Fire ant - Revision history

Umbire the Phantom: resistance for monsters - no point doing so for other 'a' since they only give poison resistance, which a monster needs to eat the corpse anyway

2026-05-20T19:11:01Z

resistance for monsters - no point doing so for other 'a' since they only give poison resistance, which a monster needs to eat the corpse anyway

Umbire the Phantom: /* dNetHack */ arcadia

2026-05-14T17:35:28Z

‎dNetHack: arcadia

Umbire the Phantom: easier than the rest with no poison elements to update

2026-05-14T17:20:17Z

easier than the rest with no poison elements to update

Ray Chason: Include the female tile

2026-05-10T15:40:47Z

Include the female tile

Umbire the Phantom: cite fire case

2026-01-03T00:44:35Z

cite fire case

Umbire the Phantom: lede

2026-01-03T00:34:25Z

lede

Umbire the Phantom: /* Strategy */ summon insects

2025-12-13T06:47:24Z

‎Strategy: summon insects

Umbire the Phantom: potholes

2025-12-13T03:41:29Z

potholes

Umbire the Phantom: upcoming, other bits

2025-12-13T03:33:58Z

upcoming, other bits

Umbire the Phantom: /* dNetHack */ tweak

2025-12-13T03:23:00Z

‎dNetHack: tweak

@@ Line 24: / Line 24: @@
 A fire ant has two [[bite attack]]s, with the second bite dealing fire damage that can burn away [[sliming]], instantly destroy [[paper golem]]s and [[straw golem]]s, and potentially destroy [[potion]]s, [[scroll]]s, and [[spellbook]]s in the victim's inventory.{{refsrc|src/uhitm.c|2520-L2623|nethack=5.0.0|comment=<tt>mhitm_ad_fire</tt> function}} Fire ants possess [[fire resistance]].
-[[Eating]] a fire ant [[corpse]] or [[tin]] has a {{frac|5}} chance of granting fire resistance.
+[[Eating]] a fire ant [[corpse]] or [[tin]] has a {{frac|5}} chance of granting fire resistance, and monsters that eat fire ant corpses can also gain fire resistance.
 One possible message for a [[T-shirt]] [[read]]s "[[Anhur]] State University - Home of the Fighting Fire Ants!"

@@ Line 61: / Line 61: @@
 ===dNetHack===
 In [[dNetHack]], [[notdNetHack]] and [[notnotdNetHack]], fire ants are a lawful and always-female species, and their second bite attack is exchanged for a fire-element 3d4 sting attack. Fire ants can be commanded by [[formian taskmaster]]s.
 A hero encountering a fire ant while wearing [[the Scorpion Carapace]] unlocks the fire resistance upgrade.

