Crab Synth

The Crab Synth is an incomplete Half-Life 2 enemy only glimpsed towards the end of the game in the Citadel on a conveyor belt along with the Mortar Synth, during Gordon Freeman's second pod ride. It is unknown where it is transported to, as it is never encountered in combat anywhere during the game or its episodes.

Overview
The Crab Synth has many spiked protrusions and various mechanical systems on its front and rear. According to its model animations, it can charge at targets like the Antlion Guard, but with likely even more damage due to its size. It also uses a gatling gun-like weapon, but only when walking (as seen in its walking animation and concept art). When not walking, it is stored under its belly, hidden behind a plate.

Behind the scenes

 * The Crab Synth was never completely finished and seems to bear a temporary name, likely related to its similarities in appearance with the Headcrab (with the Mortar Synth, it is the only Synth to have "Synth" in its name). It has incomplete animations, model errors, both high and low quality textures and missing collision files, among others. This is likely why it is only glimpsed and not confronted during the game.


 * Designed by Dhabih Eng, it is one of the earliest created Synths (with the Mortar Synth), when they bore more red and yellow and did not feature any Combine logo (see also the original Dropship). Ted Backman subsequently defined the current design, with more blue. Added to the fact that it is incomplete, it can be seen as an Easter egg of the early Synth designs, while still canon.


 * Concept art shows the Crab Synth with what seems to be the numbers "31-17" on its leg.

Trivia

 * Its gatling gun has no fire animation.


 * The Crab Synth can be spawned in Garry's Mod. However, it will remain idle and the player can walk through it, since Crab Synths have no collision files.

List of appearances

 * Half-Life 2
 * Half-Life 2: Raising the Bar