Subterranean Complex

Subterranean Complex
Location	Valley of Repose
Sublevels	9
Treasures	16
Hazards

The following article or section contains guides.
The strategies shown are just suggestions.

The Subterranean Complex (地下の秘密基地^?, lit.: "Subterranean Secret Base") is a cave located in the Valley of Repose area, and the one that is usually accessed in second place.

This giant dungeon starts out as a snow-covered cave like the Emergence Cave; however, as one gets deeper in the complex it becomes a rusty, mechanical area with bottomless pits, with a style similar to Rusty Gulch. Many of the enemies here have projectile and explosive attacks – be very careful when bringing Pikmin in, as explosions will kill them instantly. The boss is the Man-at-Legs, an Arachnorb species armed with a laser-guided machine gun. The total value of all the treasure here is × 1480 in the US version and × 1310 in the European version.

Because the way the layout generation works, some sublevels, particularly sublevel 3 and sublevel 8, can place the sublevel hole right next to the edge. The player can use the ramped surface of the hole to climb on top of the railing and jump off into the pit.

How to reach

File:Sc vr.png

Location of the cave.

Like the Frontier Cavern, it is impossible to reach the cave before getting Blue Pikmin. Use Blue Pikmin to remove the clog in the first pond and build a bridge over the second. Once this is done, Pikmin of all types can be brought across. Beside the Watery Blowhog that is beyond the clump of enemies is a gate covered by gas pipes, requiring White Pikmin to destroy. The cave is located beyond this gate, up a slope that is challenging for Pikmin to climb. Defeating the Decorated Cannon Beetles, the various Blowhogs and the Cloaking Burrow-Nit is recommended, but not strictly necessary.

No water is found in this cave, so your Pikmin squad should not include Blue Pikmin. The hazards of this dungeon are limited, with more focus being placed on bomb rock explosions, so little care needs to be placed on the proportions of the other Pikmin types. There is little reason to include less than 100 Pikmin to take advantage of the Queen Candypop Buds until after all treasures have been collected, unless you elected to bring a small squad of Purple Pikmin. This is because the Queen Candypop Buds are located on sublevel 8, and the only danger following is the Man-At-Legs.

Notes

Ship's dialogs

“Interesting... My metal detectors are reacting violently!

I can only conclude that there may be some sort of machine below, but that seems illogical...”

Sublevel 1

Sublevel 1.

Theme: Snow
Music: Snow 2
Treasures:
- Exhausted Superstick
- Nouveau Table
Enemies:
- Bumbling Snitchbug × 3 (1 drops from the sky in a dead end)
- Hairy Bulborb × 2
- Snow Bulborb × 9
Obstacles:
- [icon] Gas pipe × 6
Others:
- Egg × 2 (drop from the sky in dead ends)

Technical sublevel information
Internal cave name			tutorial_2
"Main" object maximum (?)			19
"Treasure" object maximum (?)			2
"Gate" object maximum (?)			0
Dead end unit probability (?)			0
Number of rooms (?)			3
Corridor-to-room ratio (?)			0
Escape geyser (?)			No
Clogged hole (?)			No
Cave units file (?)			3_MAT_mid1_mid2_uzu1_snow.txt
Lighting file (?)			tutorial_1_light.ini
Background (?)			None
Cave units (?)

Dead end	Dead end with item	Three-way crossing	Four-way crossing	Turning corridor	Corridor

Long corridor	Room with 6 exits	Y-shaped room	Room with spiraling trunk

The cave starts off with the first sublevel being a snowy cave appearance, much like the Frontier Cavern. However, this is the only sublevel in the cave to take on this appearance.

Start by destroying the poison pipes, and defeating some Bumbling Snitchbugs if they happen to be an annoyance. There are two treasures in this level: the Nouveau Table, which should be buried, and the Exhausted Superstick. The Snow Bulborbs and Hairy Bulborbs can then be dealt with, preferably using Purple Pikmin.

