Bokoblin

Bokoblin

Artwork from Breath of the Wild

Games	The Wind Waker Twilight Princess Skyward Sword Breath of the Wild Age of Calamity Tears of the Kingdom
Location	The Wind Waker Great Sea Twilight Princess Faron Woods Forest Temple Hyrule Field Kakariko Gorge Cave of Ordeals Hyrule Castle Skyward Sword Faron Woods Eldin Volcano Lanayru Desert Breath of the Wild Greater Hyrule Tears of the Kingdom Hyrule Field Central Hyrule Depths
Upgrade to	Blue Bokoblin
Threat
Attacks	The Wind Waker Blue Bokoblin Kick Wooden Stick Green Bokoblin Kick Sword Swing Pink Bokoblin Kick
Effective Weapons	The Wind Waker Blue & Pink Bokoblin Hero's Sword - 5 hits Master Sword - 3 hits Skull Hammer - 2 hits Bombs - 2 hits Arrow - 3 hits Fire Arrow - 2 hits Ice Arrow - 2 hits Light Arrow - 1 hit Green Bokoblin Hero's Sword - 6 hits Master Sword - 1 hit Skull Hammer - 2 hits Bombs - 1 hit Arrow - 2 hits Fire Arrow - 2 hits Ice Arrow - 2 hits Light Arrow - 1 hit In General Sword Bow Bombs

Bokoblins are recurring enemies in The Legend of Zelda series. They appear as humanoid creatures with long ears and come in a variety of colors. They often wield weapons and attempt to attack Link if he comes within their range of sight.

Biology

Bokoblins are humanoid mammals that are roughly similar to a Hylian in size and proportions but with longer arms and ears. Bokoblin hair seems to usually be white and their skin colors shades of red or blue.

Bokoblins are omnivorous creatures that eat both veggies and meat. Bokoblins may not know how to swim as in all appearances Bokoblins are killed when they go in deep water.

In The Wind Waker, Bokoblins have fur, batlike ears, piglike noses, arrow-shaped tails, a horn on their forehead, and three fingers.

In Twilight Princess, Bokoblins have a more humanoid appearance with Hylian-like ears, noses instead of snouts, no tail, and five fingers.

In Skyward Sword, Bokoblins have an appearance resembling Oni from Japanese mythology. They have rotund noses, no tail, floppy ears, two black horns on top of their head, five fingers, and white hair.

In Breath of the Wild, Bokoblins appear similar to their The Wind Waker counterparts but without tails and slightly larger snouts.

In Tears of the Kingdom, Bokoblins appear similar to Breath of the Wild. There are additionally Bokoblins located in the Depths.

Culture

Bokoblins are a usually malevolent race that has existed in Hyrule since ancient times. Bokoblins worshipped the Demon King Demise and in the sky era, worked under Ghirahim. Since the rise of Demise's reincarnation, Ganon, Bokoblins have followed him since. Many Bokoblins seem to work as thieves and pirates, taking from other races. Besides their relationship with the various Demon Kings, Bokoblins get along with other monsters and seem to view Moblins and Lizalfos as leadership figures.

Bokoblins appear to live in settlements made out of wood and rocks such as treehouses or forts. Occasionally Bokoblins are seen in more advanced settlements. It would also seem like many Bokoblins are nomadic with most of their settlements being temporary. Bokoblins appear to enjoy fashion, prizing items like Joy Pendants and tiger-striped underwear.

The Bokoblins have adapted for the Great Sea era by learning how to sail ships and rafts. Bokoblins are able to operate machinery like spotlights and wooden submarines, however it is unknown if Bokoblins invented these devices themselves, had the schematics given to them, or were gifted with them.

Most Bokoblins use weapons made out of wood and bone and all known Bokoblin-made weapons are made out of these materials. Most Bokoblins wear little clothing outside of torn leather or fur, due to this Bokoblins fear bees. The Bokoblins who worked under Scervo had figured out how to copy the designs of the Ancient Robots tech and use it for themselves. These Bokoblins wore advanced armor and taser-like weapons.

