The Vex

Constantly finding imperfections and altering worlds anew, Vex are cybernetic hostiles primarily focusing on terraforming Nessus. They seem to have a central intelligence, and they are responsible for almost impossible architecture. Toughened Vex foes are usually known by the prefix “Quantum.”

Harpy

Threat Level: 2

Weak Spot: Eye

Notes: The Harpies are mainly encountered at longer distances, as they prefer to shoot their rifles at you from range. React by aiming and shooting back after stepping out of their line of sight. Harpies are relatively weak, so keeping a consistent targeted pressure on these low-priority foes yields quick takedowns.

Fanatic

Threat Level: 3

Weak Spot: Lower torso

Notes: Fanatics are always priority targets, as they exist to saunter their way toward you before exploding. This can easily kill you, so deft maneuvering and preventing their progress are the keys to victory. Because their explosion can set off a chain reaction and destroy other Fanatics (and damage Goblins), use them as moving explosives when you encounter multiple foes. When killing a Fanatic they also leave behind a dangerous pool of Radiolarian Fluid which can quickly negate large areas of of the combat zone for a short time.

Goblin

Threat Level: 2

Weak Spot: Lower torso

Notes: Goblins are the main infantry threats you encounter when battling the Vex. Initial combat involves remaining mobile or behind cover to dodge their attacks, and executing long or short takedowns to take the Goblin’s head off. This provokes a “seizure,” after which the Goblin staggers at you like a Fanatic. Drop it with torso shots at this point. Or, aim at the torso consistently, and avoid the seizure entirely.

Hobgoblin

Threat Level: 3

Weak Spot: Lower torso

Notes: The Hobgoblin is primarily a sharpshooter, designed to wound you from distance and finish you off before you have a chance to respond. Prevent this from happening by pressing the attack to this foe. Shoot it in the lower torso, and it crouches in a temporary invulnerable state. Any damage dealt to the Hobgoblin causes him to enter this state. During this time focus on other targets or reload your weapon before reengaging him after the immunity wears off.

Minotaur

Threat Level: 3-4

Weak Spot: Lower torso

Notes: The largest bipedal Vex foe is the shielded Minotaur, a tough and problematic entity that should be prevented from encroaching into close combat. While you can shoot it in the head and induce a “seizure” where it targets and moves more rapidly toward you, the biggest concern is this foe’s shield. Match the Energy weapon to the Minotaur’s shield type (mainly Void, but Arc and Solar Shields have been seen), and keep on maintaining hits so the shield is removed. Keep up the pressure, and track the Minotaur if it teleports a short distance. You don’t want to break off combat so the Minotaur’s shields can replenish.

Hydra

Threat Level: 5

Weak Spot: Eye

Notes: This large floating enemy has a pair of dual Torch Hammers that ignore gravity when fired: the Aeon Maul. It uses them to badly damage you in seconds, so seek cover when you’re attempting to take one of these foes down. Stay active, and vary your speed, height, and range so the Hydra doesn’t easily hit you. Fire at it (usually the central eye, though anywhere is fine) when you have a direct shot through its rotating shield. Otherwise, your offense has no effect. Stay away from a Hydra that has just been destroyed, as its explosion can kill you.

Cyclops

Threat Level: 4

Weak Spot: Central “eye”

Notes: Rarely encountered, think of this as a slightly smaller Hydra, with the tendencies of a sentient sentry gun. Use the fact that the Cyclops is stationary to your advantage. Find a way into cover, leap around, and generally stop the Cyclops from lining up its attack on you. Then, shoot its central “eye” intermittently while avoiding this turret’s attack.