Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Operations: how to defeat the Neurothrope miniboss 

The Neurothrope is one of three minibosses that appear at random times and locations in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2’s Operations PVE mode, depending on the enemy faction. Here’s how to get past a Neurothrope’s hellish ranged attacks and defeat it.  

Much like the lesser, Extremis-level Zoanthrope, the Tyranid Neurothrope miniboss focuses on supporting other enemies with buffs and executing ranged and AoE attacks. Melee builds will have a tough time fighting what is essentially a giant floating head but with enough patience, they too will be able to get some good hits on the Neurothrope.  

The Neurothrope has several ranged attacks. The first is a volley of three green projectiles that moderately track targets. Utilizing cover and some well-timed rolls will allow players to easily dodge this attack. 

The second is a slower, more focused energy beam that the Neurothrope shoots downwards before aiming it in a single direction. Those who aren’t familiar with this attack will think that the Neurothrope missed before being hit by the rising beam. Due to its telegraphed nature, it will only take a short time for players to get used to the energy beam and reliably avoid it. 

The Neurothrope’s most annoying ranged attack is similar to one that the Hive Tyrant boss uses in the Decapitation PVE operation. The Neurothrope will roar and prepare a series of green area blasts that highlight their intended targets before exploding. The blasts aren’t as numerous as the ones summoned by the Hive Tyrant, but their passive nature makes them deadly as the Neurothrope has more ranged options. 

Eventually, the Neurothrope will get tired of its projectiles missing you and bust out its trump card: a series of AoE blasts that emit from the miniboss as it lowers itself into a protective green bubble. Just like the Hive Tyrant’s green multi-pulse blast attack, the only way to avoid getting damaged is by dodging/ rolling through the pulses as they emit from the Neurothrope. Unlike the Hive Tyrant boss fight, however, you and your battle-brothers want to roll into the protective green bubble so you can damage the enemy. 

This is where melee-focused classes like the Assault shine. While the Neurothrope’s bubble protects the miniboss from its green multi-blasts and other outside attacks (i.e. gunfire and grenades), it also shields anyone inside it. This is your chance to deal some heavy damage to the Neurothrope, as the boss remains stationary while it does this attack. Ranged classes like the Sniper should also try to get in the Neurothrope’s protective bubble as they can deal some big damage before the miniboss starts to glow green and does the inevitable shockwave move that gets everyone to back off. 

While the AoE blast attack is a great opportunity for players to get next to the Neurothrope, it generally isn’t a good idea to do so otherwise. The Neurothrope has a lengthy roar attack that deals significant damage and applies a dizzying status effect to anyone caught in its vicinity. This attack cannot be dodged or parried, so players should maintain a safe distance from the miniboss lest they get hit.  

Fighting a Neurothrope is all about patience. Ranged classes are invaluable when it comes to taking on this miniboss but they should also be wary of the Neurothrope’s plethora of ranged counterattacks. Melee classes unfortunately have to wait for their turn but once a Neurothrope’s health gets low and those AoE blasts start to come out, there is no better feeling than whacking a Neurothrope in the head with a Thunder Hammer.  

With the Neurothrope’s game plan laid out, hopefully you and your team can formulate a strategy on how to defeat this floating miniboss. If you are struggling with Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2’s other minibosses, check out our guides to battling the Carnifex and Helbrute.