Attention, Helldivers.
The Ministry of Truth confirms that a new Terminid strain is skittering across the front lines. Designated the Noxious strain, these menaces are fast, venomous, and fundamentally opposed to Managed Democracy.
Worse still, the bugs have been digging. Terminid cave networks now course beneath more biomes in the galaxy from scorched deserts to frozen tundras. Every planet may have a hive beneath it.
Here is everything a Helldiver needs to know courtesy of the Ministry of Truth:
Noxious Scavenger: small, fast, and full of venom
At first glance these resemble ordinary Scavengers. Their additional vileness becomes more apparent when they skitter in to attack.
Noxious Scavengers are noticeably quicker than their cousins which makes them hard to keep in your sights. Every bite delivers a deadly dose of poison and they are ready to bite again almost immediately. Fortunately, they are fragile. Weapons that reward volume over precision such as shotguns, flamethrowers, and grenades, will make short work of them. Super Earth reminds you that ammunition is cheaper than antivenom.
Noxious Spewer: the big one
Forget everything you know about Spewers dragging themselves across the ground. The Noxious Spewer is a hulking monstrosity that moves with unsettling speed and it is responsible for the webs now draped across the battlefield.
At medium range, watch for its Web Spit. One hit and you lose the ability to sprint, which is exactly what the abomination wants: to slow its prey and close the gap. Beware its bite, which is quick, has surprising reach, and carries a stronger dose of venom than anything a Scavenger can deliver.
While its head is protected by medium armor, its web-filled abdomen has no armor at all. Be cautious when targeting this location, as when the sac bursts in a Web Explosion, it will snare every Helldiver and bug nearby. Super Earth recommends not being caught in the explosion.
Noxious venom: All sorts of bad news
Every Noxious bite inflicts poison, which can cripple the Democratic spirit of even the most stalwart Helldivers. You can track your condition with the new poison icon on your HUD. Super Earth categorizes the poisoning as follows:
Lightly poisoned: Your vision starts to haze, the poison begins to eat away at your health
Heavily poisoned: Damage over time increases, you lose the ability to sprint, your vision hazes, Lady Liberty comes to visit you
Thankfully, your stims will help cure your condition, so ration them wisely. A poisoned squadmate may need that stim to keep going and fulfill your mission.
Caves on more biomes
The Terminids have gone underground and Super Earth is hunting them down. Bug caves are no longer limited to a handful of worlds; they now have a chance to appear across more biomes on the Galactic map.
Inside these tunnels sightlines are short, corners are blind, and fast enemies arrive before you hear them. Absolutely ideal territory for those Noxious bugs. Bring close-range firepower, stay with your squad, and keep a stim in reserve for whoever wandered too far ahead.
Suit up, Helldiver
The Noxious strain want the galaxy wrapped in silk and soaked in venom. Super Earth has other plans, and those plans involve you.
Pack your stims, aim for the abdomen, and remember: arachnophobia is not a recognized exemption from military service. See you in the caves, Helldiver. Remember, a cleaner galaxy starts with YOU, Helldiver.
A cleaner galaxy starts with YOU.
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