The Super Shotgun's Meathook is capable of quickly closing the distance and dealing hefty amounts of damage. Should the player find it, getting up close to bypass its defenses and forcing it to use its weaker attacks is highly recommended. The Arch-vile will typically spawn in an obscure location on the battlefield, and teleports frequently, making keeping track of it challenging. It should be noted that the Arch-vile is incapable of summoning other Arch-vile, though it can summon other Super Heavy demons such as Barons of Hell, Tyrants, and even Marauders on higher difficulties.Īs a Super Heavy Unit, the Arch-vile is immune to the Chainsaw and resistant to the BFG projectile's tendrils.ĭue to its high health pool, damage output, and capability to overwhelm the player with buffed up demons, killing the Arch-vile should be your number one priority at all times.
An Arch-vile can theoretically summon an infinite amount of demons, though it will only spawn a few each time. This effect will only apply to demons the Arch-vile has summoned, however, and will end if Arch-vile is slain. Should the Arch-vile succeed in summoning in its demonic horde, they will have the same perks as if they were under the effect of a Buff Totem, with increased movement speed and damage output. While doing so, the Arch-vile will erect a wall of flame in front of it, preventing both projectiles and the Slayer himself from reaching it. The Arch-vile's greatest asset is its ability to summon a group of demons to attack the Slayer. Should the Slayer get too close, the Arch-vile will surround itself with fire and attempt to teleport away to a safer location. This lake of fire deals significant damage and should be dashed out of as fast as possible. If the Slayer is in the Arch-vile's line of sight at longer distances, and the Arch-vile isn't in the middle of summoning a group of enemies, it may spawn a large puddle of flames underneath them. From medium distances, the Arch-vile will launch waves of fire at the Slayer, not dissimilar to the Whiplashes shockwaves. The Arch-vile is a master of fire, with almost all of its attacks involving an attempt to burn the Slayer in some way. Numerous spines can also be seen all around its body, and tough pieces of bone cover its frame, particularly on its shoulders and chest area.
However, it has also been noticeably beefed up, looking far less emaciated than its previous designs. It is still extremely tall, towering above the player, as well as most other demons.
The Arch-vile has a similar appearance to its original sprite in Doom 2, but several small tweaks have been made to its design. Possessing superior intellect among the demon ranks, the Archvile's psychomancy powers make it a natural-born ruler of the savage and primitive beasts of Hell, capable of bending weak-minded underlings to serve its will.
Descended from the eldest race of demons, the Arch-vile has long held a place within the ruling caste of high-born demon lords. 4.2 Arch-vile Specific End of Round Upgradesįorged from Hellfire, the Archvile is feared among lesser demons for its innate ability to channel and manipulate the unholy powers of Hell magic.