Explosive Claymore

Lore & Background

Dwarven engineering prioritizes versatility and reliability in the dark depths of Hoxxes IV. The development of directional explosive tech was a response to the unpredictable nature of alien swarms, which often funnel through tight geological fissures. Standard explosives scatter damage too widely, wasting valuable resources on empty rock. The Claymore design solves this by focusing energy forward, maximizing lethality against clustered targets while minimizing collateral damage to teammates behind the line. Integration into the Gunner's loadout was not immediate. Early prototypes suffered from false triggers caused by seismic activity common in volcanic zones. Modern iterations utilize motion-dampening sensors that distinguish between falling debris and biological movement. This refinement allowed the device to become a staple of defensive doctrine, trusted to hold the line when ammunition runs low or when a team member is pinned down. In dwarf culture, placing these devices is considered an art form. Veterans teach recruits to anticipate enemy paths rather than simply reacting to them. A well-placed Claymore can turn a desperate retreat into a controlled withdrawal, buying precious seconds for the Scout to grapple away or the Engineer to deploy cover.

In Their Own Story

The air hummed with the low drone of Mactera wings echoing through the cavern. Gunner Vance crouched behind a jagged rock formation, his hands moving with practiced speed over the small orange device in his palm. He didn't look up; he knew the tunnel ahead was a bottleneck. With a soft click, he pressed the mine into the crevice of the stone floor. "Covering the choke," Vance muttered to himself, checking the sensor light pulse once before standing. The Scout signaled from above, grapple line glowing green. Below, the ground began to shake as the swarm arrived. Vance didn't flinch. He trusted his placement. When the first Grunt scrambled into range, the orange light flared white, and a concussive boom roared through the tunnel, clearing the path just in time for the team to push forward.

Reader's Guide

The Explosive Claymore functions as a tactical defensive tool rather than a primary weapon. It is not carried in an inventory slot but is enabled through the Gunner's perk system, specifically the Bouncing Betty tier. Once activated via the perk tree, the device becomes available for placement during missions. To use it effectively, players must select the deployment option and aim at a desired location on the ground or wall. The mine adheres to surfaces and enters a dormant state until an enemy enters its forward detection cone. Upon detonation, it releases a high-velocity blast that deals significant damage to units directly in front of the device while sparing those behind it. Only Gunners can wield this technology effectively due to their class specialization in heavy ordnance management. Proper usage requires foresight; placing mines too close to teammates risks accidental injury if they trigger the sensor. Ideally, these should be set at chokepoints, near extraction zones, or around the Engineer's turret to create overlapping kill zones.

Did You Know?

• The blast radius is directional, meaning enemies behind the mine take no damage from its explosion.
• These devices are part of the Gunner's perk tree and do not consume standard grenade capacity.
• Placing a mine on the ground creates a small visual marker visible to all squad members.