Mirelurk (Fallout 76)

Mirelurks are creatures found in Appalachia in 2102.

Biology
The crab-like mirelurk is considered both fearsome and formidable by wastelanders. Mirelurks are generally social with others of their kind, although they tend to be aggressive to other creatures and one another if one gets too close to another.

Most adult mirelurks appear to have a hardened carapace on their backs, which is suggested to be their primary defense mechanism. While their eyesight appears to be poor, mirelurks have an extraordinary sense of smell. After using their crab/spider-like legs and large claws to reach and catch prey, they use a smaller set of abdomen claws to strip their prey down to the bone within minutes. Most mirelurks grow remarkably fast, and the shelled-variant has been observed to reach maturity within weeks.

Gameplay attributes
The base variant of the mirelurk attacks exclusively with melee. They will get close, usually in a group of three or more and attempt to hit the player character with their large claws. They will duck into their hard shell as a way to block incoming melee damage. They do this often and it can become an issue if the player character is being attacked from multiple sides, as when they turn to attack a different foe, the crouched mirelurk will leap up and attack almost instantly. They are vulnerable to explosives and headshots.

Mirelurk spawn and hatchlings are weak. They can be killed easily, especially with explosives. They are used mainly as a distraction.

Hunters are the next variant, with high mobility and melee damage. The lack of a hardened carapace means that they have slightly less concentrated armor protection, however, they have superb overall protection, meaning they are not nearly as vulnerable to headshots. They can also utilize a poisonous spit attack, similar to that of the mirelurk queen, but on a much smaller scale. This ranged ability means they will often hang back from the main pack and force the player character to have to approach them.

Mirelurk kings are highly agile and well armored foes that are almost always encountered nearby a mirelurk queen. Though usually alone, it is not uncommon to find more than one king at a mirelurk den. They will run up and swipe, as well as perform a powerful sonic blast attack from range, with a very high chance to stun. They also have a high HP pool and damage output.

The mirelurk queen is huge, being the largest enemy one can encounter in game besides the Scorchbeast queen and behemoth. She will attack with powerful melee strikes, and a very effective poison spit attack, which can blanket an entire area in a matter of seconds. They can also release mirelurk spawn like grenades, using them as a distraction while she kills the opponent. Being one of the few boss enemies, she is very difficult to kill. Her high armor and HP can make her a tough enemy for most player characters, however she is vulnerable to headshots.

Glowing mirelurk
A variant of the mirelurk gradually exposed to intense levels of radiation. The shell of the glowing mirelurk is a noticeable green hue with the underbelly giving off a bright luminescent glow.

Mirelurk hunter
This type of mirelurk has mutated from the local lobster population. They are significantly more resilient than regular mirelurks and gain the ability to spit acid at its enemies, as well as more powerful attacks. While the common mirelurk is vulnerable to headshots, the head of the mirelurk hunter is much stronger.

Mirelurk queen
An enormous subtype of the mirelurk, found commonly in areas with deep still water.

Glowing mirelurk queen
A mirelurk queen that has consumed enough radiation to cause phosphorescence.

Mirelurk king
Mirelurk kings do not resemble the crablike mirelurks, instead appearing to be heavily mutated frogs based on sounds they make and the webbing between their fingers and toes. They are very fast and can easily kill a low level player character in seconds.

Scorched mirelurk crab
A standard mirelurk crab that has been infected with The Scorched Plague.

Scorched mirelurk hunter
A mirelurk hunter that has been infected with The Scorched Plague.

Scorched mirelurk king
A mirelurk king that has been infected with The Scorched Plague.

Scorched mirelurk queen
A mirelurk queen that has been infected with The Scorched Plague. Encountered commonly during the Scorched Earth event as a mini-boss, they are the strongest reinforcements that the scorchbeast queen will call.

Scorched mirelurk spawn
A mirelurk spawn that has been infected with The Scorched Plague.

Strangler mirelurk
A dark mirelurk covered in thick vines, called as reinforcements for the strangler heart.

Strangler mirelurk queen
A variant of the mirelurk queen, called as a reinforcement for the strangler heart.

Hardshell mirelurk
The second most powerful mirelurk crab variant. They are encountered during Vault Mission: Dead in the Water. They are identical in appearance to strangler mirelurks.

Mirelurk vorpalclaw
The most powerful mirelurk crab variant. They are encountered during Vault Mission: Dead in the Water. They are identical in appearance to strangler mirelurks.

Relentless mirelurk hunter
The second most powerful mirelurk hunter variant. They are encountered during Vault Mission: Dead in the Water.

Bloodthirsty mirelurk hunter
The most powerful mirelurk hunter variant. They are encountered during Vault Mission: Dead in the Water.

Savage mirelurk king
The second most powerful mirelurk king variant. They are encountered during Vault Mission: Dead in the Water. They are identical in appearance to mirelurk deep kings.

Mirelurk high king
The most powerful mirelurk king variant. They are encountered during Vault Mission: Dead in the Water. They are identical in appearance to mirelurk deep kings.

Locations

 * Five softshell mirelurks can be found at New River Gorge Resort.
 * About six softshell mirelurk on the stream west of Summersville.
 * Mirelurk hunters can be found at Hemlock Holes maintenance during a Defend Workshop event.
 * Mirelurk hunters can be found in Lake Reynolds.
 * Mirelurk spawns and kings can be found at Wendigo cave.
 * A mirelurk queen can be found at The Freak Show.
 * A mirelurk queen can be found in the water at Quarry X3.
 * A mirelurk queen can be found at Spruce Knob Lake, in the water.
 * A mirelurk queen can be found in the water at Sunrise Field.
 * A mirelurk queen can be found in the water at Mac's farm.
 * A prime mirelurk queen will appear as the final boss of the Primal Cuts event in The Mire.
 * Many mirelurks, including queens can be encountered during Vault Mission: Dead in the Water.

Notable mirelurks

 * Dave, companion to Enola Walker during her quest to kill the scorchbeast queen.

Appearances
Mirelurks appear in Fallout 76.