Sublevel 2

Theme: Metal
Music: Metal 2
Treasures:
- Network Mainbrain
- Spirit Flogger
Enemies:
- Careening Dirigibug × 3
- Swooping Snitchbug × 1
Obstacles:
- Bomb-rock × 9 (3 drop from the sky in dead ends)
Plants and fungi:
- Glowstem (green) × 6
- Glowstem (red) × 6
Others:
- Egg × 2 (in dead ends)

Technical sublevel information
Internal cave name			tutorial_2
"Main" object maximum (?)			10
"Treasure" object maximum (?)			2
"Gate" object maximum (?)			0
Dead end unit probability (?)			0
Number of rooms (?)			3
Corridor-to-room ratio (?)			0
Escape geyser (?)			No
Clogged hole (?)			No
Cave units file (?)			2_MAT_h335_h447_metal.txt
Lighting file (?)			metal_light_lv1.ini
Background (?)			`ice` ( icy cavern)
Cave units (?)

Dead end with item	Three-way crossing	Four-way crossing	Turning corridor	Corridor	Long corridor

Room with blue ledge	Room with large blue circle

The snow and poison have vanished here. Pikmin might fall off the floor when thrown; as such, extra care should also be taken when attempting to activate the hole to the next sublevel.

The main focus on this level is on the various bomb-rocks. You should dismiss the Pikmin, and set off all bomb-rocks you can find. The Careening Dirigibugs will be armed by now, but this will not be as troublesome as the bomb-rocks that were on the ground.

The enemies should now be attacked one by one. The Swooping Snitchbug here has a high tendency to throw Pikmin in the gaps that are between the larger expanses. This still doesn't make it as big of a threat as the Dirigibugs, but it still shouldn't be completely ignored. The treasures here are the Spirit Flogger and the Network Mainbrain.

Sublevel 3

Theme: Metal
Music: Metal 1
Treasures:
- Coiled Launcher
- Omega Flywheel
- Superstrong Stabilizer (inside the burrowed Armored Cannon Beetle Larva)
Enemies:
- Armored Cannon Beetle Larva × 3 (1 stuck on the ground)
Obstacles:
- Bomb-rock × 1 (drops from the sky in a dead end)
- Fire geyser × 6
Plants and fungi:
- Glowstem (green) × 8
- Glowstem (red) × 8
- Ivory Candypop Bud × 1
Others:
- Egg × 3 (drop from the sky in dead ends)

Technical sublevel information
Internal cave name			tutorial_2
"Main" object maximum (?)			10
"Treasure" object maximum (?)			2
"Gate" object maximum (?)			0
Dead end unit probability (?)			40
Number of rooms (?)			6
Corridor-to-room ratio (?)			0
Escape geyser (?)			No
Clogged hole (?)			No
Cave units file (?)			2_MAT_h224_h443_tekiF_metal.txt
Lighting file (?)			metal_light_lv2.ini
Background (?)			`ice` ( icy cavern)
Cave units (?)

Dead end with item	Three-way crossing	Four-way crossing	Turning corridor	Corridor	Long corridor

Circular room with blue ledge	Pathway with tubes

This level has three Armored Cannon Beetle Larvae, along with multiple fire geysers. When taking them down, make sure the beetles aren't facing the void, or else your Pikmin will be tossed into it. Once the threats are cleared, the Ivory Candypop Bud can be used to make White Pikmin if desired. Treasures here are the Superstrong Stabilizer, the Omega Flywheel and the Coiled Launcher.

Sublevel 4

Theme: Metal
Music: Rest
Treasures:
- None
Enemies:
- None
Obstacles:
- None
Plants and fungi:
- Glowstem (green) × 10
- Ivory Candypop Bud × 3
Others:
- Egg × 6 (3 in dead ends)

Technical sublevel information
Internal cave name			tutorial_2
"Main" object maximum (?)			6
"Treasure" object maximum (?)			0
"Gate" object maximum (?)			0
Dead end unit probability (?)			50
Number of rooms (?)			4
Corridor-to-room ratio (?)			0.05
Escape geyser (?)			Yes
Clogged hole (?)			No
Cave units file (?)			1_units_hit224_metal.txt
Lighting file (?)			metal_light_lv0.ini
Background (?)			`test` ( cavern)
Cave units (?)

Dead end with item	Three-way crossing	Four-way crossing	Turning corridor	Corridor	Long corridor

Pathway with tubes

This is a typical rest sublevel. The only objects worth mentioning are eggs, Candypop Buds and a geyser, which can be used to get to the surface. There are three Ivory Candypops that can produce White Pikmin.

