Rocket Fist
The Rocket Fist is an upgrade found in Pikmin 2 that enables a new, stronger punching combo attack for use by your Captains. If you don't want to endanger your Pikmin, this upgrade could be one of the best in the game, as an ambush by a Captain can save your Pikmin the trouble of attack and prevent deaths, or weaken a larger enemy so your Pikmin can finish the job. This treasure is unlocked when you get the Brute Knuckles which is located inside a Mamuta in the Frontier Cavern.
"Rocket Fist" Action
Without the upgrade, the "A" button will produce a simple right punch. Once this treasure has been collected, a combo is added to your arsenal. Pressing "A" a second time will perform a left-hook, and a third time launches a devastating Rocket Fist, which is simply a wind-up punch. It has the strength of roughly three normal punches, and can dispatch a smaller enemy, such as Dwarf Red Bulborbs, with minimum effort. The third punch is capable of reaching flying enemies and other obstacles high in the air as well, such as Puffy Blowhogs, if positioned directly under them.
Interesting Facts
- Collecting this power-up will not affect your inactive Captain, who will still use the standard punch move. Using the Captain's attacks together boosts the total damage by a small amount, and is suggested to be used often, though with careful watch for counter attacks so the inactive Captain can move in advance.
- In the Treasure Menu screen, Olimar reveals that using the Rocket Fist hurts his shoulder.
- There is a glitch in the game regarding this upgrade. While stationary, this combo will move at normal speed, but while moving and pressing the "A" button rapidly, you can go through the combo almost twice as fast. This is very helpful because you can dodge and deal full damage at the same time with enough practice.
- Though you would imagine using this upgrade in collaboration with an attack with Pikmin, it is advised that you don't. Attacking with Pikmin around puts your Pikmin in danger unless you are quick with the whistle, or not in the middle of a combo. Throwing isn't good in this case either.