@@ Line 18: / Line 18: @@
   |resistances conveyed=[[fire resistance]] (20%)
   |attributes={{attributes|A fire ant|sgroup=1|animal=1|nohands=1|oviparous=1|carnivore=1|hostile=1|infravisible=1}}
-  |reference=[https://github.com/NetHack/NetHack/blob/NetHack-3.6.7_Released/src/monst.c#L126 NetHack 3.6.7 - src/monst.c, line 126]
+  |reference=[https://github.com/NetHack/NetHack/blob/NetHack-5.0.0_Released/include/monsters.h#L111 NetHack 5.0.0 - include/monsters.h, line 111]
 }}
 A '''fire ant''', {{monsym|fire ant}}, is a type of [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. The fire ant is a [[carnivorous]] and [[oviparous]] [[insect]]oid [[animal]] that is a stronger [[Fire (element)|fire-based]] relative of the [[giant ant]], and can be seen via [[infravision]].
-A fire ant has two [[bite attack]]s, with the second dealing fire damage that can burn away [[sliming]] and potentially destroy [[potion]]s, [[scroll]]s, and [[spellbook]]s in the victim's inventory.{{refsrc|src/mhitu.c|1053|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/mhitu.c|1066-L1072|nethack=3.6.7}} Fire ants possess [[fire resistance]].
+A fire ant has two [[bite attack]]s, with the second bite dealing fire damage that can burn away [[sliming]], instantly destroy [[paper golem]]s and [[straw golem]]s, and potentially destroy [[potion]]s, [[scroll]]s, and [[spellbook]]s in the victim's inventory.{{refsrc|src/uhitm.c|2520-L2623|nethack=5.0.0|comment=<tt>mhitm_ad_fire</tt> function}} Fire ants possess [[fire resistance]].
 [[Eating]] a fire ant [[corpse]] or [[tin]] has a {{frac|5}} chance of granting fire resistance.
 One possible message for a [[T-shirt]] [[read]]s "[[Anhur]] State University - Home of the Fighting Fire Ants!"
 ==Generation==
-Randomly generated fire ants are always created hostile, and may appear in small [[group]]s of 2-4.
+Randomly-generated fire ants are always created hostile, and may appear in small [[group]]s of 2-4.
-An [[anthole]] may be populated entirely by fire ants.{{refsrc|src/mkroom.c|497|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
+Hostile fire ants can be generated by the [[summon insects]] [[monster spell]].{{refsrc|src/mcastu.c|649-L651|nethack=5.0.0}}
-Hostile fire ants can be generated by the [[summon insects]] [[monster spell]].{{refsrc|src/mcastu.c|589|version=NetHack 3.6.7}}
+Fire ants are the first [[quest]] monster for [[Valkyrie]]s, and make up {{frac|96|175}} of the monsters that are randomly generated on the [[Valkyrie quest]]. Several fire ants are generated on each level of this quest branch at level creation: ten are generated on the home level, five are generated on the upper filler level, seventeen are generated on the locate level, three are generated on the lower filler levels, and four are generated on the goal level. Fire ants can also appear among the {{white|a}} that are part of the first quest monster class for Valkyries and make up {{frac|24|175}} of the monsters randomly generated there.
-Fire ants are the first [[quest]] monster for [[Valkyrie]]s, and make up {{frac|96|175}} of the monsters that are randomly generated on the [[Valkyrie quest]]. Several fire ants are generated on each level of this quest branch at level creation: ten are generated on the home level, five are generated on the upper filler level, seventeen are generated on the locate level, three are generated on the lower filler levels, and four are generated on the goal level. Fire ants can also appear among the {{white|a}} that are part of the first quest monster class for Valkyries and make up {{frac|24|175}} of the monsters randomly generated there.
+An [[anthole]] has a {{frac|3}} chance of being populated entirely by fire ants.{{refsrc|src/mkroom.c|515-L517|nethack=5.0.0}}
 ==Strategy==
-While not as [[Instadeath|immediately deadly]] as the [[poisonous]] [[soldier ant]], fire ants are just as fast at 18 [[speed]] and can still inflict significant damage to early heroes, including destroying valuable items in their inventory. They also have the same base 3 [[AC]] as other ants, making them hard to hit. If possible, drop or stash whatever loose flammable items are in your inventory before actively engaging any fire ants.
+While not as immediately deadly as the [[poison]] sting-wielding [[soldier ant]], fire ants are just as fast at 18 [[speed]] and can still inflict significant damage to early heroes, including burning and destroying valuable items in their inventory. They also have the same base 3 [[AC]] as other ants, making them hard to hit. If possible, drop or stash whatever loose flammable items are in your inventory before actively engaging any fire ants.