Sublevel 5

Sublevel 5.

Theme: Metal
Music: Metal 1
Treasures:
- Adamantine Girdle
- Mystical Disc
Enemies:
- Volatile Dweevil × 8 (2 drop from the sky)
Obstacles:
- Bomb-rock × 24 (9 drop from the sky)
Plants and fungi:
- Glowstem (green) × 6
- Glowstem (red) × 6
Others:
- None

Technical sublevel information
Internal cave name			tutorial_2
"Main" object maximum (?)			30
"Treasure" object maximum (?)			2
"Gate" object maximum (?)			0
Dead end unit probability (?)			0
Number of rooms (?)			1
Corridor-to-room ratio (?)			0
Escape geyser (?)			No
Clogged hole (?)			No
Cave units file (?)			1_units_nobo2_metal.txt
Lighting file (?)			metal_light_lv1.ini
Background (?)			`test` ( cavern)
Cave units (?)

Dead end with item	Three-way crossing	Four-way crossing	Turning corridor	Corridor	Long corridor

Zigzagging corridors

Here, it is advisable to dismiss the Pikmin into the corner behind the pod and to take a leader. The main objective now is to make all the bomb-rocks and Volatile Dweevils that spawn from the ceiling fall; you want them to fall now instead of later, when the Pikmin are busy. Every bomb that is in sight should be set off as well. Once everything is cleared, Whites should be used to collect the Mystical Disc and the Adamantine Girdle. More Dweevils and bomb-rocks will fall when the Pikmin carry the treasures. Note that, although rare, it is possible for a bomb rock to fall near the starting location.^[1]

Sublevel 6

Theme: Metal
Music: Metal 3
Treasures:
Enemies:
- Anode Beetle × 6
- Careening Dirigibug × 2
- Fiery Dweevil × 2
- Munge Dweevil × 2
Obstacles:
- [icon] Gas pipe × 3
Plants and fungi:
- Glowstem (green) × 6
- Glowstem (red) × 6
Others:
- Egg × 1 (in a dead end)

Technical sublevel information
Internal cave name			tutorial_2
"Main" object maximum (?)			15
"Treasure" object maximum (?)			3
"Gate" object maximum (?)			0
Dead end unit probability (?)			0
Number of rooms (?)			3
Corridor-to-room ratio (?)			0
Escape geyser (?)			Yes
Clogged hole (?)			No
Cave units file (?)			5_units_mid2_cent_hit4_hit5_nor2_metal.txt
Lighting file (?)			chikahimi_metal_light_lv4.ini
Background (?)			`test` ( cavern)
Cave units (?)

Dead end with item	Three-way crossing	Four-way crossing	Turning corridor	Corridor	Long corridor

4-way purple-floored room	Y-shaped room	Roughly plus-shaped room	T-shaped room	X-shaped room

Many enemies spawn close to each other in this level, and consist of Careening Dirigibugs, Dweevils and some Anode Beetles. The enemies spawn in different positions each time, and as such, not much advice can be given, but killing the creatures that are a little off from the groups first is usually a safe tactic. The Dweevils can also be chased near an edge, and chances are they will walk off the side – their treasures will reappear elsewhere. You can also dispose of the Anode Beetles by carrying a couple of Pikmin with you to flip them over, and using cleverly lured Dirigibugs to drop bombs on them and kill them. Treasures available are the Repair Juggernaut, the Vacuum Processor and the Space Wave Receiver.

There is an exit geyser on this sublevel if you need to leave the cave, but there is also a rest stop two sublevels down which can be used to replenish your Pikmin army.

