The Arch-Vile is a returning monster that appears in the Doom Eternal, having made its debut in Doom II. Serving as a replacement for Doom (2016)'s Summoner, it is capable of spawning in a group of demons to harass the player and damaging them with various fire-based attacks.
In-Game Description
Forged from Hellfire, the Archvile is feared among lesser demons for its innate ability to channel and manipulate the unholy powers of Hell magic. Descended from the eldest race of demons, the Archvile has long held a place within the ruling caste of high-born demon lords. Possessing superior intellect among the demon ranks, the Archvile's psychomancy powers make it a natural-born ruler of the savage and primitive beasts of Hell, capable of bending weak-minded underlings to serve its will.
Appearance
The Arch-Vile has a similar appearance to its original sprite in Doom 2, but several small tweaks have been made to its design. It is still extremely tall, towering above the player, as well as most other demons. However, it has also been noticeably beefed up, looking far less emaciated than its previous designs. Numerous spines can also be seen all around its body, and tough pieces of bone cover its frame, particularly on its shoulders and chest area.
Combat Analysis
The Arch-Vile is a master of fire, with almost all of its attacks involving an attempt to burn the Slayer in some way. From medium distances, the Arch-Vile will launch waves of fire at the Slayer, not dissimilar to the Whiplashes shockwaves. If the Slayer is in the Arch-Vile's line of sight at longer distances, and the Arch-Vile isn't in the middle of summoning a group of enemies, it may spawn a large puddle of flames underneath them. This lake of fire deals significant damage and should be dashed out of as fast as possible. Should the Slayer get too close, the Arch-Vile will surround itself with fire and attempt to teleport away to a safer location.
The Arch-Vile's greatest asset is its ability to summon a group of demons to attack the Slayer. While doing so, the Arch-Vile will erect a wall of flame in front of it, preventing both projectiles and the Slayer himself from reaching it. Should the Arch-Vile succeed in summoning in its demonic horde, they will have the same perks as if they were under the effect of a Buff Totem, with increased movement speed and damage output. This effect will only apply to demons the Arch-Vile has summoned, however, and will end if Arch-Vile is slain. An Arch-Vile can theoretically summon an infinite amount of demons, though it will only spawn a few each time. It should be noted that the Arch-Vile is incapable of summoning other Arch-Vile, though it can summon other Super Heavy demons such as Barons of Hell, Tyrants, and even Marauders on higher difficulties.
As a Super Heavy Unit, the Arch-Vile is immune to the Chainsaw and resistant to the BFG projectile's tendrils.
Due to its high health pool, damage output, and capability to overwhelm the player with buffed up demons, killing the Arch-Vile should be your number one priority at all times. The Arch-Vile will typically spawn in an obscure location on the battlefield, and teleports frequently, making keeping track of it challenging. Should the player find it, getting up close to bypass its defenses and forcing it to use its weaker attacks is highly recommended. The Super Shotguns Meathook is capable of quickly closing the distance and dealing hefty amounts of damage. The Lock-On modification for the Rocket Launcher is also recommended, capable of tracking the Arch-Vile, even after a teleport, and taking out a large chunk of its health.
The Arch-Vile cannot attack while it is summoning a group of demons, making approaching it slightly easier. Its summoning can also be interrupted by faltering it. If this occurs, any demons the Arch-Vile was in the middle of summoning will instantly die. The flame wall the Arch-Vile uses to protect itself while it is summoning demons can be destroyed with a Blood Punch, allowing the player to more easily falter/kill it.
Battlemode
The Arch-Vile also serves as one of the several playable demons in Doom Eternal's Battlemode. With a base health of 2250, it specializes in area denial and support, capable of erecting walls of fire to block the Slayer and using teleportation to make up for its lackluster movement speed.
Abilities
Arch-Vile Specific End of Round Upgrades
Trivia
- During Glory Kills, the Arch-Vile noticeably shows fear, the only Demon to do so unsubtly.
- Also, the Marauder and the Arch-Vile are the only Demons that are able to catch the Slayer's fist, before being slain anyways.
Gallery
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