The Doom Hunters, towering monstrosities that relentlessly pursue the Doom Slayer, pose a formidable challenge in Doom Eternal. Their relentless attacks, coupled with their devastating arsenal, can quickly overwhelm even the most seasoned players. However, armed with the right strategy and a keen understanding of their vulnerabilities, these behemoths can be brought down efficiently. The key lies in leveraging their weaknesses, exploiting their slow movement speed, and targeting their critical points.
The Doom Hunters’ primary weakness lies in their lumbering pace. Unlike the agile demons that swarm the battlefield, these behemoths rely on their immense size and brute force. By maintaining a safe distance and utilizing the environment, players can outmaneuver them, forcing them into narrow corridors or trapping them in tight spaces where their size becomes a liability. Additionally, by exploiting their slow reaction time, players can unleash a barrage of attacks and quickly retreat before they can retaliate.
Furthermore, the Doom Hunters possess several critical points that, when targeted, can significantly weaken them. The most vulnerable area is their exposed core, which is located on their back. By flanking them and employing weapons that deal heavy burst damage, such as the Plasma Rifle or the Super Shotgun, players can breach their armor and expose their core for a devastating attack. Additionally, targeting their shoulder cannons can disable their ranged weaponry, reducing their overall firepower and making them more manageable in close combat. By combining precision aiming with careful positioning, players can effectively cripple the Doom Hunters, paving the way for their eventual demise.
Understanding the Doom Hunter’s Weaknesses
Doom Hunters in Doom Eternal are formidable adversaries, but they have several key weaknesses that can be exploited to overcome their formidable defenses. Understanding these vulnerabilities is crucial for dispatching these imposing foes swiftly and efficiently.
The Doom Hunter’s primary weakness lies in its shoulder-mounted cannons. These massive weapons deal devastating damage but expose the connecting joints when fired. By targeting and destroying the joints, players can disable the cannons, significantly reducing the Doom Hunter’s offensive capabilities.
Another critical weakness is the Doom Hunter’s energy core, located on its back. When the core is exposed, it becomes vulnerable to targeted attacks. Hitting the core with a Precision Bolt or a Super Shotgun blast can inflict significant damage and temporarily stun the Doom Hunter.
Additionally, the Doom Hunter’s exhaust ports can be used to its detriment. By shooting at these ports, players can drain the Doom Hunter’s energy reserves and render it vulnerable to further attacks.
By exploiting these weaknesses effectively, players can neutralize the Doom Hunter’s strengths and seize control of the encounter. Understanding the Doom Hunter’s vulnerabilities is essential for developing a successful strategy and vanquishing these fearsome adversaries.
Vulnerabilities Summary:
| Vulnerability | Description |
|---|---|
| Shoulder-mounted cannons | Joints exposed when firing, allowing for cannon disabling. |
| Energy core | Located on the back, vulnerable to targeted attacks. |
| Exhaust ports | Shooting at ports drains energy reserves, leaving the Doom Hunter vulnerable. |
Aiming for Critical Points: The Rocket Launcher’s Power
The Rocket Launcher is a devastating weapon against Doom Hunters, especially when aiming for critical points. These points are located on the Hunter’s shoulder cannons and head, providing a significant damage multiplier. Landing a direct hit on these spots is crucial for efficiently taking down the Hunters.
The shoulder cannons are particularly vulnerable and offer a wide target. Aiming at the base of the cannons, where they connect to the Hunter’s body, deals maximum damage and can potentially disable the cannons entirely. Additionally, the head is a smaller but highly damaging target. Hitting the head requires precision and timing but can result in a significant burst of damage.
Below is a table outlining the critical points and their damage multipliers:
| Critical Point | Damage Multiplier |
|---|---|
| Shoulder Cannon Base | 2x |
| Head | 3x |
Precision Targeting with the Ballista
Positioning for Optimal Shots
The key to effectively targeting Doom Hunters with the Ballista is positioning. Engage from a distance to give yourself ample time to line up precise shots. Aim for the glowing green target on the Doom Hunter’s shoulder, which exposes its core.
Mastering the Arcing Trajectory
Unlike other weapons, the Ballista fires in an arc, which requires you to compensate for its trajectory. Estimate the distance to the Doom Hunter and adjust your aim accordingly. Utilize cover to avoid its plasma shots as you calculate the optimal angle of fire.
Precise Shot Execution
Execute your shots with precision and timing. The Doom Hunter’s shoulder target is small, so focus on creating a clean hit. Once aligned, hold your breath and let loose with a steady shot. Aim slightly above the target to account for the arc. With each successful hit, you’ll deplete the Doom Hunter’s shield and expose its core.
| Shot Difficulty | Effective Range | |
|---|---|---|
| Easy | Close to mid-range | |
| Moderate | Mid-range to far-range |
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Lock-On Burst | Use the Lock-On Burst mod to simultaneously freeze multiple nearby Doom Hunters. |
| Blood Punch | Follow up a successful Ice Bomb with a Blood Punch to shatter the frozen Doom Hunter for even greater damage. |
| Slayer’s Fury | During Slayer’s Fury, your Ice Bombs deal increased damage and freeze Doom Hunters for a longer duration. |
A Burst of Energy: Utilizing the Plasma Rifle
The Plasma Rifle is an excellent tool when encountering Doom Hunters, especially during their invulnerability phases. Not only does it inflict high damage, but sustained fire can also lock them in their current positions. This immobilization creates a greater window of opportunity to target their critical points.
