Spoiler warning: Plot or ending details follow.
Cavern for a King is a cave in the Primordial Thicket in Pikmin 4. It is considered the game's final cave, due to it having a staggering twenty sublevels (the most of any cave in any game in the series) as well as containing the game's final boss. Similar to Hole of Heroes, It also has features encounters with previous bosses, as well as some new ones, like the Toxstool and the Titan Blowhog. Every sublevel (save for rest levels) contains a boss. This cave has 2,935 Sparklium worth of treasure.
Initially, the entrance to this cave is hidden by a massive boulder at the very north of the Primordial Thicket. Once Nelle has been rescued and later talked to at the Rescue Command Post, the boulder will inexplicably be gone and the cave will be available.
The final sublevel contains Louie riding atop the Ancient Sirehound. Defeating the boss and rescuing Louie will immediately have the player leave the cave. The player will then be given the option to finish the current day in the Primordial Thicket or end the day. When the day ends, the game's ending cutscene starts.
Strategy[]
Sublevel 1[]
Map of sublevel 1.
Treasures[]
Enemies[]
Whatever hopes of having a gentle first sublevel are ruined here. Poison enemies are everywhere, and the notorious Toxstool will revive them when they're killed. Sticky, poisonous mold is everywhere too, and will be replenished by the Toxstool as well. Target the Toxstool first, using Oatchi's Rush, and freeze it with Ice Pikmin. After it is defeated, use Rush to kill the other enemies and remove the mold so your Pikmin can safely transfer the Sticky Jewel back to the ship.
Sublevel 2 map.
Sublevel 2[]
Treasures[]
Enemies[]
This sublevel is easier than the first. Rush into the Bulborb and Dwarf Bulborbs to defeat them, before tackling the Jumbo Bulborb, hiding in a bush. Wait for it to lunge out at you, then Rush into it. With enough Pikmin, you should defeat it easily. Collect the Uniquely You Goo that it drops, and the Mechanical Harp (Lullabies).
Sublevel 3[]
Sublevel 3.
Treasures[]
Enemies[]
For the first time since the original Pikmin, 3 Burrowing Snagrets are encountered simultaneously.. Similar to the first game, one Snagret holds what you need. However, unlike back then, you must defeat all three to proceed to the next sublevel. Defeat the Snagrets with Yellow or Purple Pikmin, and carry the Talisman of Life back.
Sublevel 4[]
Sublevel 4 map.
Treasures[]
Enemies[]
The Arctic Cannon Beetle is placed at the end of a long, twisting hallway. If its snowballs hit you, you will be stuck in it until it hits the edge of the wall, back at the ship. There are small alcoves you can hide in to avoid the snowballs, however, some Dwarf Orange Bulborbs have decided to hide there too. Take them out and proceed to the Arctic Cannon Beetle. Sticky mold is around the Cannon Beetle, so take that out if necessary. When it inhales, it exposes its fleshy abdomen. Rush with Oatchi into it and, if lucky, you could defeat it on your first or second try. Carry the Orbital Communication Spheres to the ship, pull down the clipboard to the exit, and go down.
Map of sublevel 5.
Sublevel 5[]
Treasures[]
Enemies[]
Like the Hole of Heroes, we face multiple Emperor Bulblaxes in this cave. These three bosses can be fought individually, however their roar can awaken the others. Just like with the three Snagrets, only one of these Bulblaxes holds the Tremendous Sniffer. Use Ultra-Spicy Sprays and Oatchi's Rush to defeat these bosses. You could also use Bomb Rocks, or, as a last-ditch resort, sacrifice some White Pikmin.
Sublevel 6.
Sublevel 6[]
Treasures[]
Enemies[]
A simple rest level. There aren't any creatures here that can kill, and they could even contribute to your squad. The Honeywisps provide nectar or, if you're lucky, a spray. If you have taken severe damage and feel you need to return to the surface, there's an exit waiting for you here. There are Candypop Buds to change Pikmin, and plenty of nectar just in case there's a couple of leaf or bud Pikmin among your deflowered soldiers.
A map of sublevel 7.
Sublevel 7[]
Treasures[]
Enemies[]
The Titan and Blizzarding Blowhogs are not your average Blowhogs. They are very large Fiery and Snowy Blowhogs, and along with their elemental powers, they can fling your Pikmin in the abyss. If you want the treasures, use Rush, Sprays, Bombs, or Purple/Rock Pikmin. If not, you can bypass the gate with a well-timed jump with Oatchi.
Sublevel 8.
Sublevel 8[]
Treasures[]
Enemies[]
A bottomless bog all around, with a long Crusted Rumpup in the center island. It's an easy fight, just wait for it to charge, weigh its tail down, and Rush!
Sublevel 9's map.
Sublevel 9[]
Treasures[]
- Heroic Sword × 2
- Bright Sword × 2
Enemies[]
Similar to the Hole of Heroes, there is water surrounding the Man-at-Legs. Use Oatchi's Doggy-Paddle or Blue Pikmin.
The map of sublevel 10.
Sublevel 10[]
Treasures[]
Enemies[]
After 22 years, we finally get to see our friend the Smoky Progg again. It will hatch shortly after you enter, so be careful! Rush at it with Oatchi to defeat it quickly. Use Bomb Rocks if necessary. Stay away from the gloom. There is a glitch that can cause the Snoky Progg to drop multiple Wayward Moons, making it possible to have over 100% completion of the cave.
Map of sublevel 11.
Sublevel 11[]
Treasures[]
Enemies[]
Sublevel 11 treats us to a maze of Bloomcap Bloysters. Defeat them easily with Purple and Ice Pikmin, collect the four treasures, and chase after Louie down the hole!
