Tickers are so-named by the ticking sounds they produce with their mouthes and their legs as they crawl. They can move very fast and can be difficult to shoot, especially when encountering them in dark areas. When a Ticker gets close to a human target, its imulsion tank ignites and explodes violently, killing both the Ticker and its target. Spraying the combat area with rapid fire seems to be the best way to dispatch Tickers, but such a tactic can also drain ammo if employed recklessly. Tickers can also be beaten back, as Gears have demonstrated by booting or clubbing Tickers just as they close in. There is a slight delay before a Ticker's imulsion tank detonates, presenting a brief window of opportunity for Gears to use their rifles to bat Tickers away.