Today's monster pick is the Phalanx from the Cabal army. I will first state that this guy reminds me a lot of the hunters from Halo. The hold themselves and walk in very similar ways. In most cases the same strategy you use on a Hunter can be used on a Phalanx. Beginning with his obvious strength is his shield. Regular attacks from weapons have no effect and cannot penetrate this shield. Super abilities are able too if placed right. Most grenades can make it past with their splash damage, but if it is a simple explosion right in front of the shield it will more than likely be blocked. The thermite grenades work well as the shield for the moment cannot stop the thermal trail and it passes into the Phalanx. You can get lucky with rocket launchers. If you hit his open side, right, you may one shot him, Hitting the shield directly might not do much either. There are three other ways besides moving around, using supers, or using grenades to handle this guy and his shield. The top middle of the shield is shallow and at the right angle you can squeeze a shot off into his head. Second is the right side of the shield. For him to be able to shoot you the Phalanx leaves a good gap to use his weapon. Either shoot his hand or his arm to make him drop back and then double tap. Third, wait for the phalanx to drop down and begin shooting over the shield. Again shoot his hand or move around quickly to hit his open side. Melee against the Phalanx. The Phalanx will shield bash in either fashion. He will swing out, or swing in. Sometimes both. The swing out isn't too bad, someone with good defense can handle a good direct hit. The swing in is different. It hits hard and it can perform a knockback/pushback effect. Though this is normally not bad, in a closed space I have met the wall with enough force from this that I took, in close relation, fall damage. It did not count as a Phalanx kill, but as a misadventure. If you melee like myself use the Halo 1 Hunter strategy to open this guy up and avoid the shield. There is some silver lining to missing your melee attack and hitting the shield. As a Sunbreaker with my melee set to increase damage by me and others, I can still hit the shield and let my buddies handle the dirty work. I would save these type of attacks for elite or boss versions of these mobs. Phalanx ranged attack is a pistol they can shoot with semi or fully automatic. They will shoot a couple times while moving and when they drop down, they will poke their weapon above the shield and unleash a long fully automatic attack. Damage isn't too harsh, but if cornered get out before the Phalanx drops and unloads. Phalanx are big boys, but they move fast. Take advantage of his open spots before he corrects himself or moves. They are usually joined by a team of Legionary or Psion, sometimes both. They also are typically the front line to a stronger mod like an elite, champion, or boss. How to handle: Phalanx are a distractor. They are the tank of the group they are in. They shoot when you get close enough, but not when you are far away. Take out the Phalanx's buddies then save them for last unless cornered or being charged. You can time melees correctly and take no damage from their counter. Shoot their hand or open spot and they will stumble and open up completely. This opportunity doesn't stay open for long, so be quick to shoot again or close in melee before he recovers. Weak spots are his head and if all else fails, shoot his foot to open his loving arms. Grimoire: First Tier → 250 kills, Second Tier → 625 kills, Third Tier → 1250 kills