The Strider is a bio-mechanical Synth used by the Combine in Half-Life 2 and its episodic sequels. These towering war machines function as the Combine's main heavy ground assault units.
Overview[]
Striders are capable of pursuing hostiles in both confined streets and open plazas, even crouching down to fire at enemies who seek cover under overhangs or in bombed-out buildings.
The Strider's body is covered in a smooth brown carapace or exoskeleton. On the "head" of the Strider is a rapid-firing pulse cannon, with a heavier warp cannon suspended below. The three long legs of the Strider are tipped with sharp spikes and a rosette of finer, hair-like spines.
While walking about or attacking, Striders produce many different vocalizations, such as growls, groans, whoops, and howls; when killed, they let out a mournful cry. In addition, Striders will leak a yellow substance when damaged, and their carapace contains a large, somewhat human-looking brain.
Combat[]
Striders are considered to be the deadliest weapons in the Combine's arsenal. They tower over ground-based structures and can easily mow down light infantry with their pulse cannons, or blast armoured targets to smithereens with their warp cannons. If enemy combatants get in close, the Strider can use its legs to impale victims.
Despite their slender appearance, Striders are remarkably durable. Small arms have no effect on them, only rockets, MP7 grenades or energy balls are capable of damaging them. It takes 5-6 rockets to bring a Strider down.
Trivia[]
- The Strider is clearly based on the Martian Fighting Machines from H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds.