Popper (Apocalypse)

The Popper runs at high speed towards its victim and explodes when within a range of about fifteen feet. If the Popper is attacked with armor piercing, incendiary or explosive ammunition then the explosive effect is likely to be triggered. We recommend that other forms of weaponry be used against this creature in most combat situations.  From: Apocalypse Ufopaedia

Popper

Grown-In Weapon = Explosive Health = 35 Speed / Time Units = 110 Accuracy = 100 Reactions = 8 Stamina = 55 Strength = 10 Bravery = 100 Armour¹: 7/7/7/7/7/7 Psi Energy = 0 Psi Attack = 0 Psi Defense = 100 Size = small Inventory = no Movement = ground Infiltration Influence = weak Score = 8

¹ armour values : Head/Body/Left Arm/Right Arm/Legs/Under (approximately)

The Popper is little more than a walking bomb. Its simple brain structure means that Psionic attacks have a very low chance of success. Its body contains no obvious explosive device, although there are several chemicals mixed into the creatures stomach creating a highly unstable explosive compound.  From: Apocalypse Ufopaedia

A very quick, small, blue 'chicken' which leaves a trail of smoke.

UFOs & Chambers
Poppers are onboard these UFOs, and in quantity, when ready to be dropped into a home-cell for infestation or base attack:
Transporter x1
Fast Attack Ship x3
Assault Ship x2
Escort x4
Battleship x2
Mothership x5
Poppers are found aboard these UFOs, and in quantity, when a UFO has crashed:
Transporter x1
Fast Attack Ship x1
Assault Ship x4
Bomber x2
Escort x2
Battleship x5
Mothership x5
Poppers are present in these alien chambers, and in quantity, within the Alien Dimension:
AlienFarm x6
Maintenance Factory x6

Infiltration
A Popper is one of the four alien lifeforms which hatches from a Chrysalis. This is its final-form. It is unable to use any equipment.
An alien infestation spreading across the city may contain Poppers. They are used as a first-strike weapon if present in any alien squad.

Combat

Unit

A Popper is typically immune to psionics.

A Popper is a severe threat since it relies on its fast movement to get close to any target, and explode. It has no other method of combat. The large explosion is fatal for the Popper, leaving no trace of itself once detonated.
If a UFO crash recovery has begun, it is common for Poppers to rush out the door of crashed UFO and run at the nearest agent without any regard.
Poppers are used most effectively in combination with other aliens in a rush towards any hostiles. X-Com agents will fire on aliens and may prioritize more potent threats, giving the opportunity for single Popper, or more, to get in close. Poppers do not bite. Self-destructed Poppers do not count towards mission Tactical Combat Score but only those which were killed/caused-to-detonate by X-Com.

Resistance
Popper are mildly resistant to stun gas and Toxin-A whereas Toxin-B has a more potent effect.

Popper research is another step further for understanding all alien lifeforms.

Next: Skeletoid
Previous: Spitter
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See Also

• Anti-Alien Combat Tactics
• Unit Attributes
• Research
• Grown-In Weapons