GDI Defense Crawler

	For the article on crawlers in general.

GDI Defense Crawler
Unit
Faction	GDI Defense Class
Properties
Hit points	3000
Function
Produces	Units and Structures

The GDI Defense Crawler was the Crawler used by the Global Defense Initiative's Defense Class in Command & Conquer 4: Tiberian Twilight. A successor to the traditional MCV, it was the slowest and toughest of all GDI Crawlers and the only one capable of constructing structures.

Background

The direct descendent of the traditional MCV, the Defense Crawler is the only Crawler capable of building structures. By trading mobility for construction equipment, the Crawler can quickly and efficiently create a gauntlet of defensive emplacements to protect the Tiberium Control Network. The Defense Crawler itself can be upgraded into a mobile fortress with increased repair rates, defensive shields, and powerful artillery cannons, as well as call upon Zone infantry, men and women in armored power suits, to engage enemy forces outside the defensive perimeter. The most powerful Defense Crawlers can also construct artillery units such as the Juggernaut and, in particularly fierce engagements, can call upon the legendary Ion Cannon to obliterate their foes.

In-game

Overall, the Defense Crawler is only useful when the player is at least level 10 (or at the very least Level 4, at which point both Guardian Cannons and Missile Turrets are unlocked), as the first units are impossible to use in a successful strategy. The crawler can be used very well in holding ground, such as near a TCN Node, capable of keeping enemy units suppressed for a very long time. When upgraded with Defensive matrix, the crawler gains a shield when deployed, or the Mobility matrix, which gives a shield when packed up. Each hold 1000 extra health, and protect anyone inside the radius. When in tier 3, the shield can be upgraded to hold 2000 health, using the Enhanced shields upgrade. combined with Enhanced repairs, which give the crawler double repair speed and increased repair radius, it can be a formidable enemy, especially when units are being churned out and turrets are deployed.

The crawler is also offer the largest array of GDI infantry, although commando is slated to the offensive crawler. The infantry offer more diverse fire power and cheaper cost, but with less durability. This fact coupled with medical support option make Defence Crawler a premium option for urban terrain (where many garrisonable building is available).

Quotes

Select

• Crawler channels open.
• Yes?
• Together in arms.
• We bring about victory!
• Central command.
• Monitoring EVA systems.

Moving

• Move this operation.
• Taking that field.
• A necessary course.
• Proceed with caution.
• Crawler moving
• Go forth!
• Steady!
• It is set!
• Just a matter of time!
• A fine course!

Deploying

• We can set up there!
• Prepare to deploy.
• An excellent site!

Attacking

• Attack!
• Leave nothing!
• Main guns!
• They must fall!
• Firing all weapons!
• Give 'em hell!
• Keep them away!

Move to Attack

• Ready for the attack!
• This is not a drill!
• Begin the offensive!
• We'll draw the battle lines here!
• All men to battle stations!
• All in!

In Combat

• Maintaining position.
• We have contact!
• Do they think we weren't armed?
• Our patience is paying off.
• Crawler engaged!
• Let them have it!

Taking Fire

• We must survive!
• The Crawler cannot go down!
• Holding up, Commander!
• We're not going down that easy!
• We're taking damage!

Low Health

• Crawler's almost hit critical, sir!
• This is the Crawler, we need help!
• Crawler's in trouble!
• We can't take much more!

Retreating

• We'll fight another day!
• Disengaging.
• Repair the Crawler!
• We'll need some protection!

Gallery

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  Concept art