Hermit crabs are mutated versions of pre-War hermit crabs. Certain species of pre-War hermit crabs were known for living up to 70 years and growing to the size of a coconut.[1]
The hermit crab still resembles its unmutated pre-War ancestors closely both in appearance and habits, but now grows to much greater sizes than their ancestors ever did. Towering head and shoulders over any human, hermit crabs are far too large to protect their vulnerable abdomen by squeezing it into an empty gastropod shell. Instead, they use wrecked vehicles to facilitate their ambush hunting style.
Hermit crab hatchlings are identical to mirelurk hatchlings. They look similar (except for their skin color), show the same behavior and are equally weak in combat, although they can swarm the player character in large numbers.
The average example of the species. These massive crustaceans are far too large for regular shells and have instead replaced them with "Lobster Grill Family Restaurant" vans.
Capable of a powerful ambush and swinging claw attack, this variant has higher levels of Hit Points and Damage Resistance, retaining the same slow speeds.
Faster than the predecessors, this strong variant also has significant Hit Points. Capable of dealing large amounts of damage utilizing attacks with its claws.
A charred, fleshy hermit crab infected with the Scorched Plague. Most regular hermit crab variants have a corresponding Scorched variant with the same stats, abilities and items. They may become Scorched when attacked by scorchbeasts or the scorchbeast queen, becoming allies with other Scorched creatures.