Read the body and the armor

Wretch variants shown or described[2][3]
VariantRecognitionThreat
Feral / unarmoredThin, hungry-looking first-wave creatures.Swarm pressure and attacks at close range.
ArmoredBulkier bodies with armor.A scream that disorients and limits your actions.

The June developers describe the first wave as hungry attack dogs released into the streets. Their changing appearance is also a story signal: the invasion begins with feral creatures, before the squad understands the army behind them.[1][2]

A downed Gear is in immediate danger

The developer walkthrough explicitly warns that a Wretch can execute a player who is down but not out. Small size does not make it harmless when a teammate is on the ground.[2]

  • Check for close Wretches before starting a revive.
  • Clear the immediate approach while another squadmate goes for the pickup.
  • After an armored Wretch's scream, reassess what actions you can use and where your cover is.[2][3]

Those priorities are tactical suggestions based on the confirmed execution and scream mechanics. Exact damage, scream radius and difficulty-specific health are not supplied by these announcements.

Why the squad calls them Crawlers

Campaign preview

In the August preview, Wretches move along the underside of a bridge and a nearby squad calls them Crawlers. The nickname reflects soldiers naming unfamiliar creatures by what they see them do.[4]

For upright armed infantry, use the Drone guide. For the wider roster, use the Locust Field Guide.

Sources & further reading

  1. Rebuilding BrotherhoodXbox Wire · June 7, 2026
  2. Gameplay reveal deep dive — Official Xbox PodcastXbox Wire · June 9, 2026
  3. E-Day Gameplay UpdatesThe Coalition · July 31, 2026
  4. E-Day campaign hands-onXbox Wire · August 25, 2026