Inspector

Inspectors, also known as Hydras or Axons, are creatures exclusive to the Downpour DLC. They vary in color and have three long heads. They act as protectors of Iterator s'.

Appearance
Inspectors have three one-eyed heads attached to long necks that radiate from a central body. The body has thin protrusions that vary in number between individuals arranged like a propeller, as well as trailing fibers similar to those on the red tendrils and surfaces throughout Five Pebbles. Inspectors are either blue (Five Pebbles) or yellow (Looks to the Moon), becoming red when enraged.

Combat
Fighting an Inspector can be quite a challenge, especially when they're encountered in zero-gravity environments. Their low health and slow movement speed of their core is offset by the dexterity of their heads. Attacking one up close is not recommended, as Inspectors grab any or s within its reach, which includes debris held by the Slugcat, any spears stuck in its necks, and the Slugcat itself. Attacking from afar, however, is just as tricky, as throwing Spears from too far away can make them lose velocity, and simply float right by it. Due to the difficulty, provoking an Inspector is not recommended.

In order to kill an Inspector, all three of its heads must be stabbed with Spears. An inactive head closes its eye and ceases function. Alternatively, its body can be hit with a single.

Stealth
Once an Inspector has been attacked, it is impossible to sneak around it. Even if hiding in a pipe makes it calm down, it starts to attack again as soon as the Slugcat enters its line of sight.

Evasion
Although their attacks are fast, Inspectors are rather slow, making them easy to outrun. They do not pursue the Slugcat between maps, so it is recommended to flee if an Inspector has been angered.

Abilities & Behavior
Inspectors are initially passive, roaming through the zero-gravity environment. The fibers trailing on their bodies may reach out and contact fibers in the environment, lighting up blue at the ends.

Upon being approached, they use their tendrils to probe and feel Slugcat; this is harmless behavior and does no damage.

Aggression
Inspectors become aggressive if hit with rubbish or spears, or if the Slugcat handles or kills in their presence. They flash between red and white when angered, and throw nearby debris at the Slugcat, including Spears. If any held Neuron Flies are released they may become passive again.

If the player eats a neuron in sight of an inspector, it becomes hostile for that cycle.

Trivia

 * When pulled by an intense force, Inspectors briefly shift in color.
 * On death, Inspectors explode and do not leave a body behind, with only their eyes surviving. This is a trait shared by.
 * When in their passive state, Inspectors found in Looks to the Moon are yellow rather than blue. This matches the colour scheme of the two Iterators' respective Overseers.
 * In, certain Inspector spawns are replaced by in later campaigns,  implying that either Inspectors became DLLs with the spread of the , or they were eaten by them.