However, the Plasma Rifle’s effectiveness is not limited to these phases. It can also be used to stun Doom Hunters briefly, allowing the player to quickly reposition or set up strategic shots.
5. Refining Your Technique: Tips for Maximum Damage
Here are additional tips to maximize the effectiveness of the Plasma Rifle against Doom Hunters:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Aim for Weak Points | Prioritize targeting the Doom Hunter’s critical points, such as its head and energy core, for maximum damage. |
| Time Your Shots | Shoot during the Plasma Rifle’s charge to unleash a concentrated burst of damage. This timing enables significant damage output. |
| Control Overheating | Monitor the Plasma Rifle’s heat level. When it reaches maximum, allow it to cool momentarily before resuming fire. This prevents overheating and maintains consistent damage output. |
| Use Lock-On | Utilize the Plasma Rifle’s lock-on feature to ensure precision shots, especially when targeting distant Doom Hunters or while moving. |
| Strafing and Movement | Combine Plasma Rifle fire with strategic strafing and movement to keep Doom Hunters at bay. This evasive tactic reduces the risk of getting hit while maintaining damage output. |
Chaining Attacks for Maximum Damage
The Doom Hunter is a formidable foe, but it can be defeated with a combination of well-timed attacks. Here are some tips for chaining attacks to maximize damage:
Start by shooting the Doom Hunter’s cannons until they are destroyed. This will slow it down and make it easier to hit with other attacks.
Once the cannons are destroyed, switch to the Ballista and fire three shots at the Doom Hunter’s exposed core. This will deal a significant amount of damage and stagger it.
While the Doom Hunter is staggered, switch to the Super Shotgun and fire a point-blank shot at its core. This will deal massive damage and kill it instantly.
If you are running low on ammo, you can also use the Chainsaw to deal damage to the Doom Hunter. Each successful Chainsaw attack will deal a small amount of damage and generate ammo for your other weapons.
By chaining attacks together in this way, you can quickly and efficiently defeat the Doom Hunter. Here is a table summarizing the attack sequence:
| Attack | Damage | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Ballista (3 shots) | Medium | Stagger |
| Super Shotgun | Massive | Kill |
Movement Strategies for Evasion
Doom Hunters are swift and agile, making them challenging to hit. To effectively avoid their attacks, utilize the following movement strategies:
1. Strafe Movement:
Quickly alternate between left and right movement to avoid the Hunter’s rockets and laser beams.
2. Dash Forward:
Use your dash ability to quickly close the distance to the Hunter and stun it.
3. Double Jump:
Double jumping allows you to gain height and avoid the Hunter’s ground attacks.
4. Shotgun Swaps:
Quickly switching to your shotgun and back to your primary weapon allows you to perform a “super shotgun blast” that can stagger the Hunter.
5. Meathook Grab:
Grapple onto the Hunter’s shield with the Meathook to pull yourself towards it and gain an advantage.
6. Glory Kill:
Performing a glory kill on a Hell Knight or other enemy can release a burst of energy that stuns the Hunter.
7. Ice Bomb:
The Ice Bomb mod for the Frost Shotgun can freeze the Hunter, making it easier to hit and damage. Equip the following runes to enhance these strategies:
| Rune | Description |
|---|---|
| Air Control | Improves aerial movement speed and control |
| Blood Fuel | Inflicts a status effect on enemies, increasing their movement speed and making them more vulnerable to damage |
| Chrono Strike | Slows time for enemies during a dash |
The Importance of Teamwork in Multiplayer
Coordinating Abilities and Roles
In multiplayer mode, Doom Hunters present a significant challenge. Coordinated teamwork is crucial for overcoming this obstacle. Assign specific roles to team members, such as a Tank to soak up damage, a DPS to deal maximum damage, and a Support to provide healing and buffs.
Effective Communication
Clear communication is essential. Utilize voice chat or in-game text to relay crucial information. Coordinate movement, target prioritization, and ability usage to ensure cohesive gameplay.
Situational Awareness
Stay aware of your surroundings and the movements of both the Doom Hunters and your teammates. Communicate potential threats and adjust your strategies accordingly.
Baiting and Distracting
Use one or more team members as bait to draw the Doom Hunters’ attention away from the others, allowing them to deal damage from a safe distance.
Focus Fire and Priority Targeting
Focus your combined firepower on one Doom Hunter at a time. Prioritize eliminated the weakest or most damaging one first to weaken the overall group.
Crowd Control and CC
Utilizing crowd control abilities to stun, slow, or disorient the Doom Hunters can significantly reduce their effectiveness and make them easier to hit.
