The Taken, a corrupted force serving Oryx, present unique challenges in The Taken King. Understanding their altered abilities and exploiting their weaknesses is key to overcoming them. Here's a breakdown of common Taken enemy types and effective strategies:
Taken Captains
These formidable foes are corrupted versions of Hive Captains. They wield a powerful void-based melee attack and can teleport, making them difficult to track. Their primary weakness lies in their reliance on their void shields. Weapons that deal void damage, such as the Voidwalker subclass's abilities or void-infused weapons, are highly effective at stripping their shields quickly. Once their shield is down, they are vulnerable to all damage types.
Taken Vandals
Similar to their Hive counterparts, Taken Vandals are ranged attackers. However, they possess a unique ability to create a "Taken Blight" orb. If this orb detonates near you, it will inflict damage over time and obscure your vision. Prioritize destroying these Blight orbs before they detonate. Weapons with high rate of fire, like auto rifles or pulse rifles, are excellent for quickly dispatching these fast-moving enemies and their Blight orbs.
Taken Psions
Taken Psions are particularly insidious. They can duplicate themselves, creating multiple copies that can overwhelm unsuspecting Guardians. Their primary attack is a psychic blast that can disorient you. The key to dealing with Taken Psions is to identify the "real" one. Often, the original Psion will have a slightly different visual cue or will be the one actively casting. Area-of-effect (AoE) abilities and weapons, such as grenades or certain exotic weapons, are very effective at clearing out multiple Psions at once. Focus fire on the original Psion to prevent further duplication.
Taken Hobgoblins
These are corrupted Hobgoblins that retain their sniper rifle capabilities. Their primary threat comes from their precision shots. However, they also gain the ability to create a "Taken Blight" shield around themselves, making them temporarily invulnerable. The best strategy is to wait for the Blight shield to dissipate or use a weapon with high impact to break through it quickly. Sniper rifles or scout rifles are effective for engaging them at range.
Taken Ogres
The hulking Taken Ogres are a significant threat, spewing void-based projectiles. They are slow-moving but hit incredibly hard. Their primary weakness is their large critical hit zone, typically their head. Weapons with high damage per shot, such as fusion rifles, heavy machine guns, or rocket launchers, are ideal for taking them down quickly. Focus fire on their weak points to maximize damage.
By understanding these specific enemy behaviors and employing the right tactics and weapon choices, you can effectively counter the Taken threat and progress through the challenges of The Taken King.