Nanophyte

General information
Homeworld	Fastoon
Location	Lombax ruins, raritanium mine
Offense	Clubs, bombs

Nanophytes are enemies encountered in Tools of Destruction. They are small scavenger aliens that inhabit the lombax ruins of Fastoon and scavenge for scraps of lombax technology. There are two types of nanophytes: clubber nanophytes, which are melee enemies wielding clubs, and bomber nanophytes, who throw bombs at their enemies. Both types can appear through alien spawn pods.

History

After the lombaxes left Fastoon, scavengers searching for scraps of lombax technology became the planet's sole inhabitants.

Ratchet and Clank encountered them in the lombax ruins on Fastoon, during "Find the Lombax Ship Parts". They faced them throughout the ruins of the city while Ratchet searched for parts for the Aphelion. In the mission "Search the Mine", Clank encountered nanophytes in the raritanium mine while searching for a part himself, fighting alongside the Zoni.

Characteristics

Concept art.

Nanophytes are small, bipedal creatures with large heads. They have blue eyes and wear helmets or caps with a small antenna. The skin color of clubber nanophytes ranges from red to maroon, while bomber nanophytes have light brown and yellow skin.

Nanophytes carry various types of weapons. Clubber nanophytes, the lower class, use simple clubs for melee attacks, while the higher class bomber nanophytes throw bombs that are ignited via a green liquid. When they manage to score a hit they will laugh at their target.

Combat

Nanophytes are relatively durable enemies but can be easily knocked back and avoided. Clubbers rely on overhead slams and swinging attacks, while bombers maintain distance before throwing bombs. Clubbers often appear in large groups, while bombers can be found in pairs or accompanying one another.

Individually or in small groups, nanophytes provide little threat as they are easy to avoid. The continuous introduction of new enemies through spawn pods can be problematic, as the pods are sturdy and not easily defeated. However, they will eventually leave on their own. Effective weapons against larger groups of clubbers include the Shock Ravager, while the Plasma Beasts and Fusion Grenade are good alternatives due to their area of effect range.