Bokoblins hunt many animals and scrounge areas for food. Bokoblins know how to tame and ride horses, horses kept by Bokoblins in Breath of the Wild have high affection and familiarity with being ridden. Unlike Hylians, Bokoblins do not appear to use a saddle or reins for their animals.

The Wind Waker

Bokoblin from The Wind Waker

Bokoblins make their debut appearance in The Wind Waker. They are a simple enemy that are fairly easy to defeat, being the first enemy Link fights in the game. They come in three variations: Blue, Green, and Pink. They occasionally drop Joy Pendants after being defeated. Alternatively, Link can use his Grappling Hook to steal their Joy Pendants.

Blue Variation

Main article: Blue Bokoblin

The Blue Variation is the simplest one, as Link can find them weaponless, and thus, defenseless. If they are holding a weapon, it is either a Boko Stick, or a large sword.

Green Variation

Main article: Green Bokoblin

The Green Variation is stronger than the Blue, as they wield large swords and have shields, which they use to block Link's attacks.

Pink Variation

Main article: Pink Bokoblin

The Pink Variation is probably the weakest kind of them all, as the only weapon that it carries is a telescope. These Bokoblins are only found on watch towers or rafts around the Great Sea.

Bokoblin
	Habitat: Forsaken Fortress Spoils: Joy Pendants These little imps wield sharp machetes and Boko sticks when attacking. If they have no weapon, they'll attempt to fight hand-to-hand.

Twilight Princess

Purple Bokoblin from Twilight Princess

The Bokoblins in Twilight Princess come in two variants: Red and Purple. The two variants are mostly identical, the only major difference being that the Red variety can withstand much more damage than their Purple counterparts.

Purple Bokoblins are fairly weak, and usually can be defeated quite easily, even with the Wooden Sword. They are encountered frequently in Faron Woods near the beginning of the game. They attack with wooden clubs, but do only a small amount of damage. They can generally be defeated in four hits with the Wooden Sword, and even less than that once a better sword is obtained. Arrows are also effective against them, and they can be stunned with the Slingshot or Gale Boomerang. Later in the game, Purple Bokoblins are almost entirely replaced with Red ones.

The Red Bokoblins are very similar to the Purple ones, but have a few important differences, most prominently the fact that they can take much more damage. Some of them also carry wide, one-edged swords instead of wooden clubs, increasing their attack power. Despite their increased durability and attack, the Red Bokoblins have the same simplistic attack patterns as their Purple counterparts. The recommended method of defeating them is to either get them into a prone position with a larger strike, (such as the Jump Attack, Spin Attack, or the Back Slice) and use the Ending Blow; stun them with a Shield Attack and then use the Helm Splitter; or to put away Link's sword and use the Mortal Draw. All of these attacks finish them off in one hit. When in groups, it is recommended to use the Jump Strike (if it has been unlocked) to quickly dispatch or stun most of them.

Bokoblins can be found in the Faron Woods, Forest Temple, Hyrule Field, Kakariko Gorge, Cave of Ordeals, and Hyrule Castle.

Skyward Sword

Bokoblins have a much different visual look in Skyward Sword, taking on a more Moblin-like appearance. Some of them have small caps on top of their heads, wear bandannas or masks, and sometimes even have beards. These differences do not seem to have an effect on how they battle. They also have an apparent affinity for exotic undergarments.

Bokoblins are common enemies, found in almost every location throughout the game. When they detect Link's presence (except for the Bokoblin Archers), they sprint toward him and strike at him with their weapons. Some also hold horns which they blow to call out reinforcements. These are the most common enemy in the game, and are found in every region.

Red Bokoblin

Main article: Red Bokoblin

The Red Bokoblin is the standard Bokoblin. They are the most common and the weakest. They come in three different types: normal ones that wield swords or clubs, Archers, and Leaders.

Normal

		Target lock: Red Bokoblin These monsters have plagued the land since ancient times. They each play different roles, and their weaponry varies. They prefer to act in groups. None of them are intelligent by any definition of the word. Curiously, they seem to have a mysterious obsession with fashionable undergarments.

