The Chimera parasite is not only unpredictable in changing the landscape during each Incursion, but they rapidly mutate as well, creating ever more dangerous situations and causing us to revise our strategy. Throughout each Incursion, your squad will risk facing 1 out of 7 currently known random mutations that can cause your Operators serious trouble getting through the ontainment zone.
The only way to counter this threat is to be prepared and understand not only what each mutation does, but how to appropriately engage them. In this blog, we’ll be going over each mutation in detail, what to look out for, and the best ways to adapt and get through them.
ARMORED NESTS
The first mutation that you and your squad may spot in the containment zone are Archæan Nests that have developed an extra-resilient outer covering. These Armored Nests are protected by a dried goo-carapace and make them highly resistant to ballistic damage. Even though you can still destroy the Nests with guns and bullets, it will take longer to do so.
Recommended engagement protocol – We recommend the use of explosives to penetrate the outer casing and destroy these Nests. A close-up takedown is most efficient when encountering these nest mutations.
BLINDING SPORE CARRIERS
This Chimera mutation manifests itself as physical bulbous growths on various Archæans, which are in fact Blinding Spores. These Spores will attach themselves to you and your squad if you get too close, obstructing vision and detonating to release a cloud of noxious gas.
Recommended engagement protocol – Since directly approaching any spore-carrying Archæan will trigger the spore’s proximity sensors and attaching themselves to the Operator, we would recommend engaging them from a distance as the spores will drop to the ground once their Archæan host is killed.
CLOAKED ARCHÆAN
One unusual mutation is an environment-wide mutation that gives rise to Cloaked Archæans, making them invisible and dangerous for unaware Operators wandering into a new area. This just goes to show that you can’t be too careful in the containment zone. On the upside, these guys can only stay cloaked while in an unalerted state. As soon as they enter combat, take damage, or get into an alerted state, they will lose their invisibility.
Recommended engagement protocol – We recommend a tactical approach when you enter a new submap. If an area is oddly empty or quiet, there might just be Cloaked Archæans lying in wait. Common React Tech like Scan mines, Scan grenades, and Recon Vapor can provide intel on any cloaked Archæan.
CAUSTIC SPRAWL
Another mutation to take note of is Caustic Sprawl colonies. Unlike normal Sprawl, these secrete a cocktail of extremely corrosive chemicals that will not only slow an Operator’s movement, but also continuously damage anyone in contact with the Sprawl (Damage is applied every 3 seconds).
Recommended engagement protocol – You will want to avoid extended periods of contact with Caustic Sprawl. Be extra careful with Archæans that leave behind a Sprawl trail as these will also be affected by the mutation. Luckily you will be able to destroy Caustic Sprawl the same way as normal Sprawl, so we recommend clearing a path before engaging in any other threats.
SPRAWL OVERFLOW
This mutation causes all Archæan variants to discharge large amounts of Sprawl, leading to trails of the goo being left behind moving Archæans. The mutation allows the Chimera Parasite to spread more easily within the environment, increasing their speed while slowing down Operators.
Recommended engagement protocol – Since there is no effective way to avoid the Sprawl, the best thing is to be prepared for the reduced mobility of your squad and increased Archæan mobility.
SPONTANEOUS SLUDGE
Of the various mutations, this one can be described as appalling. Some Archæans will form a pool of reddish Sludge when killed. The Sludge will move towards any disturbance when alerted and stab at the threat with extendable tendrils, they can also fraction and recombine almost indefinitely unless destroyed.
Recommended engagement protocol – We recommend targeting the Archæans’ weak points which will cause them to “obliterate” into component molecules, not pools of Sprawl, making it impossible to form the Sludge.
CHIMERA FOG
This mutation allows Sprawl cell colonies to produce and release a gaseous thick fog that covers the map and reduces visibility. Archæan variants are unaffected by this gas shroud, but for your squad, it will severely impair your range of vision outside of a 3 meters radius.
Recommended engagement protocol – The Reduced visibility calls for careful reconnaissance of the environment. Approach with caution and try using bilities or REACT tech that will allow you to scout an area before approaching such as Scan Grenades and Scan Mines.
