Enemy Types & Strategies
Navigating the Nazi-occupied world of Wolfenstein: The New Order requires more than just a keen trigger finger; understanding your adversaries is paramount to survival. This section details the various enemy types you'll encounter and provides actionable strategies to dispatch them efficiently, whether you prefer stealth or a full-frontal assault.
Standard Infantry
These are your bread-and-butter enemies, encountered throughout the game. While individually weak, they can overwhelm you in numbers or when supported by heavier units.
- Trooper: Lightly armored, these soldiers typically carry the Assault Rifle or Pistol.
- Stealth Strategy: Prioritize silent takedowns with the Combat Knife or suppressed Pistol headshots. Always aim for the head for instant kills.
- Combat Strategy: Use cover effectively. The Assault Rifle is excellent for sustained fire, while the Schockhammer Shotgun is devastating at close range. Don't be afraid to dual-wield for maximum suppression.
- Elite Trooper: Slightly tougher than standard troopers, often equipped with the Assault Rifle or LaserKraftwerk. They wear distinctive helmets.
- Stealth Strategy: Similar to regular troopers, but their helmets offer some protection. A suppressed headshot might not be a one-hit kill on higher difficulties; follow up quickly.
- Combat Strategy: Their armor means they can absorb more damage. Focus fire on their head or chest. The Grenade can be effective for clearing groups or flushing them out of cover.
Commanders
These officers are crucial targets. Eliminating them silently before they can raise an alarm is key to maintaining stealth and preventing reinforcements.
- Commander: Identified by their distinctive uniforms and often found near communication equipment. They carry a Pistol or Assault Rifle.
- Stealth Strategy: This is where your stealth skills shine. Use the Combat Knife for silent takedowns. If a direct melee is risky, a suppressed Pistol headshot is your next best option. Always check their patrol routes before engaging.
- Combat Strategy: If a Commander spots you and raises the alarm, prepare for a wave of reinforcements. Prioritize taking them down quickly to stop further calls for backup. The Assault Rifle's rapid fire or a well-placed Grenade can be effective.
Heavy Units
These armored foes pose a significant threat and require specific tactics to overcome. They are heavily armored and often carry powerful weapons.
- Supersoldat: Large, heavily armored cyborgs wielding the devastating Heavy Machine Gun or LaserKraftwerk. They are slow but incredibly resilient.
- Strategy:
- Target Weak Points: Their power pack on their back is a critical weak point. If you can get behind them, unload with your most powerful weapons like the Schockhammer Shotgun or LaserKraftwerk.
- Legs First: If a rear attack isn't feasible, focus fire on their legs to slow them down and eventually disable them. This makes them easier targets.
- Explosives: Grenades and the Rocket Launcher are highly effective. A direct hit with a rocket can often destroy them in one or two shots.
- Cover and Movement: Never stand still. Use cover to break line of sight and reload. Their heavy weapons can shred your armor and health quickly.
- Kampfhund: Armored attack dogs. Fast, agile, and can inflict significant damage up close.
- Strategy:
- Prioritize: These enemies close distances quickly. Make them a priority target to prevent them from reaching you.
- Shotgun/Automatic Fire: The Schockhammer Shotgun is excellent for close-range takedowns. Alternatively, sustained fire from the Assault Rifle can put them down quickly.
- Melee Counter: If they get too close, a well-timed melee attack can stagger them, giving you a chance to finish them off.
- Robots (Various Models): From smaller drones to larger, walking tanks, these mechanical foes are heavily armored and often have ranged attacks.
- Strategy:
- Energy Weapons: The LaserKraftwerk is particularly effective against robotic units, especially when fully charged.
- Weak Points: Look for glowing vents or exposed wiring. These are often critical weak points that take increased damage.
- Explosives: For larger robots, the Rocket Launcher is your best friend.
- Environmental Hazards: Sometimes you can use the environment to your advantage, such as collapsing structures or explosive barrels near robots.
Specialized Units
These enemies appear less frequently but often have unique abilities or require specific approaches.
- Drone: Small, flying robots often equipped with light machine guns. They are fast and can be hard to hit.
- Strategy:
- Automatic Weapons: Use the Assault Rifle or the Machine Pistol for their high rate of fire to track and destroy drones.
- Explosives: A well-aimed Grenade can clear a group of drones.
- LaserKraftwerk: The LaserKraftwerk's precision beam can be effective if you have good aim.
General Combat Tips
- Scavenge Constantly: Always pick up armor and health packs from fallen enemies and around the environment.
- Dual-Wielding: Don't underestimate the power of dual-wielding weapons for maximum damage output, especially against heavy units or large groups.
- Cover System: Utilize the cover system effectively. Lean out to shoot and quickly duck back in to avoid incoming fire.
- Headshots: Always aim for the head on human enemies for critical damage and quick kills.
- Weapon Variety: Experiment with different weapons. Each has its strengths and weaknesses against various enemy types.
- Perks: Unlock perks that complement your playstyle. For stealth players, perks like "Stealth Kill" and "Knife Throw" are invaluable. For combat-focused players, "Dual-Wielding" and "Quick Reload" are essential.