Stalker

The Stalker is an aggressive Fauna species mostly found populating the Kelp Forest, and occasionally the Crash Zone. It is a relative of the land-based Snow Stalker native to Sector Zero.

Occasionally, Stalkers can be found swimming into the Safe Shallows while chasing the player or other small fauna.

Appearance

The Stalker is a rather large creature, possessing an elongated, smooth body with smooth skin. Its head features a long snout, which greatly resembles that of earth gharials.

Seven dorsal plates protrude from its back, running along the body from the neck to the tail. It has two pectoral and pelvic purple-tipped fins on each side of the body. The body ends with a broad, whale-like tail fin. It resembles primitive cetaceans as well as some extinct marine reptiles.

The Stalker's dorsal side is blue-green in color, and is patterned in dark blue and purple, with a bright green and aqua underside.

Behavior

Stalkers are aggressive towards the player as well as small, medium and shark classified fauna. They will quickly swim towards the player or their prey to bite them for moderate damage. Stalkers will also swim after whale classified fauna but will not attack them. Stalkers swim slower at night while docile. This does not impact their aggression range or chase speed. The creature will flee for a few seconds upon being struck once with the knife.

Stalkers are attracted to shiny objects such as Metal Salvage, Raw Ores and Camera Drones. They will swim towards these objects and pick them up. Afterwards they will carry the object to their “nest” and drop it. Stalkers can grab shiny objects from other Stalker’s nests.

Stalkers will avoid swimming near Lifepod 5.

Stalkers will target the Seamoth or Prawn Suit when the player is piloting them. Due to their size, they are unable to damage either vehicle.

Like most carnivores, holding any fauna will cause the Stalkers to eat the fish upon attacking the player, preventing damage from being taken. This temporarily pacifies the creature for a minute. Stalkers are also pacified when grabbing shiny objects from the player’s hand. Attacking a pacified Stalker will instantly make them aggressive again.

Stalkers hatched in the Alien Containment are passive towards the player.

Story Spoiler

The Stalkers inside Primary Containment Facility's Aquarium are not hostile to the player or fauna. These Stalkers will sometimes swim toward the player curiously.

Pickupable Items

Stalkers are known to collect the following items:

• Camera Drone
• Copper Ore
• Gold
• Kyanite
• Metal Salvage
• Nickel Ore
• Oxygen Tanks
• Reactor Rod
• Silver Ore
• Survival Knife
• Waterproof Locker
• Uranium (Cut Content)

Energy Value

• Stalker: 560 Energy in Bioreactor
• Stalker Egg: 105 Energy in Bioreactor

Data Bank Entry

A streamlined predator encountered in the kelp forests in wait of prey leaving the safety of the shallows to feed. The stalker likely carved out its evolutionary niche at the sweet spot between speed and size millions of years ago, and may be one of the oldest species on the planet.

The stalker appears to be attracted to titanium deposits, which tends to sharpen and put stress on its teeth.

As with many predators, it may be possible to temporarily distract hungry stalkers by feeding them.

1. Teeth: The stalker's teeth are unusually hard, and fast-growing. Its elongated snout can deliver huge biting pressure to larger attackers, while also being used to reach small herbivores seeking refuge amongst the rocks.
2. Night-vision: Retinal layering on the eyeball suggests adaptation for night-time hunting.
3. Dorsal Ridges: These ridges can be moved independently to deliver superior maneuverability.
4. Pelvic Fins: Long and powerful, the stalker has evolved to hunt the fastest of prey.

Assessment: Stalker teeth may have applications in enameled glass fabrication

Gallery

Front view

Side profile

Dorsal view

A Stalker Egg

Size comparison to the player

A Stalker at night, displaying no bioluminescence

A Stalker in the Kelp Forest

A Stalker holding some Metal Salvage in the Crash Zone

A Stalker stealing a Camera Drone at night

Kharaa Bacterium concept art, featuring Stalkers

Model from Sketchfab

The Stalker's old model - the Lava Lizard

Trivia

• As of 14.12.2014, the model of the Stalker was changed. Until then, the model of the Lava Lizard was used.
• The Stalker was also listed as Snout Shark in development documents.
• Stalkers and Lava Lizards are the only creatures in-game that do not have some degree of bioluminescence.
• Although the Stalker cannot damage the Cyclops, it will attack it which normally results in the Stalker losing a tooth.