The Arachnotron is a spider-like demon that appears in the DOOM video game series. While similar in appearance to the Spider Mastermind, this creature is smaller and acts as a frontline soldier in the armies of Hell.
DOOM II[]
In its premiere appearance, the Arachnotron appears to be a miniature version of the Spider Mastermind, the final boss of the first DOOM game. Notable differences, apart from size, include blue eyes, only four mechanical legs, two vestigal arms and a plasma cannon attached to its frame.
Arachnotrons are reasonably quick and are often found in the company of Mancubi. Upon sighting the player, their eyes will change colour and they will let loose a constant stream of rapid plasma bursts. The Arachnotron will continue shooting for as long as the player is within their line of sight. As for killing them, these monsters are most susceptible to either the Plasma Gun or Chaingun due to the rapid rate of fire these weapons have. Upon death, the Arachnotron's heads will erupt in a geyser of gore while their robotic frames break down.
DOOM 64[]
In DOOM 64, the Arachnotron has had a visual overhaul; its organic body looks more like a large brain with darker flesh and sinister red eyes while its mechanical frame appears more stylized and less cobbled together. It moves about on six spidery legs and is armed with two plasma cannons that fire in bursts of five pulses.
Resurrected by the Mother Demon, Arachnotrons are stronger than before and are deployed more strategically, often being located in positions that the player cannot reach and sniping from these areas. The Plasma Gun, Rocket Launcher and, especially, the Unmaker are the most effective weapons against these creatures.
DOOM Eternal[]
Returning in 2020's DOOM Eternal, Arachnotrons have once again been redesigned. The organic head of the creature once again resembles a giant brain with pale flesh, a fang-filled mouth and glowing green eyes. Its mechanical frame consists of four legs with a much more futuristic aesthetic and additional armaments. As well as a plasma cannon, it may also deploy bombs from launchers on its sides. The plasma cannon is also located on a turret positioned atop the beast rather than on the frame's carriage.
Arachnotrons are both nimble and hardy creatures and are commonly found among larger hordes of creatures. In combat, it prefers to maintain distance and use its plasma turret which can cut down the Doom Slayer's health quickly with its rapid rate of fire. At mid-range, it will fire glowing projectiles from its grenade launchers whilst trying to back away in order to continue its plasma attack. Ideally, the player will want to disable the gun turret first using either Sticky Bombs or the Heavy Cannon's scope attachment. Once the turret is destroyed, the Arachnotron will resort to attacking up close with its forelegs or with its bombs, but lacking its turret will greatly decrease its threat level.
According to the in-game codex, Arachnotrons were engineered by the Union Aerospace Corporation based on the remains of the Spider Mastermind. When the Hell Invasion took place, the facility responsible for engineering the Arachnotrons began operating under AI guidance, manufacturing these cybernetic monstrosities constantly to reinforce the legions of Hell.