1]]''

*'''Treasures''':

**{{icon|Dimensional Slicer|y}} (US) / {{icon|Patience Tester|y}}(Europe) {{icon|Flying Saucer|y}} (Japan) (inside the Fiery Bulblax)

*'''Enemies''':

**{{icon|Dwarf Bulbear|y}} &times; 3

**{{icon|Dwarf Orange Bulborb|y}} &times; 3

**{{icon|Dwarf Red Bulborb|y}} &times; 3

**{{icon|Fiery Bulblax|y}} &times; 1

**{{icon|Hairy Bulborb|y}} &times; 1

**{{icon|Orange Bulborb|y}} &times; 1

**{{icon|Red Bulborb|y}} &times; 1

**{{icon|Snow Bulborb|y}} &times; 3

**{{icon|Spotty Bulbear|y}} &times; 1

*'''Obstacles''':

**None

*'''Plants and fungi''':

**None

*'''Others''':

**1 type of [[gate]], with 2500 [[Health|HP]]

Dwarf Red, White, Orange Bulborbs, a Red, Hairy, and Orange Bulborb, a Spotty Bulbear with its young, and a Fiery Bulblax &ndash; in fact, every breed of [[Bulborb]] in the entire game &ndash; appears here. The Fiery Bulblax has the [[Dimensional Slicer]] ([[Patience Tester]] in the European version), but since the rest of the bulborbs are in close proximity, it is highly likely that you will have to kill every enemy here.

 

A suggestion would be to knock down the gate leading to the main arena, run out with no Pikmin and hide behind a wall to attract the Spotty Bulbear's attention. While that is happening, you can switch leaders and kill the rest of the bulborbs, then leave. If the Bulbear is in an awkward position, use a spray (highly recommended, since juvenile Bulbears will be following) then leave. Though it is unlikely, it is possible for the ship to land in the main room when you enter the sublevel. This will undoubtedly lead to you having a tense start, especially if the Spotty Bulbear is near when you land. Should this happen, your best bet is to immediately spray it with an ultra-bitter spray (which you should have at least a few of from the previous sublevel) and attack it, or at least buy yourself time to think. Alternatively, reset the console in hopes you get a better layout.

 

If you are lucky, you can kill the Spotty Bulbear through the wall before the gate by punching, but you need to collect the corpse immediately. You can also punch the enemies on top of the sink part for a safe but long strategy. Remember to use Red Pikmin for the Fiery Bulblax. It should be noted that the wandering Spotty Bulbear can wake up the other sleeping beasts. However, as long as you and your troops are not nearby, they will simply go right back to sleep.

Another method is to break the gate, then go in with either leader, lure the Bulborbs into the hole, get out, and repeatedly [[punch]] them while they are stuck inside the hole. Remember to also kill all the Dwarfs (as carrying will be a nuisance with them) and the Fiery Bulbax. The Rocket Fist is recommended, and the Scorch Guard is necessary to punch the Fiery Bulblax.

*'''Music''': ''[[Music in Pikmin 2#Common boss battle|Boss]]'' (only when combating)

**{{icon|Treasured Gyro Block|y}} (inside an Emperor Bulblax)

**{{icon|Emperor Bulblax|y}} &times; 2

*'''Others''':

{{see also|Emperor Bulblax#Strategy|t1=Emperor Bulblax strategy}}

Relive another boss battle as the montage of the bulborb family continues, this time with the [[Pikmin (game)|previous game]]'s final boss: not one, but two [[Emperor Bulblax]]es. These two aren't nearly as big, but they're still deadly. If you're going to scout for nectar and sprays before to attack them, it's okay, but be warned that Mitites may show up.

Just like with the two Snagrets, only one of these bulblaxes holds a treasure: the [[Treasured Gyro Block]]. Purple Pikmin should be used to make the battle easier. If you have the treasure gauge, find the right Bulblax when it's blinking. Again, if you are low on purples, you can sacrifice some whites.

*'''Music''': ''[[Music in Pikmin 2#Common boss battle|Boss]]'' (only when combating)

**{{icon|Favorite Gyro Block|y}} (inside the Empress Bulblax)

*'''Enemies''':

**{{icon|Bulborb Larva|y}} (spawned from the Empress Bulblax)

*'''Plants and fungi''':

**1 type of [[gate]], with 2500 [[Health|HP]]

{{see also|Empress Bulblax#Strategy|t1=Empress Bulblax strategy}}

 

 

You are able to petrify her, but you must spray her from the sides; attempting to spray her behind or face will not work. Attack with Purples if you can. If not, Red Pikmin may do just as well, but any Pikmin can do the job. Be careful when dealing with the beast and make sure you know what you're going to do about the offspring when they arrive, if they have time to.

Take cover when she starts to roll from side to side. The ceiling conveniently comes down very close to where you stand. A safe place is behind the hole, so find time to break down the gate. If you push all of your Pikmin against a wall, the boulders won't usually hit you. At the end of the fight, feel free to search for any nectars that were dropped by the larva. If you're having trouble trying to get to the Empress Bulblax's head, have one leader move a little when there's no Larvae and the other [[punch]] each baby. This is also a good place to add the [[Common Glowcap]] to your [[Piklopedia (Pikmin 2)|Piklopedia]] if you haven't already.

**{{icon|Lost Gyro Block|y}} (inside the Iridescent Glint Beetle)

**{{icon|Doodlebug|y}} &times; 1

**{{icon|Iridescent Glint Beetle|y}} &times; 1