The Hive Guard is a medium-sized Terminid with frontal Medium armor, allowing it to withstand direct attacks. It can enter a crouching stance to shield its vulnerable body.
Spawning
Hive Guards can spawn in patrols, guarding Bug Nests and specific objectives, or emerge from Bug Breaches, starting on Easy difficulty.
On Challenging difficulty and beyond, they may also be found guarding Minor Places of Interest.
Behavior
Hive Guards approach Helldivers, climbing over terrain to attack with their claws. They are capable of strafing sideways, attempting to block escape routes and cut off fleeing targets.
When shot multiple times, either directly or nearby, they will enter a crouching stance, pulling their front legs close to their body for about three seconds. If sustained fire continues, they will remain crouched until the attack stops.
Similar to Warriors, Hive Guards can enter a berserk state when their head begins releasing green fluids, briefly increasing movement speed before bleeding out.
Additionally, Hive Guards can release pheromones, which may trigger a Bug Breach to summon reinforcements.
Tactics
- Medium armor-penetrating weaponry and explosives are highly effective against Hive Guards.
- Two Helldivers without armor-penetrating weapons can exploit their defensive stance by having one fire from the front while the other flanks for a kill.
- Even while crouching, Hive Guards remain vulnerable from the front, as there is a gap between their front legs and head.
- Their berserk state is rarely activated, as they prioritize crouching after sustaining multiple headshots.