In Aliens: Fireteam Elite, players choose from several different classes to complete their mission. Each of these classes performs a different role on the battlefield and has several strengths and weaknesses. However, knowing how to use your class to the best of their ability is the key to surviving the Xenomorphs and any other threats that might be waiting.
The Demolisher is one of the major damage dealers in any party. Their weapon selection and abilities are all damage-focused and help the Demolisher control the pace of the fights. They can deal with hordes and help to suppress tougher foes when necessary. However, they can't solo most situations and require backup for them to truly succeed.
Weapons
The Demolisher class starts with a Pulse Rifle and the M56 Smart Gun. The Pulse Rifle is a standard assault weapon with a high ammo capacity and relatively good damage. Its main focus is to deal with smaller groups of enemies and chip away at opponents in cover. Meanwhile, the Smart Gun is the heavy hitter. With a clip size of 200 and auto-targeting, it makes taking down hordes surprisingly easy and can even cause damage to even the heaviest foes. However, it will run out of ammo fast, so use it sparingly unless there is an ammo kit nearby. Because of the placement of the weapon on the character model, it also has problems when shooting behind low walls unless the character is in cover.
The Demolisher can swap out their Pulse Rifle for other rifles, some of which are better at dealing with aliens and some at dealing with synths. However, the Pulse Rifle is a good allrounder and can be adapted with new pieces. The Smart gun can be replaced with several heavy weapons, from rocket launchers to flame throwers. All of them are useful in certain situations, but they have limited ammo and should be saved for when they will be most useful.
Abilities
The Demolisher has three separate abilities at their disposal, two of which are button inputs and another that charges over time. Each ability can be changed as the character levels, but their uses remain pretty constant. The first is the micro-rocket ability, which fires explosives from a shoulder-mounted launcher. It can destroy most low-level enemies on the standard difficulty, as well as wounding some of the tougher opponents. The best use for it is to focus on chokepoints to hit as many enemies as possible. The second ability allows the Demolisher to drop a small bomb at their feet to knock back their opponents and open up some breathing room; while it doesn't do the most damage, it can be great for avoiding being swarmed.
Finally, there is the Clear The Room ability. Every kill the demolisher makes fills a small meter at the bottom of the screen. As it goes up, so too does the amount of damage the Demolisher can do, but it will deplete over time. The heavy weapons are great for keeping it filled in large battles, but it won't have as much effect against single or small groups of opponents.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
The Demolisher is a class that favors midrange combat; the Smart Gun and rocket launcher both work well from range, but they need the support of other fighters to help chip away at the larger enemies. There is also a threat of tunnel vision when using heavy weapons, and the Xenomorphs will attack from the back and sides if you let them. Players might feel inclined to march forwards shooting, but that is an easy way to get overwhelmed.
Clear The Room is a great ability, but its charge goes down quickly and trying to raise it with a rifle is difficult. One of the best weapons to charge it is the flamethrower, as it allows the Demolisher to damage their opponents consistently. The micro-rockets are great against hordes and entrenched enemies, but they need to be carefully aimed to get the best result and the spread widens over distance.
The Demolisher is a great class for supporting your team and bringing the hurt to your opponent. However, like any class in the game, they can't do it all alone. The best way to succeed is to work as a unit and make up for each other's weaknesses. Players will get the chance to face down the Xenomorph horde when Aliens: Fireteam Elite releases for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC on August 24.