Icicle Abyss

The Icicle Abyss is the second cave in the Rugged Tundra and likely fifth cave overall in Pikmin: Connection of the Worlds. This cave is located near the very summit of the mountain, and due to its location, the entirety of the interior is frozen over. All sorts of ice hazards await you in this cave, such as icicles, slippery floors, bitter-cold streams, etc. Within this cave nest the Cyan Pikmin, a must have for accessing other regions of the Rugged Tundra. This cave is six sublevels deep and has nine treasures.

Ship's comments
"''Interesting! The interior of this mountain seems to be hollow...

''However, further analysis shows subterranean terrain, as well as frigid conditions.

''Expect many ice objects and ice enemies. Preparation is always useful!''"

Accessing the Icicle Abyss
The Icicle Abyss is located on the Frostbite Ridge, so getting there may there may take a while. You will need to walk up past where the Bronze Mega Key once rested, and build a pair of bridges over the river, using Yellow Pikmin. Next, you need to get your way through the maze that's right after the bridges. Beyond the exit of the maze is the Icicle Abyss.

Sublevel 1
This first sublevel gives you a good reason why the cave is called the Icicle Abyss: there is a maze floating over an abyss with icicles that fall when you're under them. Be careful; this maze has no edges, so if your group falls into the abyss, there's no coming back (unless you reset, of course). This maze has a treasure at one of its dead ends, but get it later. Carefully maneuver your group through the maze. At the other end is an enclosed area with a few enemies, some of which are guarding a treasure. After you defeat the enemies to make room for your squad, take a small group of Pikmin to the end that has the treasure in it. Switch to one of the other leaders at the cave, then go down the hole once both treasures are collected.

Sublevel 2
The sublevel starts out as a small chamber. Don't venture too far away from the Research Pod; immediately beyond the landing area is a long, icy slide with various hazards. When you're ready, go down the slide and be prepared to deal with many hazards, such as icicles falling from the ceiling and enemies that try to attack you. There are even a few bends in the slide! At the base of the slide is a treasure, a path leading upwards, and the cave. Have your fastest Pikmin carry the treasure as the Research Pod is now quite distant. Once they get it up there, leave the sublevel.

Sublevel 3
You land in a fair-sized chamber. Immediately in front of you are three Teal Candypop Buds. Throw your Pikmin in them, and they will pop out as the Cyan Pikmin! Cyan Pikmin are resistant to ice and water, they can attack icy enemies, and even melt snow! In front of you is an ice gate. Use your newly-found Cyan Pikmin to break it down. Beyond this chamber is a circular tunnel, and at the opposite end is the entrance to another chamber. Inside this chamber is the hole, a treasure inside an Arctic Clamclamp, and three Freezing Dirigibugs. Break the Clamclamp's membrane to retrieve the treasure, and defeat the Dirigibugs, if necessary. Jump down the hole when you're done.