 The same techniques for escaping or fighting [[Giant ant#Strategy|giant ant swarms]] work for fire ants: avoid being surrounded at all costs, and try to lead them through a nearby [[corridor]] or close [[door]]s to block them off. Keep an eye on where any [[stairs]] are located and be prepared to retreat there if possible&mdash;avoid being [[burdened]] if at all reasonable to maximize your movement speed. [[Elbereth]] reliably works on fire ants, and any form of magic can work as well: fire ants have a low [[Magic resistance (monster)|MR score]] of 10, which still leaves them quite vulnerable, but gives them a slight chance of resisting unlike other ants.
-[[Hero]]es capable of fighting ant swarms should use their best [[ranged weapon]]s, offensive spells and/or [[wand]]s as usual: fire ants are [[vulnerable]] to [[cold]] damage, making a [[wand of cold]] more effective than usual for killing swarms. Wands of {{wand of|sleep|slow monster|and=1|magic missile}} can also work against properly lined-up fire ants. Be prepared to kill them as quickly as possible to minimize damage to your inventory, and keep [[escape item]]s ready to go if you risk being overwhelmed&mdash;again, fire-vulnerable items should be bagged if possible. A hero that has fire resistance will completely nullify damage from the second bite attack, and fire ant corpses can be eaten as a source of fire resistance to make future fights easier, especially for Valkyries that find their quest and lack the intrinsic.
+[[Heroes]] capable of fighting ant swarms should use their best [[ranged weapon]]s, offensive spells and/or [[wand]]s as usual: fire ants are [[vulnerable]] to [[cold]] damage, making a [[wand of cold]] more effective than usual for killing swarms. Wands of {{wand of|sleep|slow monster|and=1|magic missile}} can also work against properly lined-up fire ants. Be prepared to kill them as quickly as possible to minimize damage to your inventory, and keep [[escape item]]s ready to go if you risk being overwhelmed&mdash;again, fire-vulnerable items should be bagged if possible.
-As with other insects, fire ants created by the summon insects spell are usually encountered at a point where they are of no real trouble to most heroes, and can even serve as a useful physical buffer e.g. against monsters in [[Moloch's Sanctum]] or the [[Astral Plane]].
+A hero that has fire resistance will completely nullify damage from the second bite attack, and fire ant corpses can be eaten as a source of fire resistance to make future fights easier, especially for Valkyries that find their quest and lack the intrinsic. This will not protect the hero's inventory, however, which requires extrinsic sources or other items: a [[dwarvish cloak]] can be obtained early and protects the hero's inventory from fire damage {{frac|9|10}} of the time while worn, and an extrinsic source of fire resistance protects each item that would be subjected to burning from destruction {{frac|99|100}} of the time.
-{{upcoming|NetHack 3.7.0|Per {{commit|b98a70e3ecaa4cbb5eb18c99de61cf84a2b52213}}, a worn [[dwarvish cloak]] can protect your inventory from fire damage {{frac|9|10}} of the time.
+As with other insects, fire ants created by the summon insects spell are usually encountered at a point where they are of no real trouble to most heroes, and can even serve as a limited form of buffer, e.g. against monsters in [[Moloch's Sanctum]] or the [[Astral Plane]]&mdash;the risk of fire damage to inventory and slower [[HP regeneration]] at higher [[experience level]]s make it best not to idle unless the hero can heal themselves promptly and stash vulnerable items. Similarly, the ants can also provide a vector for chain lightning spells, although the amount of hostiles encountered in late-game situations where insects are summoned against a hero means that significant power drain will usually occur upon casting the spell&mdash;heroes conserving their energy for other spells should treat this as a form of last resort.
 ==History==
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 ==Variants==
 ===dNetHack===
-In [[dNetHack]], [[notdNetHack]] and [[notnotdNetHack]], fire ants are a lawful always-female species, and their fire sting attack is exchanged for a second fire-element bite attack with the same damage dice as the first.
+In [[dNetHack]], [[notdNetHack]] and [[notnotdNetHack]], fire ants are a lawful and always-female species, and their second bite attack is exchanged for a fire-element 3d4 sting attack. Fire ants can be commanded by [[formian taskmaster]]s.
-A hero encountering a fire ant while [[wearing]] [[the Scorpion Carapace]] unlocks the fire resistance upgrade.
+A hero encountering a fire ant while wearing [[the Scorpion Carapace]] unlocks the fire resistance upgrade.
 ==Encyclopedia entry==
-{{encyclopedia|This giant variety of the ordinary ant will fight just as fiercely as its small, distant cousin.  Various varieties exist, and they are known and feared for their relentless persecution of their victims.}}
+{{encyclopedia|
 ==References==
 <references/>
-{{nethack-367}}
+{{nethack-500}}
 [[Category:Monsters]]

