Order Soldier

Order Soldier
An Order Soldier in Homecoming
Overview
Full Name:	Order Soldier
Abilities:	Melee Combat
Weapons:	Pipe Rifle
Health:	150 (Medium)
Locations:	Toluca Lake Water and Power Overlook Penitentiary Lair
Behind The Scenes
Debut:	Silent Hill: Homecoming
Also In:	Silent Hill: Revelation

Order Soldiers are combat-disciplined members of a specific sect of the Order from Silent Hill: Homecoming. They are responsible for kidnapping several residents of Shepherd's Glen.

Alex Shepherd first encounters them during his journey in combat at the Toluca Lake Water and Power facility in Silent Hill.

They make up a significant portion of the few human enemies encountered in the entire Silent Hill series. Other human enemies include Eddie Dombrowski, Curtis Ackers, Anne Marie Cunningham, Margaret Holloway, and Patrick Napier.

Appearance

Order Soldier models.

The members of the Order's combat group are known for their distinctive attire, which is primarily composed of heavy clothing made from mining equipment, hazmat gear, thick rubber gloves, and other protective clothing. This makeshift armor provides them with substantial protection. They also wear gas masks, welding goggles, heavy helmets, and even scuba gear wrapped in thick burlap, which completely conceals their bodies. This gear not only serves as protection but also helps to maintain anonymity and create an intimidating presence.

In terms of weaponry, the Order's combat group is typically armed with metal pipes or rifles. The use of these weapons is likely due to their availability and ease of use. Metal pipes can be found in many industrial settings and can be wielded without any specific training. Rifles, on the other hand, provide the advantage of long-range attacks, which can be crucial in combat situations.

The Order's combat group bears a notable resemblance to the Brethren from the first Silent Hill film. The Brethren are the main antagonists of the film and are depicted as a fanatical religious group. The similarities between the two groups could be due to their shared origins in the Silent Hill universe, which is known for its themes of religious fanaticism and cult-like organizations. However, it's important to note that while there are similarities, the two groups are not identical and have distinct characteristics and roles within their respective narratives.

Character

An Order Soldier armed with a pipe.

Although the Order Soldiers may not be formally trained in combat, they are still armed and pose a considerable threat. They possess more stamina and skill than most other enemies encountered in the game. However, they are easier to stun and knock off balance. The Order Soldiers excel at dodging and fight in a manner similar to the game's protagonist, Alex. As such, they have access to counter-attacks and combos, and will exploit these if given the opportunity. They also shout when they spot Alex, alerting all other soldiers in the vicinity, and often taunt him during combat. Players must remain vigilant when Order Soldiers are nearby; since they are not monsters, they will not trigger the radio to emit static, thus enabling them to sneak up on Alex.

Order Soldiers armed with pipes tend to rush Alex upon spotting him and attempt to overwhelm him with combo-attacks, often knocking Alex down with the final swing. They are quite adept at dodging single-strike attacks, so countering with the player's own counter-attacks and combos is the most effective strategy against them. If players prefer melee combat, the best way to avoid damage is by using a faster weapon, such as the ceremonial dagger.

Order Soldiers armed with rifles pose a greater threat, as their bullets inflict significant damage, although they require some time to set up a proper shot. Their close-range attacks are also quite dangerous, as they can quickly strike with the butt-end of their rifles, causing substantial damage. Therefore, the best strategy against them is to counter with a firearm and aim to land the first shot.

Silent Hill: Homecoming

Alex fighting an Order Soldier.

Alex first encounters this enigmatic group when they invade his home and kidnap hismother. Alex manages to escape and, along with Deputy Wheeler and Elle Holloway, pursues them back to Silent Hill. Upon reaching the shore, more Order Soldiers appear and kidnap Wheeler and Elle, leaving Alex alone once again. Alex battles his way through their prison, where they execute his mother using a large rack-like device. He then fights through the Otherworld version of the Order's church. At one point, Alex briefly disguises himself as an Order Soldier to safely bypass some steam vents, butCurtis Ackers quickly identifies him and knocks him unconscious on the way to their lair. Alex manages to escape again, killing Curtis in the process and rescuing Elle (and Wheeler, depending on the player's actions) before proceeding to the final confrontation.

If the player achieves the Drowning ending, Alex's bloodied and gas mask-clad Order Soldier costume becomes permanently available for use. However, Order Soldiers will still attack him on sight.

In the Xbox 360 version of the game, defeating an Order Soldier for the first time unlocks the "Out of Order" Achievement.

Silent Hill: Revelation

Brethren members in Revelation.

A live-action version of the Order Soldiers appears in Silent Hill: Revelation. In this film, the Order Soldiers serve a role similar to the one they play in the game. However, unlike the first Silent Hill film, the cultists clad in miner's outfits in Revelation are members of the Order. This contrasts with the cult seen in the first film, which was not originally intended to be the same as the Order.