Part 42

Learn the weaknesses and tactics for defeating Vex units like Hobgoblins, Harpies, Minotaurs, Hydras, and Cyclops, plus an intro to the formidable Cabal.

Alright, Guardian! We're diving into Part 42, and this is where we really start to understand the enemy. We'll be breaking down some of the tougher Vex units and getting a first look at the Cabal. Knowing their strengths and weaknesses is key to survival, so let's get you prepped.

Super Abilities are your best friend here for clearing out waves of enemies and generating Orbs of Light for your fireteam. Remember, a well-timed Super can turn the tide of any engagement.

The Vex

Let's start with the Vex. You've probably seen Goblins already, but these other Vex units are more specialized and dangerous.

Hobgoblin

These guys are the Vex's snipers. They've got enhanced optics and sensors, making them deadly from a distance. Like Goblins, they're filled with that weird radiolarian fluid. A Hobgoblin's defensive reflex is to seal itself in stasis when attacked, waiting for backup. Don't let them get comfortable!

• Weapons: Line Rifle, Slap Rifle
• Weak Point: Glowing point in their midsection.
• Tactics: They're similar to Goblins, with the same weak spot. You can shoot their heads off to enrage them, but they prefer to fight from cover at range. They also deploy a Solar Shield when hit, which damages you if you're too close. Your best bet is to counter-snipe them with your own Sniper Rifle, or bait their shield and then unload. Taking off their head also disables the Solar Shield.

Harpy

The fastest and most agile Vex unit, Harpies are airborne scouts. They have to stop and stabilize before they can attack, which is your window of opportunity.

• Weapons: Twin Slap Rifles
• Weak Point: Their red eye.
• Epic Modifier: Gains an Arc Shield.
• Tactics: Harpies zip around but can't use blinkwalk to cross gaps. Since they pause before firing, track them and unload into their eye. They're pretty easy to take down if you can land your shots.

Minotaur

These are the heavy hitters of the Vex. Minotaurs are thick, tough, and use their teleportation aggressively. They're not easy to crack.

• Weapons: Torch Hammer or Slap Rifle
• Shield: Void Shield
• Weak Point: None
• Tactics: You absolutely need to break their Void Shield before you can damage them. This is tough because they charge, blinkwalk, and hit hard with their Torch Hammer. A Void Fusion Rifle is your best bet for stripping their shield. If you manage to break their face, it stuns them and causes them to rush you wildly, which is your best chance to deal extra damage since they don't have a traditional weak point.

Hydra

Think of the Hydra as a walking fortress. It's slow but has impenetrable defenses and devastating firepower. It processes data rapidly for the Vex network.

• Weapons: Twin Torch Hammer
• Weak Point: Glowing yellow eye
• Tactics: Hydras are slow and easy to evade individually, but dangerous in groups. They have a rotating shield that's impenetrable, so you need to time your shots when the shield isn't blocking your aim. It's easier to take them down with a team where you can spread out and keep hitting it. Be careful after you defeat one – they explode and can take you out if you're too close.

Cyclops

These are huge, stationary Vex constructs that act as gun platforms, protecting key areas with mortar fire. Some think they're actually massive sensors.

• Weapons: Twin Torch Hammer
• Weak Point: Its eye
• Tactics: Since they don't move, find cover and pop shots at their eye. Heavy Weapons or a Super Ability are also very effective. You won't run into many of these, but they're dangerous if you let them set up their mortar fire. Damaging them enough can sometimes confuse them into attacking their own allies.

The Cabal

Now, let's talk about the Cabal. These guys are the system's greatest military force – disciplined, relentless, and mysterious. They've conquered countless worlds, and their soldiers wear pressurized armor suited for high-gravity environments. Their tactics involve ranks of Legionaries supported by air power and heavy armor.

The first and most common Cabal force you'll encounter are the Sand Eaters. They represent the numerical backbone of the Cabal military.