The Shrieker is a medium-sized, unarmored, flying Terminid that utilizes hit-and-run tactics, diving in to attack Helldivers before retreating back into the skies. Shriekers spawn from Shrieker Nests if one is present but can also appear in flying patrols as part of a mission modifier.
Spawning
Shriekers emerge from Shrieker Nests if available and can also appear in aerial patrols when a mission modifier is active.
Behavior
Shriekers engage in hit-and-run attacks, swiftly diving toward Helldivers before flying back out of range. Their high mobility makes them difficult to target, and they often attack in groups, overwhelming targets with relentless aerial assaults. Shriekers will continuously circle above the battlefield, looking for opportunities to dive and strike before quickly retreating.
Tactics
- Shriekers have no armor, making them vulnerable to most weaponry.
- Energy-based laser weapons, such as the LAS-5 Scythe and LAS-98 Laser Cannon, are highly effective due to their long range and instant-hit damage.
- Shotguns with spread, like the SG-8 Punisher and SG-225IE Breaker Incendiary, can take down Shriekers at close to medium range.
- Sentry weapons, such as the A/MG-43 Machine Gun Sentry and A/G-16 Gatling Sentry, are particularly effective against swarms of Shriekers.
- Using terrain or physical objects to break line-of-sight can prevent Shriekers from attacking.
- Lying prone makes Helldivers harder to hit, reducing the risk of being targeted.
- Killing a Shrieker mid-dive causes it to plummet toward the Helldiver that killed it, dealing significant damage on impact.