Koloktos

Koloktos

Title	Ancient Automaton
Games	Skyward Sword
Dungeons	Ancient Cistern
Rewards	Heart Container Upgraded Goddess Sword
Threat
Attacks	Axe Slam Axe Slice Spawning Cursed Bokoblins
Effective Weapons	Whip Koloktos's sword

		This "Ancient Automaton" defends the Ancient Cistern and eliminates intruders. The cursed energy supply Ghirahim provided to this contraption has given it power far beyond its conventional limits. The red, orb-shaped cores embedded in its torso and arms provide it limited stability and prevent it from falling to pieces.

Koloktos, Ancient Automaton is a large golden mechanical statue found in Ancient Cistern, seemingly lifeless until animated by Ghirahim as punishment for Link disturbing him in his endeavor to revive his master. It uses several weapons including axes which it throws like boomerangs, large swords which Link can pick up and use against it, and its fists.

Boss Strategy

		It is highly probable that if the red cores in its arms were to be ejected, the unit would lose integrity and the limbs would sever from the body. However, during normal operation the cores are likely hidden below the forearm plating.

		Results from my analysis show that the red cores in Koloktos's arms will only be revealed when the arms are stretched out to full length. Fast and timely counterattacks after Koloktos swings its arms down have the best chance of success.

		I estimate a high probability that the red cores can be removed using your whip. When Koloktos's arms lower, there will be a brief moment when you can attack the chest core. However, when targeting the chest core, there is nowhere to hook on to with your whip. Therefore, removing the core will not be possible.

First Phase

An Axe Slam attack

Attacking Koloktos's red core

During the first part of the battle, Koloktos holds two throwing axes in its upper hands, and will throw them at Link when he is out of range of his other hands. These can be dodged and lured into walls, pillars, or the ground. When they break, Koloktos will grab new ones to replace them for the next attack. Move in a little closer, and it will try to smash Link with the fists on its middle two arms. If Link dodges these, they will be stuck in the ground long enough for Link to pull out his Whip and use it to unscrew one or both of the arms.

With the first two arms detached, Koloktos will be forced to use its third pair, temporarily revealing its weak spot ― a red core at the center of its golden body. If Link gets close enough ― but not too close, or he will be knocked back by the upper arms with the axes ― Koloktos will attempt to smash him with its lower two arms. This is Link's chance to rush in and attack the core. If this is too dangerous, he can also use the Whip to unscrew these arms just like the first two, leaving the core completely unprotected. After this attack, Koloktos will revitalize its downed arms, and this pattern repeats.

Second Phase

Attacking Koloktos's arms

Attacking Koloktos's red core with a large sword

After the core has been damaged enough, Koloktos will reveal its legs and begin to walk around the room, holding a large sword in each of its six hands. Now the core will be shielded by a metal cage. If Link is close enough, Koloktos will slash at Link with all of the swords on one side of its body. Use the whip to unscrew one hand, then run over to the sword that Koloktos was holding. Similar to The Wind Waker, these swords can be picked up and used by Link. With one of these, Link can break the pillars around the room to reveal hearts. Koloktos has now hidden the Whip targets on its arms, so Link must use the large sword to chop off the arms when they get stuck in the ground. Once all the arms are off, go for the legs in order to lower the body ― and the core ― into striking level. Continue slashing away at the heart until Koloktos reforms.

After repairing itself, it will add another attack to its arsenal, wailing its swords around making it impossible to approach. Link should keep his distance, perhaps luring Koloktos toward a pillar to reveal a heart, until the attack is finished. Then Link can proceed with the same strategy as before: use the Whip to take a sword, and use that to cut off the other arms and get at the core.

Koloktos will also periodically summon several Cursed Bokoblins. These can be ignored if they are not in the way, or easily picked off if they are safely away from Koloktos. If they are gathered around Koloktos, it may be best to stay back until there is less risk of getting double-teamed by both boss and summons, or they can be taken out with a Skyward Strike or other projectile.

Trivia

• Koloktos and the Ancient Cistern are largely of Indian and Buddhist inspiration.
• Koloktos's throwing axes are called Cakram in the game files, likely meaning Chakram, an Indian weapon that would fit the theme. While they are used similarly, the design of these axes is not quite like a real Chakram.
• Koloktos's appearance closely resembles to that of the Buddhist demon of desire "Asura".
• Koloktos’s giggling at the end of the battle in its death scene is reused in Splatoon for the Wii U for the inkling sculptures.