Tick (Doom 3)

''This article is about the Doom 3 enemy. For the timing unit in in the Doom engine, see tic.''

The Tick is an enemy unique to Doom 3. They are small spider-like demons similar to the Trite in terms of appearance and behavior.

Unlike the Trite, however, Ticks are overall smaller in size. They have a body that looks vaguely similar to a distinct human face. Ticks also emit high-pitched chirps and burn away upon death like many other demons.

They appear only once in the Delta Complex in giant swarms. In Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil, Ticks are encountered several times throughout the game, their last appearance occurring in Hell.

Combat characteristics
Ticks display identical behavior to that of Trites. They come in giant swarms and attack by leaping at the player from a distance, or by biting at close range, although the Tick can jump slightly farther and bite in quicker successions than the Trite.

Tactical analysis
As Ticks behave almost identically to their counterparts, players can utilize the same basic strategy as how they should defeat a swarm of Trites.

The Machine Gun is the most efficient weapon to suppress a large swarm of Ticks. However, as Ticks come in giant swarms in their only appearance, players have to take the safe time and place to reload their weapon before multiple Ticks can approach to attack. The best time to reload is when a new Tick emits a chirp to replace a previously fallen one. As Ticks walk slowly like Trites, this can provide enough time for the player to reload their weapon and engage combat.

Trivia

 * A tick is type of parasitic arachnid that feeds on the blood of vertebrate animals.
 * The Doom 3 Game Guide states that the Tick inflicts a whopping 50 points of damage, whereas in game, it is only 5-10.
 * Ticks are the final normal enemy to be encountered in Doom 3.