Volatile Spore

''This alien lichen produces super-energetic spores that explode when attacked. This powerful blast damages EVERYTHING in its range.''

Volatile spores are explosive plants found on Borealis. They are a threat to both enemies and allied units. Volatile spores will automatically explode if damaged even the slightest bit. When a spore explodes, it tends to blow up other nearby spores in a chain reaction, as the spores grow in lines. Spores cannot be fully destroyed, as they will puff up again after a few seconds, starting the cycle again.

The player should try to avoid spores when possible, because even if they are not directly targeted, area damage can trigger them and deal massive damage to units. However, in levels such as "From Beyond The Stars", spores are very difficult to avoid. Therefore, if the commander must guide units through a spore field, they should try not to engage enemies with an area attack until the leave the spore field.

Spores can also be used offensively, albeit this is rather rare in real-time gameplay. Ranged units are adept at doing this, as they can safely trigger spores from a distance and deal heavy damage to enemies walking through.

Trivia

 * Volatile spores may be inspired from volatile spores in the game World Of Warcraft, which also explode and deal heavy damage.