The Stalker is a large Terminid capable of camouflaging itself and using its powerful tongues to knock Helldivers off their feet.
Spawning
Stalkers spawn exclusively from Stalker Lairs, which are optional objectives that start appearing on Challenging difficulty. Each Stalker Lair contains up to two Bug Holes, which will continuously spawn Stalkers until destroyed.
Behavior
Stalkers begin their pursuit while camouflaged when a Helldiver comes within 150 meters of a Stalker Lair, producing a distinct chittering noise as they advance.
They move directly toward Helldivers and become fully visible at around 20 meters. They will also reveal themselves if they take enough damage.
Stalkers attack based on their distance:
- At medium range, they use tongue attacks to knock Helldivers away.
- At close range, they strike with their claws for melee damage.
After attacking or taking significant damage, Stalkers will often jump back, camouflage, and begin regenerating health (50 HP per second) before resuming their pursuit.
Tactics
- Although unarmored, Stalkers are more durable than Hunters and other medium-sized Terminids. Support Weapons and headshots are the most effective way to eliminate them quickly.
- Stalkers remain partially visible when camouflaged if they are on fire, exposed to gas, or covered in Terminid Blood/Bile.
- When encountered in swarms, their tongue attacks can leave Helldivers vulnerable by knocking them away.
- Weapons that stagger, such as the SG-8 Punisher, can disrupt their attacks.
- Stunning weapons, like the SG-20 Halt, are even more effective, leaving them exposed to Support Weapons.
- Since Stalkers regenerate health while camouflaged, Helldivers should ensure they are fully eliminated upon first engagement.