This version of the Red Bokoblin has two black horns on its head and wears a leather vest and loincloth. Normal Bokoblins wield rusty machete-like swords when found in Faron Woods and a club covered in spiny green vines when found around Eldin Volcano and block Link's slashes. They move the sword from left to right, or hold it up, blocking directional attacks from Link's blade.

There are two main ways to defeat this type. Link can perform a carefully timed shield bash when they attack staggering them making an opening in their defense. This way is only useful when facing a single Bokoblin.

The second method of defeating them is taking the offensive and attacking the area that is not blocked by its weapon. This is a better tactic when facing multiple enemies because hitting a Bokoblin also staggers them leaving them open for additional attacks.

They occasionally drop Ornamental Skulls or Golden Skulls when defeated.

Leader

		Target lock: Red Bokoblin (Leader) As a symbol of its leadership, this creature wraps a cloth around its head. This visually communicates that it is more dominant than other Bokoblins. It can call its underlings to arms using its horn.

Red Bokoblin (Leader)

Red Bokoblin Leaders have the same look and tactics as the sword Bokoblins, the only difference being the blue cap it wears and the horn it carries. If a Leader spots Link, it will utilize its horn as an alarm calling for backup. In the beginning, the only way to get rid of this horn is to defeat the Leader. However, once Link has completed the Ancient Cistern and obtained the Whip, he can now use it to steal the horn from the Leader's waist belt. This does not defeat the Bokoblin; it simply steals the horn.

They occasionally drop a Monster Horn when defeated.

Archer

		Target lock: Red Bokoblin (Archer) These are Red Bokoblins that carry bows capable of knocking down distant targets. Though not obvious from their outward appearance, their aim is quite deadly.

Archers are characterized by a skull cap and a bandanna covering its mouth. Every different colored Bokoblin Archer behaves generally the same way. When they spot Link, they raise an alarm much like the Bokoblin Leaders. Archers attack from a distance. Although the Archers range can be dangerous early on in the game, it only takes one hit to take them out.

Bokoblin Archers are often found atop towers. Link can use bombs to destroy the towers, bringing the Bokoblins down with them. Unlike the other Bokoblins, they do not sprint toward Link, but instead shoot arrows at him. They are pretty much defenseless in close quarter combat, usually only requiring a single sword strike.

Cursed Bokoblin

Main article: Cursed Bokoblin

Cursed Bokoblin.

		Target lock: Cursed Bokoblin This horrifying Bokoblin reanimates after death. Analysis indicates it fears pure, shiny items and will startle at the sight of a sacred shield. It is able to reanimate purely through its hatred of this world...and its attachment to outlandish underpants.

Cursed Bokoblins are zombified enemies found within the underground section of the Ancient Cistern. They are much slower than the normal variation and do not have a sword to block Link's attacks. However, they are much tougher than they look, as they can take a seemingly endless amount of hits from Link's sword. The most efficient way to defeat them is by using the Fatal Blow once they have been knocked down. Also, when Link brandishes any of the shields in the Sacred Shield series, the Cursed Bokoblins appear to be afraid of the shield and begin to retreat back from Link.

In the battle with Koloktos, the boss has the ability to summon a small horde of Cursed Bokoblins. They are much easier to defeat because Link can defeat them with an ordinary sword strike, and there is no need for a Fatal Blow. They come in groups of three or four. When Link fights them outside the boss room, they often appear in huge numbers and, sometimes, if Link does manage to defeat one, another will take its place. They are also able to follow Link across many obstacles, such as climbing ropes.

Blue Bokoblin

		Target lock: Blue Bokoblin This is a dangerous form of Bokoblin. My analysis suggests it is many times stronger than a Red Bokoblin. Its skin and clothing differ due to its hailing from a different environment, but it still has the same fixation with exotic undergarments.

