One step up from the Drones in the Locust hierarchy are the Grenadiers. Their overall physical appearance does resemble that of a Drone, but they are generally bulkier and stronger. Grenadiers, in addition to being large and muscular, have tough skin making them invulnerable to most physical attacks. However, they do not wear anything to cover themselves from the waist up. They preferably engage in close combat, so they are armed with the Gnasher Shotgun, which at close range can be quite devastating. Grenadiers are not very intelligent and will often rush the enemy without taking cover. Nevertheless, they still exceed the Drones in combat ability, so they pose a greater threat than them.
Grenadiers are playable in both Gears of War and Gears of War 2 versus mode.
