Walkthrough: Ing Hive - Initial Infiltration
Welcome, Hunter, to the treacherous Ing Hive, the dark heart of the Ing's domain on Aether. This section of our comprehensive guide will lead you through the initial infiltration of this hostile territory, focusing on navigation, combat strategies against the Ing, and the acquisition of crucial upgrades. Prepare for intense encounters, winding corridors, and the first major boss battle of Dark Aether.
1. Hive Temple
Your journey into the Ing Hive begins in the Hive Temple. Upon entering, you'll immediately be confronted by a swarm of Inglets and a few Ing Warriors. Prioritize eliminating the smaller, more numerous Inglets first, as they can quickly overwhelm you. Utilize your Power Beam for quick disposal. Ing Warriors are more resilient; aim for their heads or use charged shots. Once the area is clear, proceed through the main chamber.
- Combat Tip: Many Ing creatures are vulnerable to Light or Dark Beam attacks. Experiment to find their weaknesses, but for these initial encounters, Power Beam is sufficient.
- Scan Log: scan any new Ing types you encounter to add them to your Logbook for valuable lore and weakness information.
2. Hive Chamber A
From the Hive Temple, you'll enter Hive Chamber A. This chamber features a central platform and several elevated ledges. Ing Warriors are a common threat here, often accompanied by Inglets. Their energy projectiles can be dodged with careful movement. Focus fire on their weak points, typically their heads, for critical damage.
Your primary objective here is to locate the Energy Tank (Ing Hive 1/3). This vital upgrade is cleverly hidden on a high ledge on the far side of the chamber, opposite your entrance. To reach it:
- Clear the immediate Ing threats.
- Look for a series of small, dark platforms leading up the wall on the left side of the chamber (when facing the Energy Tank).
- Execute a series of precise jumps, utilizing your double jump ability, to ascend these platforms.
- Once on the highest platform, jump across to the ledge where the Energy Tank resides.
This Energy Tank is crucial for increasing your survivability in the challenging areas ahead.
3. Hive Chamber B
Continuing from Hive Chamber A, you'll find yourself in Hive Chamber B. This area is characterized by its narrow pathways and numerous Ing patrols. Be wary of ambushes from Ingclaws clinging to the walls and ceilings. A quick blast from your Power Beam or a charged shot can dislodge them.
Navigate through the chamber until you reach a large, circular door on the far side. This door is sealed and requires activation. To open it:
- Scan the sealed door to register its properties and confirm it's a "Security Door."
- Turn to your right (when facing the sealed door) and look for a raised platform in the corner of the room.
- Jump onto this platform. You'll find a small, glowing Energy Conduit console.
- Shoot the console with your Power Beam. This will activate the conduit, powering the door.
- Return to the now-unlocked circular door and proceed.
4. Hive Access
Beyond Hive Chamber B lies Hive Access, a short but perilous corridor. This area is often patrolled by multiple Ing Warriors and Inglets. Engage them cautiously, using the environment for cover. Remember to scan any new Ing types you encounter to add them to your Logbook for valuable lore and weakness information.
At the end of Hive Access, you'll find a small alcove containing a Missile Expansion (Ing Hive 1/4). This upgrade is crucial for increasing your missile capacity, allowing you to deal more damage to tougher enemies and bosses. To reach it:
- Defeat any Ing present in the corridor.
- Look for a small, Morph Ball-sized tunnel on the right wall, just before the next door.
- Transform into Morph Ball mode and roll through the tunnel to reach the alcove.
- Collect the Missile Expansion.
5. Hive Reactor
After Hive Access, you'll enter the Hive Reactor. This chamber is dominated by a large, central energy core. Ing Warriors and Ingclaws will attempt to ambush you here. Clear them out to gain some breathing room.
Your objective here is to activate the main power conduit for this section of the hive. Look for a series of glowing panels around the central reactor. You'll need to shoot these panels with your Power Beam to fully activate the reactor. Once the reactor is online, the large door on the opposite side of the room will unlock, leading deeper into the Ing Hive.
6. Hive Dynamo
Proceed through the newly opened door into the Hive Dynamo. This room is a complex network of platforms and energy conduits. Ing are plentiful here, including the more aggressive Ing Hunters. Be prepared for sustained combat.
Your goal is to reach the upper levels of this room. Look for a series of ledges and platforms that allow you to ascend. You'll eventually reach a terminal that, when activated with a Power Beam shot, will extend a bridge across a chasm, allowing further progress.
7. Hive Portal Chamber
Crossing the newly formed bridge, you'll arrive at the Hive Portal Chamber. This large, circular room features a central Dark Portal. As you approach, the portal will activate, and a new, more formidable Ing creature will emerge: the Alpha Splinter.
Boss Battle: Alpha Splinter
The Alpha Splinter is the first mini-boss you'll face in the Ing Hive. This creature is a larger, more powerful version of the standard Splinter Ing, capable of rapid movement and energy attacks.
- Phase 1: Initial Encounter
- The Alpha Splinter will primarily attack by charging at you and firing energy projectiles.
- Strategy: Maintain distance and continuously strafe to avoid its charges. Use charged Power Beam shots or Missiles. The Alpha Splinter's weak point is its head, which glows when it's about to attack.
- After taking some damage, it will occasionally burrow into the ground and re-emerge elsewhere. Keep your lock-on active to track its movements.
- Phase 2: Summoning Reinforcements
- Once its health is reduced to about 50%, the Alpha Splinter will periodically summon smaller Splinter Ing to assist it.
- Strategy: Prioritize eliminating the smaller Splinters quickly, as they can become a nuisance and distract you from the main target. Use wide-area attacks if available, or rapid Power Beam shots.
- Continue to focus charged shots and Missiles on the Alpha Splinter's head.
- Weakness: The Alpha Splinter is particularly vulnerable to Missiles. Conserve them for critical hits, especially when its head is exposed.
- Recommended Loadout: Power Beam, Missiles.
- Common Pitfall: Getting cornered. The Hive Portal Chamber is circular, so use the entire arena to your advantage. Keep moving!
Upon defeating the Alpha Splinter, it will explode, leaving behind a Dark Temple Key. Collect this key – it is essential for progressing further into Dark Aether and eventually reaching the Dark Temple.
After collecting the key, the Dark Portal in the center of the room will stabilize, allowing you to use it. This portal leads to the Dark Agon Wastes, a new and even more hostile region of Dark Aether. Prepare yourself, Hunter, for the true challenges that lie ahead.