Bloats

Lore & Background

Biology studies suggest Bloats were genetically modified or bred specifically to store high concentrations of volatile compounds within their bodies. This internal pressure acts as a natural defense mechanism, triggering a massive explosion when the creature's life signs cease. They are not merely fat; they are pressurized vessels waiting for a trigger. Throughout the war, Bloats were deployed in tight corridors and fortress entrances to maximize blast efficiency against human infantry. As the Lambent infection spread through the Locust ranks in later stages of the conflict, some Bloats became infected. These Lambent variants glowed with green corruption and were even more unstable, often detonating without direct provocation. Their existence highlights the brutality of the Locust Horde, willing to sacrifice their own kin as weapons against humanity. They represent a grim fusion of biological engineering and chemical warfare that defined the early years of the Pendulum Wars' aftermath.

In Their Own Story

The tunnel was silent except for the dripping water echoing off damp rock walls. Marcus signaled Dom to halt; something heavy dragged through the mud ahead. From the shadows emerged a Bloat, its grotesque form illuminated by the glow of their Lancers. It let out a wet gurgle, steam hissing from its armored plating. Dom raised his rifle, but Marcus shouted a warning. The creature's abdomen pulsed with a sickly red light, expanding rapidly as it sensed the threat. They scrambled back just as the Bloat collapsed, triggering the blast. A shockwave of fire and debris slammed into the corridor entrance, sealing their path behind them in a wall of scorched stone.

Reader's Guide

Bloats originated from the Locust Horde’s brutal breeding programs, designed as living siege weapons rather than frontline infantry. Their primary role in the conflict was area denial; they forced human soldiers to keep their distance or risk being engulfed by toxic fire upon detonation. While rarely seen carrying firearms, their sheer mass and volatile physiology served as their signature weapon. They operated under commanders like General RAAM or King Rager, often guarding key fortifications within the Hollows. Across the trilogy, these creatures evolved alongside the Lambent infection. Initially standard Locust brutes in the first war, later encounters revealed Lambent Bloats, which were more unstable and glowed with bioluminescent corruption. Their presence signaled a desperate measure by the Horde, sacrificing individual units for maximum collateral damage against human strongholds. This evolution highlighted the deteriorating state of the Locust as they merged with the parasitic infection threatening both sides. Ultimately, their defeat required coordinated explosive fire to neutralize them before they could detonate, making them one of the most feared obstacles in the conflict.

Did You Know?

• Their explosion radius is large enough to kill entire squads instantly if caught close.
• They emit a distinct gurgling sound and steam venting before they explode.
• Lambent Bloats glow with green bioluminescence instead of standard armor plating.