They are biologically similar to their subordinates, the Vortigaunts, and their higher-ranking commanders, the Alien Controllers, possibly hinting at a connection between the two.ДЄlien Grunts typically be seen being transported through a factory on Xen, stored in multiple pod-shaped alien containers, and using alien aircraft as a form of transportation. They are seven feet tall and possess chitin-based, bullet-resistant metallic armor covering several parts of their body, as well as primarily armed with a biological rifle known as the Hivehand, which fires out an infinite amount of hornets that track down the nearby targets before recharging.

в†‘ Half-Life - Monster of the Week feature on OGR.The Alien Grunt ( Xenotherium myrmex,В or 'Alien Ant Beast') is an intelligent species of a warrior-caste alien race that serves as the ground assault foot soldiers comprising the majority of Nihilanth's invading alien army.

в†‘ Half-Life 2: Raising the Bar, page 19.

в†‘ Half-Life 2: Raising the Bar, page 18.

в†‘ Half-Life 2: Raising the Bar, page 27.

в†‘ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Chuck Jones' personal website.

Their preferred ration is said to come in the mobile form of Chumtoads, an alien type which ended up being cut and not appearing in the original Half-Life. The Alien Grunts' armor is described as not being a product of alien technology but rather a biologically extruded exoskeleton synthesized from a diet rich in certain xenotic minerals. In Online Gaming Review's early Half-Life Monster of the Week Feature preview, Alien Grunts were given the taxonomic designation 'Xenotherium myrmex.' The creatures discharged from their Hivehands are referred to as 'thornets,' and their regeneration is explained as being as a result of continued breeding in their host's para-coelomic cavity. The final Alien Grunt model also features an unused variation in which it lacks a Hivehand akin to its early model. This model was kept in the retail Half-Life as a sprite for the Alien Grunts forming the distant back rows in the 'bad' ending. An early version of the Alien Grunt model had blue armor (initial concept art featured green armor while early model renders depicted a bright silver armor) and lacked the Hivehand, instead firing hornets directly from its right hand. Before the Hivehand, the Alien Grunt was planned to use different types of weapons. The Alien Grunt was initially known as the Alien Warrior Vortigaunt. At one point in the game, a group of Alien Grunts appear to have set up an Energy Cannon, implying the necessity for external weaponry. They are also often transported by Alien Crafts. They also demonstrate superhuman strength in various scripted sequences seen throughout the game, such as punching a soldier through a concrete wall, quickly prying open a large set of heavy blast doors, and thriving in harsh conditions and high radiation areas.ДЄlien Grunts can be found being transported through the mines on Xen stored in pod-shaped containers. Combined with their bullet-deflecting partial body armor, this gives them high durability in battle. They have almost twice as much health compared to HECU Marines. 357 Magnum or Crossbow lower impact rounds, such as pistol or Submachine Gun bullets, buckshot, and even the primary fire of the Tau Cannon, will outright ricochet off the armor without doing any damage at all since the protection negates 20 points of damage from many sources.ДЄlien Grunts use intelligent soldier-based combat tactics, for instance running between cover and firing at unseen enemies so that the hornets will track foes around corners.

Alien Grunts take significantly reduced damage if shot in the armor rather than their exposed flesh with a. However, several areas of their body are still left exposed. They are equipped with metallic-like armor around the groin and shoulders, as well as helmets and shoes.

Alien Grunts share many physical characteristics with their Vortigaunt counterparts: multiple red eyes, backwards-jointed legs, hoofed feet, and a short arm extending from their mid-torso which is used for feeding. At close range, they will also use hand-to-hand combat. Tough, strong, and extremely hostile, Alien Grunts stand about seven feet tall and are armed with a biological weapon called the Hivehand which launches living projectiles: autonomous, insect-like creatures known as hornets which home in on their targets.

Black mesa alien grunt