Even before Hunt: Showdown's 1.10 patch arrived on test servers yesterday, players were plotting the terrible things they might be able to do with the game's new toy, a remote-controlled flying beetle that can be used to spot enemies. The Stalker Beetle will be introduced in October and could shake up stalemates where one team is well protected on the grounds and their opponents are outside, daring them to break their advantage.

The players wondered: could they use Stalker Beetle to revive teammates and extend the range of the necromancer trait? (With this brand new insect-shaped tool, they must be able to do something clever. Wait, couldn't we chuck a sticky bomb into the beetle and send it straight to the enemy?

At first, the answer seemed to be no. Hunt experts like YouTube's HomeReel (opens in new tab) tested the bomb-carrying technique, but saw their beetle buds die the moment they stuck the adhesive on. It's a dud.

However, as with all scientific research, it is important to reaffirm the findings of colleagues; others, such as YouTube's Rachta Z (opens in new tab), seem to have been able to pull off this maneuver.

In the clip above, Rachta Z can be seen throwing sticky bombs at a beetle controlled by her teammate and being sent flying as a grotesque little mailman. Effect! Although, as HomeReel later admitted, inconsistently. The beetle's own manually triggered explosion does only 5 damage, while the sticky bomb is lethal within 15 meters.

This new technique certainly needs to be adjusted if it is to be successful. The human piloting the beetle drone is vulnerable behind the insect's eyes, and the beetle must remain still while the adhesive sticks to it. But the payoff is tremendous. As the game's lifespan reaches three years, and many hunt players have learned how to avoid explosives and other projectiles, being chased by them creates a new level of anxiety.

As for why the sticky stalker technique did not work for some players, as HomeReel points out, at this time, the impact of gunfire on stalkers does not seem to be consistent, and provable bullet impacts may not destroy activated stalkers. But that is what the test server is for. The question is, is this a feature or a bug?

How will Poison Sense and Poison Ammo affect the hunt's new meta? The ability to track poisoned players through walls using Stalker Beetle's Dark Sight makes these bombing raids even easier. The poison's effect lasts for 15 seconds, enough time for a successful pursuit if the wounded enemy is nearby.

The rest of the patch notes can be found on Steam and include price changes for weapons and items, audio tweaks, and more. Also, here's how to download the Hunt: Showdown test server (opens in a new tab).