The Predator Hunter is a unique, evolved strain, created from the
Terminids' prolonged exposure to The Gloom, which has augmented Hunters into deadlier ambush predators. They will relentlessly pursue targets and rapidly attack them until either they are killed or their target is.
They appear to have been given larger wings, which allows them to jump more aggressively. Two other unique mutations are giving them the ability to cloak like Stalkers and spit acidic bile like Bile Spewers.
Predator Hunters can be told apart from their standard counterparts by their striking camouflaged carapace that is sporting a unique black-and-yellow stripe pattern.
Behavior
- The Predator Hunter still relies on ambush tactics like the normal Hunter, but it's notable for its much more aggressive approach. It jumps and attacks faster. It will also pursue targets over longer distances, which makes evading them without the aid of a M-102 Fast Recon Vehicle or Lift-850 Jump Pack, much harder.
- Its first new ability, however, is that it can now cloak like the Stalker, rendering it nearly invisible to the naked eye. This allows them to mask their approach towards their targets, until they get within striking distance.
- Its second new ability is that it can now vomit bile over a short range. This is on top of it's ability to use it's claws and debilitating tongue, giving Predator Hunters an even bigger DPS output. Luckily, it is not the same as the continuous bile stream of the Bile Spewer, rather a single damage tick form a stream.
- They can stay invisible even when attacking, also being able to spew bile as well, keen vision is a must when fighting these Mutated Hunters.
- They can combine their slash, tough whip and bile spit all together, instantly killing anything caught in its way.
- Unlike standard Hunters, Predator Hunters seem to have no restrictions placed upon their pounce ability. Meaning out of reach Helldivers perched upon high ground or using the Hover Pack are far from safe as multiple Hunters can pounce at them at the same time or in rapid succession, quickly cleaving through your health with little time to stim.
- Predator Hunters have an increased likelihood of knocking a Helldiver out of the stimming animation before the stim effect applies. Especially with their tongue and bile attacks.
Tactics
- Predator Hunters are still unarmored, and retain the same weaknesses as normal hunters. However, their faster movements will require a better reaction time against.
- They are capable of still using their debilitating tongue, alongside their bile vomit.
- Due to their cloaking, Predator Hunters are hard to detect under duress. One may assume that their rear or side flanks are clear, only to later be proven wrong by a pack of cloaked hunters suddenly jumping out of nowhere. Using gas or fire to block off potential flanks is recommended to avoid being ambushed.
- Fire works best against them, as it negates their cloaking. The SG-225IE Breaker Incendiary is a powerful choice against Pred Hunter swarms.
- Concussive and arc weapons help in keeping Pred Hunter swarms manageable.
- Sentry guns and Guard Dog backpacks are particularly handy against them, as the guns will lock onto the hunter, despite being cloaked.
- They can be strong enough to survive several strikes from the Arc Thrower, this will slow them, but not for long, repeated strikes are recommended.
- Impact Grenades are useful, as long as they aren't allowed to get to close, or else you will be caught in the blast as well.
- The SG-225SP Breaker Spray&Pray is especially useful at slowing and crippling their movement by shooting off their claws and legs.