Crab Synth
![]() |
Warning! This article has yet to be cleaned up to a higher standard of quality, per our Cleanup Project. It may contain factual errors and nonsense, as well as spelling, grammar and structure issues, or simply structure problems. Reader's discretion is advised until fixing is done. | |
---|---|---|
You can help clean up this page by correcting spelling and grammar, removing factual errors and rewriting sections to ensure they are clear and concise, and moving some elements when appropriate. |
![]() | |
Crab Synth | |
---|---|
General information | |
Faction | |
Type | |
Individual information | |
Health |
N/A[1] |
Weapon(s) |
Gatling gun |
Game information | |
Entity |
|
Designer(s) |
|
The Crab Synth is an incomplete Half-Life 2 enemy only glimpsed towards the end of the game in the Citadel on a conveyor belt along with several Mortar Synths, during Gordon Freeman's second pod ride. It is unknown where they were transported to, as they are never encountered in combat anywhere during the game or its episodes. With the Mortar Synth, it is said to be "the backbone of the Combine's subsequent armies".[1]
Contents
Overview[edit]

The Crab Synth has many spiked protrusions and various mechanical systems on its front and rear. According to its model animations, it can charge at targets like the Antlion Guard, but with likely even more damage due to its size. It also uses a Gatling gun-like weapon, but only when walking (as seen in its walking animation and concept art). When not walking, it is stored under its belly, hidden behind a plate.
Unlike the Mortar Synth, the Crab Synth can be hurt and killed if spawned. Upon contact, red blood will appear, in the same manner as with the Half-Life 2 version of the Ichthyosaur, as they are incomplete NPCs, not to come in direct contact with the player during normal gameplay.
Behind the scenes[edit]
- Designed by Dhabih Eng,[2] it is one of the earliest created Synths (with the Mortar Synth), when they bore more red and yellow and did not feature any Combine logo (see also the original Dropship). Ted Backman subsequently defined the current design, with more blue.
- The uncorrected proof of Half-Life 2: Raising the Bar includes two early sketches for "attack" and "tank" Synths which are said to have become the final Crab Synth model.[3]
- Concept art shows the Crab Synth with what seems to be the numbers "31-17" on its leg.
Gallery[edit]
List of appearances[edit]
Main games[edit]
- Half-Life 2 (First appearance)
Other[edit]
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Half-Life 2 Prima Guide
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Half-Life 2: Raising the Bar, page 88
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Half-Life 2: Raising the Bar (uncorrected proof), page 270