Bombchu


 * ''This article refers to the Bombchu item. For the enemy, see Real Bombchu.

The Bombchu (pronounced ) is a mouse-shaped, self-propelled variant of the Bomb featured in several games in.

Uses
Bombchu are a type of mobile explosive that travel along the ground (and, if a certain kind, walls and ceilings) until they either self-destruct (indicated by red flashing) or touch an object or enemy. They can be used to deliver explosive power to areas that regular Bombs and other weapons cannot reach and to attack enemies or activate switches without Link needing to get too near.

In and, Bombchu travel in a straight line and can also crawl up walls and ceilings, a characteristic that can be utilized to maneuver around walls that would block other weapons. Bombchu in these games may also attempt to home in on enemies, and will swerve off their path when one is nearby. This is demonstrated in Ocarina of Time's Bombchu Bowling mini-game, where Cuccos and Blade Traps serve as obstacles. Unlike Bombs and most forms of ammunition, Bombchu are typically much more difficult to resupply, as they usually never appear from common locations such as broken Jars or enemies. Instead they are usually found in Treasure Chests or purchased within shops. Unlike regular Bombs, Bombchu do not require a Bomb Bag in most games, and can be obtained without one. Most Bombchu in most games also cannot have their maximum carrying capacity upgraded. Though useful, they are often not required to progress through the games.

In and, Bombchu appear aesthetically similar to their counterparts in Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, but have a slightly different function. Instead of traveling in a straight line, the explosive will lock onto one target and follow that target until it impacts and explodes. If no enemy is present, the Bombchu will simply travel forward in a straight line.

In, the usefulness of Bombchu is expanded and their functions differ compared to earlier games since Link must draw out a path for it to follow on the map. When used, the map goes to the bottom screen so that Link can draw the path he wants the Bombchu to take. They do not automatically travel in a straight line nor home in on enemies, and they travel at a noticeably slower space. They can be used to scout areas ahead of Link, or attack enemies around corners long before they notice Link's presence. They are also the only items which can go through small holes in walls. Link can move around at the same time as the Bombchu, which is required to solve certain puzzles. Bombchu in Phantom Hourglass are also the only kind that are given their own Bombchu Bag, as well as the first in which Link can increase his capacity of them. While they still appear often in shops, Bombchu can also be found throughout the Overworld much like other ammunition, such as inside Jars.

Ocarina of Time
In, Bombchu are a type of rare item that are occasionally found. They are usually found in Treasure Chests in dungeons, but may also be obtained through the following ways:


 * There is a Bombchu Shop open at night in the Back Alley of Castle Town, although their stock is limited, and each item can only be bought once before selling out.
 * The Bombchu Bowling Alley will give out Bombchu as one of the random prizes Link wins if he wins the mini-game.
 * After finding 40 Gold Skulltula Tokens, Link can receive some Bombchu from the fourth son at the House of Skulltula in Kakariko Village.
 * Bombchu can be bought from the Carpet Merchant in the Haunted Wasteland. He sells packs of 10 Bombchu for 200 Rupees.

Link can hold up to 50 of them at a time.

Majora's Mask
In, Bombchu may be purchased at the Bomb Shop in Clock Town, which sells a pack of 10 Bombchu for 40 Rupees. Link may carry only up to 40 of them at a time. Link can also find them in Treasure Chests in hidden caves around Termina, needing either a Bomb or the Blast Mask to open the entrance. These hidden caves are revealed with a green light when Link wears the Mask of Truth.

Oracle Series
In the, Bombchu may only be obtained in a Linked Game through the Subrosian Secret or the Troy Secret. Link can carry up to 99 Bombchu at once. Once obtained, Syrup will start selling packs of them at the price of 100 Rupees for 5 Bombchu.

Phantom Hourglass
In, Bombchu and the Bombchu Bag are found in the Goron Temple. Link can initially carry 10 Bombchu, but may acquire two more Bombchu Bags, allowing him to carry up to 30.

Hyrule Warriors
In, Bombchu appear in a giant variation. They are used by both Allied Forces and Enemy Forces in certain battles. Once obtained, they move in a set path. They can be used to destroy giant obstacles blocking the way. Enemies will try to attack them to stop their advance. Enemy Forces can also use Bombchu against the Allied Forces as a weapon, which will target key Keeps and explode, causing massive damage that reclaims the Keep. These Bombchu must be destroyed before they can reach the Keeps. A Bombchu Operator is a type of Captain that appears in certain battles, which operate Bombchu. If they are defeated, their Bombchu can be claimed and sent back to target the Enemy Forces.

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U
In, Bombchu appear as explosive items. Once thrown, they will follow their path until hitting an opponent, exploding upon impact.

Trivia

 * The Real Bombchu are named after these explosives.

Etymology
The name Bombchu is a combination of Bomb and "chu," Japanese for the sound a mouse makes, referring to their mouse-like shape. The plural form of Bombchu can be either Bombchu or Bombchus.

Gallery
 File:BombchuBowlingAlley04 Large.jpg|The Bombchu Bowling Alley in Ocarina of Time File:Bomchu Puzzle PH.png|Using a Bombchu to activate a crystal switch in Phantom Hourglass File:Bombchu Path.png|Drawing the Bombchu path in Phantom Hourglass File:Dongorongo Strategy.png|Using a Bombchu to defeat Dongorongo in Phantom Hourglass 