The Blue Bokoblin is a much stronger variation of the standard Red Bokoblin. Because of this extra strength, it is much tougher to defeat. It has the same attack patterns as the Red Bokoblin, but has different clothing and skin color because of the fact that it hails from a different environment.

Green Bokoblin

		Target lock: Green Bokoblin This variety of Bokoblin enjoys dark places, such as caves. Its sunlight- deficient lifestyle has turned its skin a stomach-turning shade of green. However, like its red brethren, it exhibits a fascination with festive undergarments.

Green Bokoblins wield hammers and are seen to be wearing white skull caps and tooth necklaces. They are basically a dungeon version of the Red Bokoblin, but take slightly more damage. These also come in an Archer variety which looks exactly the same as a Red Archer, only green. They enjoy caves, and because of this, the color of their skin has turned green.

Technoblin

Main article: Technoblin

Technoblin.

Technoblins are ancient Bokoblins that had access to high tech weapons. These Bokoblins are often found when a Timeshift Stone is activated near a Bokoblin Skeleton in Lanayru Desert. The tactics for defeating this variation are the same as any other sword-wielding Bokoblin. Link must be extra careful not to hit the sword they carry as it is electric and can be very dangerous to Link. If Link's sword makes contact with this weapon, he will be shocked and lose one heart.

When using a Shield against this type, it is best to use the Wooden Shield, Sacred Shield, or Hylian Shield because one strike from its weapon disintegrates an Iron Shield. When fighting a Technoblin that appeared in conjunction with a Timeshift Stone, if Link knocks it out of the time rift zone, it will turn back into a skeleton.

Breath of the Wild

A red bokoblin

Bokoblins in Breath of the Wild come in many different varieties, such as the Blue Bokoblin, Silver Bokoblin, and the Stalkoblin. They can be found all over Hyrule, but tend to gather at various Camps, with other enemies like the Moblin and Lizalfos. If they eat any piece of fruit or meat, they will instantly regain 100 percent of their health.

Bokoblin

Standard, red, bokoblins have 13 HP. They typically wield a range of Bokoblin-crafted weapons, including the Boko Spear, Boko Bat, and Boko Bow. Recoverable materials include Bokoblin Horns and Fangs.

Blue Bokoblin

Main article: Blue Bokoblin

A slightly stronger variant of the Red Bokoblin with 72 HP. Often seen wielding reinforced boko-weapons, such as Spiked Boko Bats or Spiked Boko Bows. Upon death, they may drop some Bokoblin Guts.

Black Bokoblin

Main article: Black Bokoblin

Even more powerful than the Blue variant, these Bokoblins are usually the leader of their pack. They attack quicker, and carry stronger, dragonbone weapons, including the Dragonbone Boko Club.

Silver Bokoblin

Main article: Silver Bokoblin

A Cursed Bokoblin.

These are the most powerful versions of the Bokoblin in the regular mode of the game. They are much more aggressive than any other versions, and have faster attacking speed, especially with bows. They can carry elemental arrows, and have significantly more health than weaker variants. Upon death, they can drop rare materials such as Sapphire or Topaz, as well as an assortment of Bokoblin goods.

Golden Bokoblin

Main article: Golden Bokoblin

Golden Bokoblins are found exclusively in Master Mode, and have more health than their silver counterparts, though they carry the same weapons and drop the same items.

Stalkoblin

Main article: Stalkoblin

This variant of Bokoblin only appears at night, and behaves very similarly to creatures such as Stalchildren from previous games. They only have 1 HP, but when struck, their heads will drop to the ground, and will need to be destroyed in order to be fully rid of Stalkoblin. They often appear in groups of 2 or 3.

Cursed Bokoblin

Main article: Cursed Bokoblin

The Cursed Bokoblin only appears in areas tainted by the Malice of Calamity Ganon. They appear identical to the heads of Stalkoblin, though they are engulfed in a dark aura. They tend to spawn from a certain area of Malice, so destroying the source will prevent them from appearing.

