What are the best ways to avoid the Thumper's charge in Lethal Company?

The Thumper is one of the most dangerous monsters in Lethal Company due to its aggressive behavior and high-speed charge attack. Avoiding its charge requires a combination of situational awareness, quick reflexes, and strategic planning. Understanding the mechanics of the Thumper's behavior is crucial to surviving encounters with it.

The Thumper is a fast-moving creature that relies on its charge attack to close the distance and deal significant damage. It typically detects players through sound and movement, so staying quiet and avoiding unnecessary noise is key. When the Thumper spots a player, it will let out a distinct roar before charging in a straight line toward its target. The charge is fast and deadly, but it has a predictable pattern that can be exploited.

To avoid the Thumper's charge, the first step is to recognize its presence early. Listen for its growls or roars, which indicate it has detected you. If you hear these sounds, stop moving immediately and assess your surroundings. The Thumper relies on movement to track its prey, so staying still can sometimes cause it to lose interest. However, if it has already locked onto you, staying still will not save you.

When the Thumper begins its charge, it moves in a straight line toward your last known position. This is where quick reflexes and environmental awareness come into play. As soon as you see or hear the Thumper charging, move perpendicular to its path. This means running to the side, not directly away from it. The Thumper cannot change direction mid-charge, so moving sideways will cause it to miss you. After the charge, it will take a moment to recover, giving you a brief window to reposition or escape.

One important tip is to always be aware of your surroundings. Look for obstacles like walls, furniture, or other environmental features that can block the Thumper's charge. If you can position yourself behind a solid object, the Thumper will collide with it and be temporarily stunned. This gives you time to either escape or prepare for another charge. Additionally, avoid open areas where the Thumper can easily close the distance. Stick to narrow corridors or rooms with plenty of cover.

A common mistake players make is panicking and running directly away from the Thumper. This is ineffective because the Thumper is faster than you, and running in a straight line will only ensure it catches you. Another mistake is failing to communicate with your team. If you are playing with others, make sure to call out the Thumper's location and movements. Team coordination is essential for survival, as one player can distract the Thumper while others scavenge or prepare defenses.

Advanced techniques involve using the environment to your advantage. For example, you can lure the Thumper into a trap or use explosives to damage or disorient it. If you have access to flashbangs or other tools, use them to create distractions or blind the Thumper temporarily. Additionally, some players have found success in using decoys, such as throwing objects to create noise and draw the Thumper away from their position.

Team coordination is critical when dealing with the Thumper. Assign roles to each team member, such as a designated "bait" player who distracts the Thumper while others complete objectives. Communication is key, so use voice chat or in-game signals to keep everyone informed. If one player is being chased, others should focus on creating distractions or setting up traps to help them escape.

Risk management strategies involve knowing when to engage and when to retreat. If you are low on health or resources, it is often better to avoid the Thumper entirely rather than risk a confrontation. Plan your routes carefully, and always have an escape plan in mind. If you are caught in a bad position, prioritize survival over completing objectives.

Specific examples of avoiding the Thumper include scenarios like being in a narrow hallway. In this case, you can use the walls to your advantage by running along the side and forcing the Thumper to collide with the wall. Another example is being in a large open room. Here, you should look for furniture or other objects to hide behind, breaking the Thumper's line of sight and giving you time to escape.

In summary, avoiding the Thumper's charge requires a combination of awareness, quick thinking, and teamwork. Recognize its presence early, move perpendicular to its charge, and use the environment to your advantage. Communicate with your team, avoid common mistakes, and always have a plan for escape. With these strategies, you can survive encounters with the Thumper and continue your mission in Lethal Company.