Sublevel 7

Theme: Metal
Music: Metal 2
Treasures:
- Furious Adhesive
- Indomitable CPU (inside stationary Gatling Groink)
- Thirst Activator (US) / Perfect Container (Europe)
Enemies:
- Careening Dirigibug × 1
- Gatling Groink × 2 (1 stationary on pillar)
- Volatile Dweevil × 2 (drops from the sky when Pikmin are carrying nearby)
Obstacles:
- Bomb-rock × 25
Plants and fungi:
- Glowstem (green) × 7
- Glowstem (red) × 7
Others:
- Egg × 2 (in dead ends)

Technical sublevel information
Internal cave name			tutorial_2
"Main" object maximum (?)			28
"Treasure" object maximum (?)			2
"Gate" object maximum (?)			0
Dead end unit probability (?)			50
Number of rooms (?)			4
Corridor-to-room ratio (?)			0
Escape geyser (?)			No
Clogged hole (?)			No
Cave units file (?)			3_MAT_ari_h446_h443_tower_metal.txt
Lighting file (?)			houdai_light.ini
Background (?)			`build` ( steel)
Cave units (?)

Dead end with item	Three-way crossing	Four-way crossing	Turning corridor	Corridor	Long corridor

Circular room with gaps	Room with hatch	Circular room with tower

Sublevel 8

Theme: Metal
Music: Rest
Treasures:
- None
Enemies:
- None
Obstacles:
- None
Plants and fungi:
- Glowstem (green) × 12
- Queen Candypop Bud × 2
- Violet Candypop Bud × 3
Others:
- Egg × 7 (1 drops from the sky in a dead end)

Technical sublevel information
Internal cave name			tutorial_2
"Main" object maximum (?)			11
"Treasure" object maximum (?)			0
"Gate" object maximum (?)			0
Dead end unit probability (?)			80
Number of rooms (?)			6
Corridor-to-room ratio (?)			0
Escape geyser (?)			Yes
Clogged hole (?)			No
Cave units file (?)			1_units_hit224_metal.txt
Lighting file (?)			houdai_light.ini
Background (?)			`build` ( steel)
Cave units (?)

Dead end with item	Three-way crossing	Four-way crossing	Turning corridor	Corridor	Long corridor

Pathway with tubes

Another rest level, and in this one, there are two Queen Candypop Buds which can help make up for lost Pikmin. There are also three Violet Candypop Buds for Purple Pikmin, and a geyser to return to the surface.

Sublevel 9

File:SC9.jpg

The Man-at-Legs, in the center of its arena.

Theme: Metal
Music: Boss (only when combating)
Treasures:
- Stellar Orb (inside the Man-at-Legs)
Enemies:
- Man-at-Legs × 1
Obstacles:
- None
Plants and fungi:
- Glowstem (green) × 5
- Glowstem (red) × 5
Others:
- None

Technical sublevel information
Internal cave name			tutorial_2
"Main" object maximum (?)			1
"Treasure" object maximum (?)			0
"Gate" object maximum (?)			0
Dead end unit probability (?)			0
Number of rooms (?)			1
Corridor-to-room ratio (?)			0
Escape geyser (?)			Yes
Clogged hole (?)			Yes (despite being non-existent)
Cave units file (?)			1_units_houdai_metal.txt
Lighting file (?)			houdai_light.ini
Background (?)			`build` ( steel)
Cave units (?)

Dead end with item	Three-way crossing	Four-way crossing	Turning corridor	Corridor	Long corridor

Man-at-Legs dry arena

Note

This is also an excellent cave to get Purple Pikmin and White Pikmin. At least 22 of any Pikmin type other than White or Purple should be brought along into the cave. On the third sublevel there will be a lone Ivory Candypop Bud. Should it not be there, resetting the game and reloading the level should make it appear eventually. The next sublevel spawns three Ivory Candypops. On the eighth sublevel there will be three Violet Candypop Buds and two Queen Candypop Buds.

By using the Queen Candypop Buds, the new Pikmin generated can be used for the Violet Candypop Buds. The eggs scattered about the level will provide nectar for the leaf and bud Pikmin. The cave can then be exited via the geyser. This process can be repeated infinitely, as the Candypop Buds are not limited to a certain number of White or Purple Pikmin total.

Gallery

The cave entrance.
The entrance when foggy.
The sublevel hole appearing near the edge in sublevel 3.

Names in other languages

Language	Name	Meaning
Japanese	地下の秘密基地^? Chika no Himitsu Kichi	Subterranean Secret Base
French	Complexe Souterrain	Subterranean Complex
German	Mysteriöses Gebiet
Italian	Roccaforte Segreta	Secret Stronghold
Spanish (NoA)	Complejo Subterráneo	Subterranean Complex