Splicers

Splicers are the most common class of enemy in Rapture, but these genetic freaks were not always so threatening. There was a time not long ago when Splicers were normal men and women going about their nondescript lives just like everyone else. That is, until they met Adam. At first they looked at Adam as purely a means to an end—a way to work harder, to improve their strength, or perhaps even to look a little younger. But things didn’t pan out the way they expected. They got hooked. Adam was a drug like any other and they were mainlining it like no tomorrow. Before they knew it, they were shooting up so much Adam, they spliced themselves right out of the human race. And they’re pretty angry about it.

Thuggish Splicer

Thuggish Splicers are vulnerable to antipersonnel rounds.

Thuggish splicer research bonuses

Thuggish Splicers are the most common type of Splicer and also the weakest. Thuggish Splicers attack with various tools and items that can be swung like a club. Most opt for a lead pipe, but others may choose a shovel or other instrument in their proximity. Late in the game, you will encounter Thuggish Splicers who have electrified their bodies. These electrified thugs are immune to Electro-Bolt, and deal electrical damage to you. Thuggish Splicers are not all that bright and do little more than rush towards you head-on. They’ll commonly leap right before reaching you in an effort to bring their weapon down across your head in a heavy overhand strike. They are susceptible to all types of attacks and it is recommended that you not squander your antipersonnel ammunition on them—base ammo is more than enough, especially when paired with a blast of Electro Bolt or Incinerate.

Leadhead Splicer

Leadhead Splicers are vulnerable to antipersonnel rounds.

Leadhead splicer research bonuses

Leadhead Splicers are another low-level type of Splicer, but unlike the Thuggish Splicers they are often found carousing with, they prefer the power of firearms. Leadhead Splicers most often rely on Pistols, but some also carry Machine Guns. They try to keep their distance and strafe in and out of cover, but they are still relatively easy to take down and don’t necessitate special weaponry. Use Electro Bolt to stop them in their tracks and use your base ammo for the Pistol, Shotgun, or Machine Gun to take them down.

Nitro Splicer

Nitro Splicers are vulnerable to antipersonnel rounds.

Nitro splicer research bonuses

Nitro Splicers are the mad bombers of Rapture. Forever running around with a wooden box of homemade grenades, these crazed creatures love nothing more than to set you ablaze. Nitro Splicers are fast afoot and carry with them a blinding smoke bomb that they use to disappear behind whenever you get close. They know they are all but defenseless at close range, so they try to maintain a safe distance, commonly keeping to balconies and other areas where they have an elevation advantage. Listen for the whistling sound of an incoming grenade and quickly grab it with your Telekinesis plasmid and hurl it back at them. Nitro Splicers aren’t the strongest of enemies in Rapture, but they can definitely deliver a significant amount of damage if you don’t tend to them quickly. Load up the Machine Gun with Antipersonnel rounds and keep the Telekinesis plasmid active whenever you suspect their presence.

Spider Splicer

Spider Splicers are vulnerable to antipersonnel rounds.

Spider splicer research bonuses

Of all the Splicer varieties, the Spider Splicers are beyond a doubt the most disturbing. These acrobatic masters not only show off their agility by evading your gunfire with cartwheels and back handsprings, but they can even crawl around on the ceiling too! Listen for the clanging around of their meat-hooks on the ceiling and quickly focus your plasmid and guns skyward. Spider Splicers roost upside-down on the ceiling and fling a series of razor sharp sickles at you, relying on the darkness of the shadows to conceal their whereabouts. On ground, Spider Splicers like to attack at close range and try to disembowel you with their vicious hook-shaped blades. Do not take Spider Splicers lightly, as they are among the most lethal inhabitants of Rapture. Use Antipersonnel ammunition and either hit them with the Incinerate plasmid to better see them while they burn or stop them cold with Winter Blast. Don’t take any chances with Spider Splicers—tend to them immediately! Lastly, make sure to search their corpses and collect the Spider Splicer Organs for their health restoring properties!

Houdini Splicer

Houdini Splicers are vulnerable to antipersonnel rounds.

Houdini splicer research bonuses

Houdini Splicers are the most advanced form of Splicer, since they have mastered the ability to hurl fire, ice, and “disappear”. Houdini Splicers seemingly burst into a red cloud of gas, only to reappear moments later elsewhere in the area. You can spend an inordinate amount of time tracking a Houdini Splicer if they are not disposed of quickly. Break out your big guns, load them with Antipersonnel ammunition, and open fire as soon as you see a Houdini Splicer. Also, try to combat their fireball-throwing ways with Winter Blast—it will also freeze them in place and keep them from disappearing right away.