Age of Calamity

Bokoblin are common enemies in Age of Calamity. First appearing in The Battle of Hyrule Field, Bokoblin appear in different physical sizes, which correlates with their overall power and health. Smaller Bokoblin often wield a Boko Bow or a Boko Club. Much larger Bokoblin can also be seen serving as Outpost leaders that need to be defeated for Link to capture an outpost.

In The Battle of Hyrule Field, Link will encounter Blue Bokoblin. Later in the journey, more powerful Bokoblin, including Black Bokoblin and Silver Bokoblin will be more prevalent, as well as the undead Stalkoblin.

After each Bokoblin is defeated, they may drop a Bokoblin Horn or a Bokoblin Fang. Additionally, the player will receive a Bokoblin Trophy, which can be used to complete quests or upgrade weapons of the various warriors.

Tears of the Kingdom

"This common species is a nuisance all over Hyrule. While not very clever, they are at least intelligent enough to hunt beasts and grill the meat for food. They are sometimes seen marching in groups. If they come at you, watch out for their sharp horns!"

— Hyrule Compendium entry

Bokoblins in Tears of the Kingdom come in different varieties, such as the basic Red Bokoblin and the Stalkoblin. They can be found all over Hyrule, but tend to gather at various Camps, with other enemies like the Moblin and Lizalfos. They can now also be encountered in either heavily fortified monster camps or in patrols where they are led by a variant of Boss Bokoblin, attacking in formation until the leader is killed. All variants of Bokoblin are often seen carrying basic unfused and fused weapons, usually fused with crude materials such as rocks and mushrooms. Any variant of Bokoblin can also be encountered on horseback, occasionally riding on wild animals, stationed atop a Battle Talus, in pairs of one on horseback towing a wagon carrying another Bokoblin, and carrying crude backpacks filled with any variety of materials, from meat, to arrow-fusion materials, to Zonaite if encountered in the Depths. Any variant of Bokoblin can also be encountered clad in rock armor, which will have to be broken with a blunt weapon in order for them to receive damage properly. If they eat any piece of fruit or meat, they will instantly regain 100 percent of their health. Standard Bokoblins will often drop Bokoblin Fang and Bokoblin Horn when defeated. When Kilton moves to Tarrey Town, a Bokoblin of any type is his first request for his Monster Collection, as per the A Monstrous Collection I sidequest.

Blue Bokoblin

Main article: Blue Bokoblin

A stronger variation of the standard red Bokoblin, often found in archer positions. Upon death, they drop two-pronged Blue Bokoblin Horns.

Black Bokoblin

Main article: Black Bokoblin

Among the most dangerous type of Bokoblins, will often execute a charge attack with their horns facing towards Link. Upon death, they drop three-pronged Black Bokoblin Horns and with a chance to drop Bokoblin Guts.

Silver Bokoblin

Main article: Silver Bokoblin

The strongest variation of Bokoblins found in the game. Upon death, they drop whimsical-appearing Silver Bokoblin Horns and Bokoblin Guts.

Stalkoblin

Main article: Stalkoblin

This variant of Bokoblin only appears at night or in the Depths, and behaves very similarly to creatures such as Stalchildren from previous games. They only have 1 HP, but when struck, their heads will drop to the ground, and will need to be destroyed in order to be fully rid of Stalkoblin. They often appear in groups of 2 or 3. Like other Stal enemies in Tears of the Kingdom, they can be instantly defeated if Link shoots or throws a Dazzlefruit anywhere in their range.

Non-Canon Appearances

Cadence of Hyrule

Bokoblins appear in Cadence of Hyrule with the Green Bokoblin being the base model. All Bokoblins raise their weapons in preparation for an attack, before jumping to the adjacent square. The Green Bokoblin has a single heart of health, whereas the stronger Red Bokoblin has two hearts, and the Blue Bokoblin has three hearts.