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 {{monster
   |name=fire ant
   |difficulty=6
   |level=3

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 A '''fire ant''', {{monsym|fire ant}}, is a type of [[monster]] that appears in ''[[NetHack]]''. The fire ant is a [[carnivorous]] and [[oviparous]] [[insect]]oid [[animal]] that is a stronger [[Fire (element)|fire-based]] relative of the [[giant ant]], and can be seen via [[infravision]].
-A fire ant has two [[bite attack]]s, with the second dealing fire damage that can burn away [[sliming]] and potentially destroy [[potion]]s, [[scroll]]s, and [[spellbook]]s in the victim's inventory.{{refsrc|src/mhitu.c|1066-L1072|nethack=3.6.7}} Fire ants possess [[fire resistance]].
+A fire ant has two [[bite attack]]s, with the second dealing fire damage that can burn away [[sliming]] and potentially destroy [[potion]]s, [[scroll]]s, and [[spellbook]]s in the victim's inventory.{{refsrc|src/mhitu.c|1053|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/mhitu.c|1066-L1072|nethack=3.6.7}} Fire ants possess [[fire resistance]].
 [[Eating]] a fire ant [[corpse]] or [[tin]] has a {{frac|5}} chance of granting fire resistance.

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:47, 13 December 2025
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	[[Hero]]es capable of fighting ant swarms should use their best [[ranged weapon]]s, offensive spells and/or [[wand]]s as usual: fire ants are [[vulnerable]] to [[cold]] damage, making a [[wand of cold]] more effective than usual for killing swarms. Wands of {{wand of\|sleep\|slow monster\|and=1\|magic missile}} can also work against properly lined-up fire ants. Be prepared to kill them as quickly as possible to minimize damage to your inventory, and keep [[escape item]]s ready to go if you risk being overwhelmed—again, fire-vulnerable items should be bagged if possible. A hero that has fire resistance will completely nullify damage from the second bite attack, and fire ant corpses can be eaten as a source of fire resistance to make future fights easier, especially for Valkyries that find their quest and lack the intrinsic.		[[Hero]]es capable of fighting ant swarms should use their best [[ranged weapon]]s, offensive spells and/or [[wand]]s as usual: fire ants are [[vulnerable]] to [[cold]] damage, making a [[wand of cold]] more effective than usual for killing swarms. Wands of {{wand of\|sleep\|slow monster\|and=1\|magic missile}} can also work against properly lined-up fire ants. Be prepared to kill them as quickly as possible to minimize damage to your inventory, and keep [[escape item]]s ready to go if you risk being overwhelmed—again, fire-vulnerable items should be bagged if possible. A hero that has fire resistance will completely nullify damage from the second bite attack, and fire ant corpses can be eaten as a source of fire resistance to make future fights easier, especially for Valkyries that find their quest and lack the intrinsic.
		+
		+	As with other insects, fire ants created by the summon insects spell are usually encountered at a point where they are of no real trouble to most heroes, and can even serve as a useful physical buffer e.g. against monsters in [[Moloch's Sanctum]] or the [[Astral Plane]].

	{{upcoming\|NetHack 3.7.0\|Per {{commit\|b98a70e3ecaa4cbb5eb18c99de61cf84a2b52213}}, a worn [[dwarvish cloak]] can protect your inventory from fire damage {{frac\|9\|10}} of the time.		{{upcoming\|NetHack 3.7.0\|Per {{commit\|b98a70e3ecaa4cbb5eb18c99de61cf84a2b52213}}, a worn [[dwarvish cloak]] can protect your inventory from fire damage {{frac\|9\|10}} of the time.

@@ Line 10: / Line 10: @@
   |frequency=1
   |genocidable=yes
-  |attacks=[[Bite]] 2d4 physical, bite 2d4 [[Fire (element)|fire]]
+  |attacks=[[Bite attack|Bite]] 2d4 [[Physical damage|physical]], bite 2d4 [[Fire (element)|fire]]
   |weight=30
   |nutr=10