Etheric Phantom

The Etheric Phantom is a Typhon in Prey (2017) and Prey: Mooncrash.

Overview
The Etheric Phantom is a much stronger and more dangerous version of a normal Phantom. Etheric Phantoms prefer close combat but are able to use Kinetic Blasts similar to regular Phantoms. They may also split into two when fighting and leave behind a toxic ether cloud upon death.

They can be scanned for Phantom Shift I and II, Ether Resistance, and Ether Absorption.

Description
 EXCERPT FROM PSYCHOTRONICS DATABASE: 

Common Name: Etheric Phantom

Scientific Name: Typhon anthrophantasmus psychoetheric

It is unclear at this time what prompts a Weaver to invest additional resources in the creation of these more powerful phantoms. However, testing has revealed that these Phantom specimens are much more durable and more dangerous than their weaker cousins.

ADDENDUM:

Of particular note is the Etheric Phantom, which produces a particulate cloud that is highly toxic and disruptive to normal matter. The Phantom is capable of manipulating the particulate to create a duplicate of itself for short periods as demonstrated in test log #1629-0231.

Please note that in addition to standard procedures required for Phantom study, any enclosure used to house an Etheric Phantom must have its atmosphere cycled.

PETER'S NOTES:

A 2 for 1 deal on sore losers. Likes to split off into a clone and has a tendency to leave behind toxic exploding chunks once you're done stomping its ass.

Design
An Etheric Phantom looks identical to a normal Phantom, except it constantly emits clouds of purple, poisonous gas around it self.

Strategy
Differently from other Phantom versions, the etheric version likes to quickly dash towards the player. Because of this, they should be met with a Shotgun. But be careful as Etheric Phantoms can still bleed toxic clouds when damaged. On top of this, midway through the battle, the Etheric Phantom can split into two Phantoms, making the fight much harder. The copy is notably weaker than the original in terms of health and can only last for a few seconds.

Their melee nature greatly encourages them to approach the player to the exclusion of other tactics. Be aware they will use their kinetic blast ability if they are unable to reach the player but will seldom use it if they can path to the player.

The Q-Beam is especially effective against these variants of Phantoms, perhaps due to their etheric nature. If immobilizing them is difficult, the stun gun can be used beforehand to keep them still long enough to be vaporized by the Q-beam.