Gallery

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  Blue Bokoblin from The Wind Waker

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  Blue Bokoblin from The Wind Waker

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  Blue Bokoblin from The Wind Waker

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  Green Bokoblin from The Wind Waker

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  Pink Bokoblin from The Wind Waker

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  Pink Bokoblin from The Wind Waker

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  Artwork of a Bokoblin from The Wind Waker

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  The Wind Waker Bokoblin concept art from Hyrule Historia

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  Bokoblin from Twilight Princess

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  Link fighting a Bokoblin in Twilight Princess

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  Red Bokoblin from Skyward Sword

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  Red Bokoblin from Skyward Sword

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  Archer Bokoblin from Skyward Sword

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  Technoblin from Skyward Sword

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  Artwork of a Cursed Bokoblin from Skyward Sword

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  Green Bokoblin from Skyward Sword

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  Artwork of a Bokoblin from Breath of the Wild

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  Blue Bokoblin from Breath of the Wild

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  Black Bokoblin from Breath of the Wild

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  Silver Bokoblin from Breath of the Wild

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  Golden Bokoblin from Breath of the Wild

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  Stalkoblin from Breath of the Wild

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  Green Bokoblin from Cadence of Hyrule

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  Red Bokoblin from Cadence of Hyrule

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  Blue Bokoblin from Cadence of Hyrule

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  Bokoblin from Age of Calamity

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  Bokoblin from Skyward Sword HD

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  Bokoblin Hyrule Compendium entry from Tears of the Kingdom

Trivia

• The initial designs of Skyward Sword's Bokoblins looked "too cute", and thus were made scarier by sharpening their teeth and making their eyes narrower.

References

1. ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Encyclopedia, pg. 168
2. ↑ "Target lock: Red Bokoblin These monsters have plagued the land since ancient times. They each play different roles, and their weaponry varies. They prefer to act in groups. None of them are intelligent by any definition of the word. Curiously, they seem to have a mysterious obsession with fashionable undergarments." — Fi, Skyward Sword.
3. ↑ "Target lock: Red Bokoblin (Leader) As a symbol of its leadership, this creature wraps a cloth around its head. This visually communicates that it is more dominant than other Bokoblins. It can call its underlings to arms using its horn." — Fi, Skyward Sword.
4. ↑ "Target lock: Red Bokoblin (Archer) These are Red Bokoblins that carry bows capable of knocking down distant targets. Though not obvious from their outward appearance, their aim is quite deadly." — Fi, Skyward Sword.
5. ↑ "Target lock: Cursed Bokoblin This horrifying Bokoblin reanimates after death. Analysis indicates it fears pure, shiny items and will startle at the sight of a sacred shield. It is able to reanimate purely through its hatred of this world...and its attachment to outlandish underpants." — Fi, Skyward Sword.
6. ↑ "Target lock: Blue Bokoblin This is a dangerous form of Bokoblin. My analysis suggests it is many times stronger than a Red Bokoblin. Its skin and clothing differ due to its hailing from a different environment, but it still has the same fixation with exotic undergarments." — Fi, Skyward Sword.
7. ↑ "Target lock: Green Bokoblin This variety of Bokoblin enjoys dark places, such as caves. Its sunlight- deficient lifestyle has turned its skin a stomach-turning shade of green. However, like its red brethren, it exhibits a fascination with festive undergarments." — Fi, Skyward Sword.
8. ↑ "Target lock: Green Bokoblin (Archer) This variety of Bokoblin inhabits caves or indoor environments. It has archery skills roughly equivalent to the surface-dwelling Red Bokoblin. Also similar to the surface-dwelling Red Bokoblin, the Green Bokoblin obsesses about stylish undergarments." — Fi, Skyward Sword.
9. ↑ "Target lock: Technoblin These Bokoblins wield sophisticated weaponry created by an ancient and highly evolved civilization. If you are struck with the discharge from one of their electrical weapons, you may become paralyzed. These creatures also wear the latest in Bokoblin fashion." — Fi, Skyward Sword.
10. ↑ "[The Bokoblin's] initial designs looked pretty cute, but we realized that if they looked too cute, it took the fun out of attacking them. So, in order to make them look scarier, we sharpened their teeth and made their eyes smaller and narrower." — Designer Kiuchi, Hyrule Historia, pg. 60