Unit | Character | Old version(s) | Quotes | Gallery | Changelog |
“ | Need a shocking therapy, I see? | ” |
—Volkov about to give his enemies some "treatment" |
Volkov (Russian: Волков, Volkov) is one of the two heroes of Russia alongside Chitzkoi.
Official description[]
Volkov is the all too familiar Soviet cybernetic commando, resurrected to serve once again as Russia's greatest hero. He has been equipped with an experimental tesla rifle that can arc between multiple foes - a weapon so dangerous, no mortal human has been able to use it without incinerating himself. However, Volkov is not a mere human. As a cyborg, he is immune to radiation and toxins, but is susceptible to EMP blasts and magnetic weapons. While already powerful, the use of the Overcharge support weapon will increase the effectiveness of his weapon even further.
Before his full conversion into a cyborg, Volkov was one of the greatest soldiers of the Soviet Union, frequently called upon to carry out top secret assignments that could not be entrusted to anyone else. Volkov's reactivation has not been without controversy and disapproval of the certain Soviet higher-ups, since during the Second Great War Volkov was destroyed after he went berserk after a failed attempt by the Allies to gain his control codes, proving he can be turned against his creators. However, the engineers tasked with restoring Volkov's recovered body have assured that he will be made completely tamper-proof and his control codes will be encrypted with improved technology and secured in an undisclosed location.[1]
Overview[]
“ | Just like the old days. | ” |
—Volkov |
If there was a hero unit that combined the best of durability, firepower, and versatility, then Volkov is it. This Russian cyborg is a force to be reckoned with for all ground-based opposition, as he can decimate entire squads of infantry, annihilate detachments of vehicles, and level bases easily with his Tesla-based arsenal in seconds. His formidable range can also help him out range most base defenses, provided the Russian general controlling him can micromanage this super soldier effectively. Usage of the Overcharge support power on Volkov will also boost his firepower tenfold temporarily, allowing him to vaporize all but the toughest opponents in a few short bursts.
His Chain Lightning Tesla Cannon also comes with a small EMP effect to any target it hits (with the exception of units that have an immunity to them), allowing him to temporarily shut down most vehicles and certain infantry units for about a second or so. This ability also gives him the tactic of destroying hovering vehicles instantly (such as Kappa Tanks and Magnetrons) as they will sink if their systems are shut down while traveling over bodies of water.
While his impressive firepower already makes Volkov an incredible hero unit, it is his durability that establishes him as a true one-man army in every essence - he can withstand incredible punishment and stand his ground against even the most impossible odds. Being a cyborg, he is immune to the teeth and claws of Attack Dogs and Spooks. Volkov also cannot be devoured by Terror Drones, instead they have to resort to using short range attacks on him. As he is a hero unit and primarily composed of machinery, he also benefits from a variety of immunities as he cannot be affected by poison, radiation, mind-control, abduction, and confusion rays.
“ | I'm indestructible! | ” |
—Volkov under fire |
Volkov may appear to be immortal at first glance and rumors-wise (as pointed out in his official lore) but he is not invulnerable at heart. EMP and magnetic weaponry will disable him, rendering him a sitting duck for opposing forces. Though he is immune to poison, he can still be damaged by units that use toxic weaponry, such as Viruses and Stingers. Air units can also take potshots at him without fear, as he has no means to fire back against airborne forces. Although he is far more resistant to small-arms fire than a standard organic infantry unit, anti-infantry firepower is a great threat to him and he can still be overwhelmed if he allows himself to be surrounded by forces that specialize in anti-personnel roles. Large numbers of anti-personnel infantry, such as Navy SEALs, Pyros, Duneriders, and Huntresses can also eliminate him quickly. Therefore, it is always good for Volkov to be accompanied by Chitzkoi and other fellow escorts to be prepared for such responses from the enemy.
AI behavior[]
Volkov controlled by the AI have the following attack patterns:
All difficulties[]
- 1x targeting everything, accompanied by 2 Shock Troopers
- This task force may be accompanied by Chitzkoi
Appearances[]
- Main article: Volkov/Character
Assessment[]
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Behind the scenes[]
- In 3.0 Volkov had a line when moving ("I cry back Stalin's times."); this was cut in 3.3 because it is often misheard by players and replaced with "Why do we wait?", which is previously used when he is selected. This voiceline remains in the game files.
Trivia[]
- Contrary to popular belief, the assumption that the figure on beta Red Alert 2 covers (see Gallery) is Volkov is incorrect. This can cause a misunderstanding as the said figure is used as Volkov's portrait in Mental Omega.
- Volkov's model resembles that of the Zone Trooper in Tiberium Wars.