Glyphid Ossium: Weaknesses and How to Counter Them

Combat Summary

• Focus fire on the Glyphid Ossium’s exposed head when rearing back, or the glowing vent on its rear.
• Utilize high single-target damage or Armor Break weapons to peel off its hardened plating.
• Maintain distance and use terrain for cover to avoid its devastating frontal charge.

The Glyphid Ossium is a heavily armored threat known for its devastating frontal charge and surprising speed. To effectively counter this creature, Miners must prioritize Weakpoint Damage and utilize Armor Break effects to expose its vulnerable points. This Enemy Guide outlines crucial Tactics to dispatch the Ossium, ensuring it doesn’t dismantle your team with its powerful assaults.

Identifying the Threat

The Glyphid Ossium is easily recognized by its massive, heavily armored body and the distinct, glowing weakpoint on its back. It often spawns in groups or as a high-priority target alongside other elites. Its primary attack is a powerful charge, capable of knocking back and severely damaging any Dwarf in its path. Despite its size, it can traverse complex terrain surprisingly well.

Weaknesses and Counter-Tactics

The most vulnerable points on a Glyphid Ossium are its head (when exposed during certain attacks or if armor is broken) and a glowing vent located on its rear. Standard bullets will often glance off its thick frontal armor. The key to taking down a Glyphid Ossium efficiently is to either:

1. Flank and Focus: Position yourself to attack the rear vent. Scout’s grappling hook is excellent for this, allowing rapid repositioning behind the creature. Driller’s drills can also create quick flanking routes.
2. Armor Break: Weapons with significant Armor Break capabilities can chip away at its plating, eventually exposing the head weakpoint or making other body parts more vulnerable. Once armor is removed, precision weapons can quickly finish it off.
3. Stun/Slow: Disabling the Ossium’s movement can allow the team to focus fire on its weakpoints without constant repositioning. Cryo Cannon, Pheromone Canisters, or various Overclocks can achieve this.

Recommended Engagements

• Gunner: Autocannon with Neurotoxin Coating or Lead Storm ‘Bullet Hell’ for sustained Armor Break and damage. The Shield Generator is invaluable for revives or creating safe zones against charges.
• Engineer: Breach Cutter, PGL with Hyper Propellant, or the Shard Diffractor can deal heavy damage to the weakpoint or strip armor. Turrets provide consistent additional damage.
• Driller: Drills for quick flanking maneuvers. EPC with Thin Containment Field can hit the rear vent from a distance, or the Subata for precision shots. Cryo Cannon can freeze it solid, setting up a massive damage burst from the team.
• Scout: M1000 Classic or Drak-25 ‘Thermal Exhaust Feedback’ for high Weakpoint Damage. Use the Grappling Hook to rapidly get behind the Ossium and target its rear vent. Flare Gun helps spot it in dark areas.

Common Mistakes

• Shooting Frontal Armor: Wasting ammunition on the Ossium’s heavily armored front will only prolong the fight and put the team at risk. Always aim for exposed weakpoints or use Armor Break weapons.
• Ignoring the Charge: Getting caught by an Ossium charge can down a Dwarf or knock them into environmental hazards. Always be aware of its positioning and be ready to dodge or use terrain to break line of sight.
• Tunnel Vision: Focusing too much on the Ossium while neglecting smaller Glyphids can lead to being swarmed and overwhelmed.

When to Prioritize Ossium

Always prioritize an Ossium when it’s actively charging a Dwarf or if it’s the only major threat. If multiple elites are present, consider stunning or slowing the Ossium while dealing with more immediate threats, then return to breaking its armor and exploiting its weaknesses. Its ability to quickly close distances and deal heavy damage makes it a prime target for swift elimination.