Can You Chainsaw a Marauder? The Definitive Guide

Yes, you can chainsaw a Marauder, but it’s significantly more complicated and situational than it sounds. Simply running at one with a chainsaw rarely ends well. The key lies in exploiting specific vulnerabilities and using the chainsaw strategically during brief openings. Think less “chainsaw massacre” and more “calculated mechanical assault.”

Understanding the Marauder

Before discussing chainsaw tactics, it’s crucial to understand what makes the Marauder such a formidable opponent. He’s not just another demon to shred through. The Marauder is a fast, aggressive enemy wielding a Super Shotgun for long-range attacks and a powerful axe for close combat. Crucially, he also possesses a spectral shield that blocks most incoming attacks.

His weakness is his green eye flash. During this brief window, he’s vulnerable to attack. He also becomes briefly vulnerable after using his aggressive wolf attack. Understanding these timings is paramount to any strategy, including chainsawing. Without exploiting this weakness, your chainsaw will likely be deflected by his shield, leaving you open to a devastating counterattack.

The Chainsaw’s Role Against the Marauder

The chainsaw isn’t a primary weapon against the Marauder, but it has niche uses. Here are scenarios where it can be effective:

• Staggered State: If you manage to stagger the Marauder, either through a Super Shotgun blast or a well-timed Ballista shot during his green flash, you can quickly switch to the chainsaw and inflict significant damage. The stagger provides a crucial window of opportunity to bypass his shield.
• Ammo Conservation: In resource-scarce situations, especially on higher difficulties, the chainsaw can be used to conserve ammunition. If you’re confident in your timing and can consistently stagger him, the chainsaw offers a fuel-efficient alternative to using more powerful weapons.
• Desperation Move: If cornered and out of options, the chainsaw can be a last-ditch effort. However, this is highly risky and only recommended if you have absolutely no other choice.

Techniques and Tactics

Successfully chainsawing a Marauder involves more than just holding down the trigger. Here’s a breakdown of the techniques involved:

• Timing is Everything: Patience is essential. Don’t rush in blindly. Wait for the green eye flash or for him to finish his aggressive wolf attack. Only attack when he’s vulnerable.
• Stagger First: Prioritize staggering him before engaging with the chainsaw. Use the Super Shotgun or Ballista for the initial stagger, then quickly switch to the chainsaw.
• Movement is Key: The Marauder is incredibly agile. Use dashes and jumps to maintain distance and avoid his attacks. Don’t get caught in close combat without a plan.
• Fuel Management: The chainsaw consumes fuel rapidly. Ensure you have enough fuel to inflict significant damage. Consider using the flame belch to gain armour points so you can withstand any incoming damage.
• Upgrade to Quick Switching: A quick weapon switch is required to effectively stagger him then quickly saw him. In the newer Doom games, upgrades have been added to make weapon switching as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Risks and Considerations

Chainsawing a Marauder is inherently risky. Here are the potential dangers:

• Shield Deflection: His spectral shield will deflect the chainsaw if you attack him while it’s active, leaving you vulnerable to a counterattack.
• Rapid Attacks: The Marauder is incredibly fast. He can close the distance quickly and punish you for reckless chainsaw attacks.
• Stagger Recovery: He recovers from staggers quickly. If you’re too slow, he’ll regain his composure and raise his shield before you can inflict significant damage.
• Environmental Hazards: Pay attention to your surroundings. Don’t get cornered by environmental hazards while trying to chainsaw the Marauder.

Alternative Strategies

While chainsawing a Marauder is possible, it’s not always the most effective strategy. Consider these alternatives:

• Super Shotgun and Ballista Combo: The classic combo remains highly effective. Use the Super Shotgun to stagger him, followed by a Ballista shot during the stagger window for massive damage.
• Lock-On Burst Rocket Launcher: The Lock-On Burst Rocket Launcher can be used to target him when he is staggered to deal high damage.
• Precision Bolt with Headshots: A well-aimed Precision Bolt to the head can stagger the Marauder or inflict significant damage.
• Plasma Rifle Stun: The Plasma Rifle can stun the Marauder, creating a temporary opening for attack.

FAQs

1. Can you use the BFG on a Marauder?

Yes, the BFG 9000 is highly effective against the Marauder. One well-placed shot can instantly kill him, regardless of his shield. However, BFG ammo is scarce, so use it wisely.

2. Does the Crucible blade one-shot the Marauder?

Yes, the Crucible will instantly kill the Marauder, bypassing his shield. However, Crucible charges are limited, so it’s best reserved for the toughest encounters.

3. Is the Ballista good against the Marauder?

Yes, the Ballista is excellent against the Marauder, especially when used in conjunction with the Super Shotgun. A well-timed Ballista shot during his stagger window can inflict massive damage.

4. How do you stagger a Marauder?

The most reliable way to stagger a Marauder is to hit him with the Super Shotgun or Ballista during the brief green eye flash when he’s vulnerable. Certain weapon mods, like the Sticky Bomb on the Shotgun, can also stagger him.

5. What’s the best weapon to use against the Marauder?

The Super Shotgun and Ballista combo is generally considered the most effective and reliable strategy. The BFG and Crucible are also powerful options, but their limited ammo makes them less practical for every encounter.

6. How do you avoid the Marauder’s axe attack?

Dashing and jumping are the best ways to avoid the Marauder’s axe attack. Pay attention to his movements and anticipate his swings. Don’t get caught in close combat without a clear escape route.

7. Is the Plasma Rifle effective against the Marauder?

The Plasma Rifle can be effective for staggering the Marauder, particularly with the stun mod. However, it’s not the best weapon for dealing direct damage. Use it to create openings for more powerful attacks.

8. Does the Ice Bomb work on the Marauder?

The Ice Bomb can freeze the Marauder, providing a temporary window of opportunity to attack. However, he thaws out quickly, so you need to act fast.

9. Can you Glory Kill the Marauder?

No, you cannot Glory Kill the Marauder. He’s too powerful and disciplined to be taken down with a Glory Kill.

10. How do you deal with the Marauder’s wolf?

The Marauder’s spectral wolf is fast and can be distracting. Prioritize dealing with the wolf first before focusing on the Marauder. A quick shot from the Combat Shotgun or Heavy Cannon will usually take it down.

11. What difficulty level do Marauders first appear on?

Marauders typically begin appearing on Hurt Me Plenty difficulty and above in most Doom games. They are intended to challenge the player at higher skill levels.

12. How do you deal with the Marauder in a confined space?

Fighting the Marauder in a confined space is extremely challenging. Focus on mobility and using the environment to your advantage. Use corners to break line of sight and create opportunities to attack. High mobility and dash upgrades are key.

13. Are there any cheat codes that make fighting the Marauder easier?

Yes, there are cheat codes that can make fighting the Marauder easier, such as infinite ammo or invincibility. However, using cheat codes will disable achievements.

14. How many Marauders can appear at once?

Typically, you’ll encounter one or two Marauders at a time. However, in certain arenas or encounters, you might face multiple Marauders simultaneously, requiring even greater skill and strategy.

15. What is the most important thing to remember when fighting a Marauder?

Patience and timing are the most important things to remember when fighting a Marauder. Don’t rush in blindly. Wait for the green eye flash or other openings, and punish him when he’s vulnerable. Learn the visual and audio cues of the openings to efficiently defeat him.

In conclusion, while you can chainsaw a Marauder, it’s a risky and situational tactic best reserved for specific scenarios or when you have a firm grasp of his attack patterns. Mastering the timing of staggers and prioritizing efficient weapon combos are far more reliable strategies for defeating this formidable demon. Good luck, Slayer!