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Pops are basically smaller, faster versions of the "Fireball" enemy. They are very aggressive drones that act like suicide bombers. They will rush straight at you and self-destruct when they get close enough. They have extremely low health, but if you let them touch you, they do massive damage. You need to shoot them as soon as you see them.
Behavior: Pops don't take cover. They just run in a straight line toward the nearest Raider. They are often found patrolling near larger machines or hiding around corners in ruins.
The main attack is a self-destruct explosion.
The Approach: They rush at you making a distinct beeping sound.
The Warning: As the Pop gets closer to you, the beeping gets faster and louder.
The Boom: Once they are in range, they pause for a split second and then explode. This deals high area-of-effect (AOE) damage.
Glass Cannon: They have no armor plating. You can destroy them with almost any weapon in just a few shots.
Keep Distance: Never let them get close. Back up while shooting.
Chain Reaction: This is the best strategy. If you see a group of Pops, shoot the one in the middle. When it explodes, it usually kills the other Pops near it.
Tagging: It can be hard to tell the difference between a Pop and a Fireball from far away. Use the Tag button. If the icon shows a "Pop," do not get close!
Farming Pops is a good way to get explosive crafting materials.
| Name | Type | Price |
| ARC Alloy | topside material | 200 |
| ARC Powercell | topside material | 270 |
| Crude Explosives | refined material | 270 |
| Pop Trigger | recyclable | 640 |
Experience Points:
Destroy: 50 XP
Loot: 100 XP
Can I melee a Pop to save ammo? NO! Do not try to melee a Pop. Even if you hit it first, the explosion will still trigger instantly and you will take huge damage or die. Always use guns or grenades against them.
What is the difference between a Pop and a Fireball? They look similar, but the Pop is physically smaller and moves much faster. Also, Fireballs usually float and shoot projectiles at you from a distance, while Pops always try to run into your face to explode.
What is the "Pop Trigger" item used for? The Pop Trigger is a crafting component. It is mostly used for making explosive consumables like mines or special grenades. It is a bit rare, so if you find one, make sure to extract with it!
Can I use stealth against Pops? Yes. If they haven't seen you yet, they wont beep. You can sneak past them, but be careful—if they spot you, they alert other enemies nearby with their noise. It is usually safer to snipe them from far away so they don't surprise you later.
Why do I hear beeping but don't see anything? Pops are small and can get stuck behind rocks or inside bushes. If you hear the beeping getting faster, sprint away immediately to create distance, then turn around to find where it is coming from.