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Difficulty: Medium Supervisors: Queen Rank: Not defined Duties: Create the ultimate hive Guides: N/A Unlock Requirements: Not available. Detailed Description: Not defined |__________| |
Playing a Hivelord
The role of a Hivelord is nearly identical to that of a Drone. However, the Hivelord benefits from an increased Plasma cap, greatly increased Plasma regeneration and a new unique ability, Dig-Tunnel. Unfortunately, these benefits are offset by an increase in size and a decrease in movement speed.
A Hivelord has the ability to drastically change the course of the round by digging tunnels to a variety of locations. This is almost certainly the most important ability of the Hivelord. Dig lots of tunnels. This enables the Aliens to completely control movement on the planet. This removes the need for the Queen and others to risk themselves establishing a forward base, since all Aliens can move through tunnels straight back to the Hive. Marines can't use the tunnels.
To dig a tunnel, choose a spot and use the Dig-Tunnel ability. This takes a bit of time, so be safe. The first hole is useless without a second hole. Go to a spot where you want the other end of this tunnel and use Dig-Tunnel again. These two holes are automatically considered connected and can be used right away.
Consider creating a room in the Hive dedicated to most or all of your tunnel entrances. A 3x3 up to a 5x5 square room might work well. The location of the tunnel entrance should indicate where it exits. (As examples, a tunnel entrance in the top right of the tunnel room might exit in the far northeast corner of the map. A tunnel entrance in the bottom right of the tunnel room might exit close to LZ1.) Make sure to communicate to the hivemind when there are tunnels available.
Hivelord Tactics
- A Hivelord creates structures faster than a Drone, due to its higher Plasma regeneration. Use this to fortify the Hive, build nests and cover the floors in sticky resin.
- Build Hives with narrow corridors and small rooms. The Marines are fast and have powerful ranged weapons, so force them to fight on your terms. Covering the floors of these areas with sticky resin further adds to your advantage.
- Nests are frequently built in a checkerboard fashion. Place a single door, and put four nests adjacent to it. (Above, Below, Left & Right). Then, surround those nests with doors. This allows Sentinel castes to guard all four nests when standing in that initial door.
- When the assault begins, tag along at a distance unless you are needed to guard hosts. You are not a front line fighter. You will likely be needed to plant weeds, build defenses, secrete pheromones, and share Plasma. Try to be on the second row, building weeds and nests to support the advance.
- When digging tunnels, try to build the Hive entrance before moving out to the colony. This means you can use the tunnel to quickly get back to the Hive.
- When leaving the Hive to build tunnels, bring a sister with you to protect you. Even a tier 1 is enough to distract Marines so you can escape.