Sublevel 12.
Sublevel 12[]
Treasures[]
Enemies[]
Yet another rest level. You're more than halfway through, but you get another chance to go back to the surface here, along with two Violet Candypop Buds. Lastly, there's a good chance to get nectar and sprays here.
Map of sublevel 13.
Sublevel 13[]
Treasures[]
Enemies[]
Poisonous sticky mold is littered around here. If you need Whites to destroy it, use the Ivory Candypop Bud to get more. Destroy the mold before you focus on the Gildemander. Defeat it using Purple Pikmin, Rock Pikmin, Oatchi's Rush or Bomb Rocks. Collect the Mysterious Carriage, proceed through the numbered gate, destroy the vases, collect the Memory Fragment, and continue your expedition in...
The sublevel 14 map.
Sublevel 14[]
Treasures[]
Enemies[]
Cannon Beetles return in this sublevel. A Horned Cannon Beetle, and 3 Cannon Beetle Larvae. Defeat the Larvae using Oatchi's Rush, and tackle the big boss by sticking a Pikmin in its blowhole, and attack its fleshy abdomen. Collect the Foolish Fruit and proceed!
The map of sublevel 15.
Sublevel 15[]
Treasures[]
- Trap Lid x10
Enemies[]
A Baldy Long Legs stomps between a water-filled pit and a mud patch, both of which are surrounded by blocks. Wait for it to step in the water, then freeze the water with Ice Pikmin. Attack the frozen Long Legs with all you have! Use Blues to collect the 10 Trap Lids.
Sublevel 16.
Sublevel 16[]
Treasures[]
Enemies[]
- Waterwraith x2
Two Waterwraiths in a cave... remind you of anything? If you're low on Purple Pikmin, stock up using the Violet Candypop Buds. If not, do not take a detour to the Candypop Buds, and go straight to a Waterwraith. If you can at least knock of one's rollers before the other comes over, you don't have to worry about fighting two at once. After defeating them, collect the Connection Detector.
Sublevel 17's map.
Sublevel 17[]
Treasures[]
Enemies[]
Cavern for a King holds a few final surprises for you. Before the final confrontation, you are treated with defeating the Empress Bulblax. This one, however, is in a very limited space. You cannot attack head-on. Either:
- Throw Pikmin at it, do not Rush, and whistle the Pikmin back when it starts to shake. When it rolls your way, use the geysers to travel to the other side;
- Use Ice Blasts to freeze it and attack;
- Attack it with only Rock Pikmin to minimise Pikmin deaths;
- Or simply blow it up with Bomb Rocks, Trackonators, or Mines.
Sublevel 18's map.
Sublevel 18[]
Treasures[]
Enemies[]
The Bulborb montage reaches a climax with an Sovereign Bulblax, the first game's final boss and last in the family to defeat in this cave. Like the Quaggled Mireclops, the boss's jump attack can deform the landscape, which can create small pools of water. Defeat it with Rush, and/or use Bomb Rocks to blow it up, similar to the first game's strategy. However, this time you have Purple and Rock Pikmin, which can deal quite a lot of damage. Defeat it, collect the treasure, and move on to prepare for the final confrontation.
The map for the nineteenth sublevel.
Sublevel 19[]
Treasures[]
- Cupid's Grenade ×3
- Zest Bomb
- Blonde Imposter
- Juicy Gaggle
- Sunseed Berry
- Heroine's Tear
- Pocked Airhead
Enemies[]
- Honeywisp x7
It is now time to prepare for the final battle. Candypop Buds are here to convert Pikmin to types that will help in the battle. Louie's snacks are littered around the cave, so be sure to collect them. The 7 Honeywisps will provide nectar for you leaf and bud Pikmin. If you feel you are unprepared and need to exit, there is one right here. When you are ready, leap down the hole, and get ready for the final battle...
The final sublevel.
Sublevel 20[]
Treasures[]
Enemies[]
- FINAL BOSS: Ancient Sirehound
A giant dog is standing with Louie. Louie climbs onto it, triggering the final battle. A battle strategy can be found here.
Once you have defeated the Ancient Sirehound, it will scamper off, and you will collect the Gift of Friendship (as well as Louie). You will then exit the cave and be given the option to finish the current day in the Primordial Thicket or end the day. When the day ends, the game's ending cutscene starts.
Voyage Log[]
Louie[]
"Finally tamed that huge dog thing. I'm gonna lie low for a while in its den. It's really deep, and there are plenty of snacks. The others will give up and go home."
Trivia[]
- Cavern for a King is the longest cave in the game by a huge margin, being 14 Sublevels longer than the second-longest, Kingdom of Beasts.
- It is also the longest cave in any Pikmin game, beating the second-longest, Hole of Heroes, by 5 sublevels.
- Cavern for a King could be a reference to Louie's treasure name - King of Bugs.
- Candypop Buds are programmed such that the player is never able to control more than 6 Pikmin types at once (7 counting Glow Pikmin). Any Candypop Bud that would have the player find a 7th type of Pikmin will change to Ice (or White if Ice would be the 7th type found, and Purple if neither type is an option). This is most commonly seen on sublevel 19 but can happen as early as sublevel 12 if the right Pikmin types are brought down and converted accordingly. It is likely this rule applies to all Candypop Buds in the game, though it can only be observed in this cave. Glow Pikmin have no effect on this functionality.
- The 2 waterwraiths on sublevel 16 are likely a reference to the Bully Den from Pikmin 2.