Floater

For the XCOM: Enemy Unknown (2012) version, see Floater (EU2012)

Floater

The Floaters are primarily soldiers and terror agents. They are naturally predatory beasts, genetically engineered and cybernetically enhanced to make formidable warriors. The lower half of the body and most internal organs are surgically removed, and a life support system is installed. This implant contains an anti-gravity unit which enables the creature to float, albeit unsteadily, through the air.

Source: UFO Defense/Enemy Unknown Ufopaedia

Appearing as pink humanoids with their lower half replaced by a mechanical system, the 'Floaters' are weak alien creatures that, as their name suggests, are capable of flying throughout the air.

Unlike Sectoids, who can be very dangerous when accompanied by Cyberdiscs in terror missions and / or have Sectoid Leaders or Commanders in certain alien ships or missions, Floaters are not excessively dangerous. Their main tactical advantage in combat is their ability to fly, which allows them to be placed in positions of snipers along rooftops or allows them to ambush soldiers by hiding on the ceiling, although they very rarely seem to do this.

The Floaters are found frequently during the early months of the invasion, conducting alien exploration missions or acting as terrorists within Terror Missions, accompanied in the latter case by Reapers.

Floaters are one of the most common alien race X-Com encounters throughout the game.

Statistics

FloaterAutopsy

The creature has been drastically altered by surgery. The device which seems to form the core of the body is a life support system, taking over the function of heart, lungs and digestive system. This would enable the creature to survive in extremely hostile environments. The brain is smaller than ours, but the sensory organs are well developed.

Source: UFO Defense/Enemy Unknown Ufopaedia

TUs:               50-69
Health:            35-45
Energy:            90-116
Reactions:         50-81
Strength:          40-51
Bravery:           80
Firing Accuracy:   25-78
Throwing Accuracy: 58-65
Psi Skill:         N/A
Psi Strength:      35-52

Notes

The following are some miscellaneous notes on the Floater:

• The Floater takes 1.2x damage from melee attacks, and 1.6x damage from a Celatid's acid spit.
• Average Energy.
• Is slow (low TUs).
• Low Health.
• Low Reactions.
• Low Strength.
• Low Psi Strength.
• Very low Firing and Throwing Accuracy.
• Rank matters when fighting Floaters. Floater Leaders and Commanders have much better stats than the other ranks, especially concerning Firing, Reactions and Armor. This can lead to some unpleasant surprises when those ranks are present but it is also a way to figure out the higher ranks if you don't have a Mind Probe.