Weapon Switching and Ammo Management
Switch between your weapons to exploit the Doom Hunters’ weaknesses and conserve ammo. Pay attention to your ammo supplies and communicate with teammates to replenish them.
Environmental Utilization
Use the environment to your advantage. Take cover behind obstacles, use height advantages for better sightlines, and exploit environmental hazards to damage or slow down the Doom Hunters.
| Doom Hunter Type | Weakness |
|---|---|
| Whiplash | Head/Shoulder Cannon |
| Screecher | Mask |
| Hell Knight | Shoulder Cannon |
Exploiting Environmental Hazards
Doom Hunters can be lured into environmental hazards to deal massive damage. These hazards include:
Pits of Lava and Fire
Lava and fire pits can quickly melt Doom Hunters if they are lured into them. Use the environment to your advantage and bait them into these areas.
Electric Fences
Electric fences can electrocute Doom Hunters if they come into contact with them. Use your mobility to dodge the fences while luring the hunters into them.
Quake Traps
Quake traps can stun and damage Doom Hunters. Activate these traps when the hunters are nearby to catch them off guard.
Ice Bombs
Ice bombs can freeze Doom Hunters, making them more vulnerable to your attacks. Use ice bombs to create a slippery surface, allowing you to trap and incapacitate the hunters.
Chainsaws and Meathooks
Chainsaws and meathooks can be used to pull Doom Hunters towards you or into hazards. Use these tools to control their movement and inflict additional damage.
Explosive Barrels
Explosive barrels can be used to deal area-of-effect damage to Doom Hunters. Shoot or melee the barrels to detonate them and cause massive damage to the hunters.
Environmental Explosions
Some areas in Doom Eternal have environmental explosions triggered by switches or hazards. Lure Doom Hunters into these areas and activate the explosions to deal significant damage or eliminate them.
Teleporters
Teleporters can be used to transport Doom Hunters into hazardous areas or away from your line of fire. Use teleporters to your advantage to manipulate the hunters’ position and create opportunities for attack.
Gravity Lifts
Gravity lifts can elevate Doom Hunters and make them more vulnerable to attacks from above. Use gravity lifts to gain height and deal damage to the hunters as they ascend.
| Hazard | Effect |
|---|---|
| Lava and Fire Pits | Melts Doom Hunters |
| Electric Fences | Electrocutes Doom Hunters |
| Quake Traps | Stuns and damages Doom Hunters |
| Ice Bombs | Freezes Doom Hunters |
| Chainsaws and Meathooks | Pulls Doom Hunters or incapacitates |
| Explosive Barrels | Area-of-effect damage |
| Environmental Explosions | Massive damage or elimination |
| Teleporters | Teleport Doom Hunters into hazards |
| Gravity Lifts | Elevates Doom Hunters for attacks from above |
Optimal Strategies for Eliminating Doom Hunters in Doom Eternal
Doom Hunters, formidable adversaries in Doom Eternal, demand a tactical approach for their demise. The key to vanquishing these relentless foes lies in exploiting their weaknesses while minimizing their devastating capabilities.
Targeting Strategies:
- Precision Bolting: Utilizing the Precision Bolt mod for the Heavy Cannon, aim for the Hunter’s shoulder-mounted rockets. Destroying these weak points will significantly reduce their firepower and hamper their mobility.
- Ice Bomb Freeze: Employ Ice Bombs to freeze the Hunter, immobilizing it for a few crucial seconds. This creates an opportunity to unleash a barrage of damage while it remains vulnerable.
Mobility Management:
- Dash and Strafe: Constantly move and strafe to avoid the Hunter’s rocket salvos and leaping attacks. Maintaining mobility is essential for survival.
- Vertical Mobility: Leverage the game’s verticality by utilizing jump pads or the Meat Hook to gain height advantage. This allows you to bypass the Hunter’s line of fire and initiate attacks from unexpected angles.
Weaponry:
- Super Shotgun: The Super Shotgun’s close-range prowess makes it ideal for dealing massive damage to the Hunter’s face. Aim for center mass for maximum impact.
- Ballista: Utilize the Ballista’s piercing rounds to target the Hunter’s weak points through obstacles. It can also be charged for a more concentrated and powerful attack.
People Also Ask About the Best Way to Kill Doom Hunters in Doom Eternal
How to Counter the Hunter’s Rockets?
Utilize the Precision Bolt mod for the Heavy Cannon to destroy the Hunter’s shoulder-mounted rockets. Additionally, maintain mobility by dashing and strafing to avoid their salvos.
How to Handle the Hunter’s Leap Attack?
Stay vigilant for the Hunter’s leap attack and be prepared to counter it with a well-timed dash or by jumping over its trajectory. Maintaining distance and vertical mobility can help mitigate the impact of this attack.
What is the Most Effective Weaponry Against Doom Hunters?
The Super Shotgun and Ballista are highly effective weapons against Doom Hunters. The Super Shotgun’s close-range power makes it ideal for point-blank attacks, while the Ballista’s piercing rounds and charging capabilities can deal significant damage from a distance.
