# Stalker

<figure><img src="https://670061720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUPKuGoVWTiLeIUM8uJjN%2Fuploads%2FFzAtHKbLNq3BLn48hk9T%2Ftov_stalker_concept.png?alt=media&#x26;token=b077480b-75d0-487f-bbcf-0affba0af6b1" alt=""><figcaption><p>Outdated Art</p></figcaption></figure>

A hulking, terrifying titan, the Stalker is the biggest threat of the [Dark Rooms](https://bluesod.gitbook.io/soulblaze-gdd/planned-features-and-mechanics/platforming-and-level-design/dark-rooms). Although while in its Blind state, it cannot detect the player, it can be Awoken by [Searchers](https://bluesod.gitbook.io/soulblaze-gdd/characters/enemies/dark-hivemind/searcher), causing it to begin to chase the player. It will chase the player until it breaks line of sight with it for too long.

The Stalker is fully invincible, and cannot be killed.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="State - Blind" %}
The Stalker will initially be in its Blind state. In this state, its eyes and mouth are closed, slowly shambling about.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Blind Swat" %}
If the player approaches the Stalker while it's Blind and gets too close, it will swat at the player, knocking them extremely far back and dealing a lot of damage.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="State - Awoken" %}
If a Searcher shrieks, this will wake the Stalker, causing it to open its glowing eyes and reveal its sinister smile. The Stalker will then rush to where the shriek came from, and attempt to find the player.&#x20;

If the player is within its line of sight at any point, the Stalker will spot them (instantly playing One Chance to Run) and begin aggressively chasing them, undeterred by any Sludge Pools. If the player breaks line of sight with the Stalker, it will go to the player's last known position and check if the player is in its line of sight. If they are, it will continue to chase them, if not, it will stay vigilant for a moment before ending the chase and going back to its Blind State.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Climb" %}
The Stalker will climb any walls and ledges that prevent it from chasing the player.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Grapple" %}
Once the Stalker is close enough to the player, it will grab them. The player has one chance to time a difficult, random button press and escape (putting the Stalker back into its Blind state), or the Stalker will instantly kill the player with the horn on its head.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Tongue Grapple" %}
Not all Stalkers can perform this attack-- only Stalkers from Steampipe Springs onwards can.

If the player remains out of the Stalker's reach for too long (where it cannot climb to or chase the player), it will slowly become enraged and eventually shoot its tongue at the player. If it hits, the player will be grabbed and pulled towards the Stalker, and put into the Grapple QTE. If it misses, or the player guards against it, the Stalker will try again after a random wait time. If the player parries it, it will instantly put the Stalker back into the Blind state.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Codex Entry

*Since the Stalker cannot be defeated, this entry is unlocked once the player has cleared a Dark Room.*

> *Patrolling the Dark Rooms, Stalkers possess incredibly thick skin that no known blade can cut. Although it is hostile, it has never been observed consuming its prey, implying it may have some kind of symbiotic relationship with the Dark Hearts.*
