Tunneler Tunnelers are found in the Divide in 2281 . Background . The exact origins of the Tunnelers is unknown . However , there are signs that they were created after the Great War , probably by mutation of an unknown species . . Being underground predators , they build their nests deep into the earth and have lived undisturbed by surface - dwellers for centuries . Tunnelers had no direct contact with the surface world until atomic warheads beneath Hopeville detonated when the Courier unintentionally brought a package containing nuclear launch codes from Navarro . This atomic firestorm caused great earthquakes and savage storms that split open the earth , thus revealing the surface to them . Even so , Tunnelers are very averse to loud noises and bright lights . They try to keep beyond the reach of the sun by staying in tunnels and other low - light areas . By 2281 , the tunnelers are believed to pose a threat to the Mojave Wasteland in the near future , as they can spread quickly via underground tunnels , forming nests as they go . Tunnelers reproduce quickly , and hunt in packs large enough to become a significant hazard . When they are in packs , they can easily tear apart a . Characteristics . Biology . Tunnelers appear to be reptilian - humanoids with dark , scaly skin , large bio - luminescent eyes , a mouth filled with sharp reptilian teeth and chitinous spikes protruding from their shoulders and heads . Tunnelers are found underground , as their name implies , and are noted for their fear of bright lights and loud noises . Every now and then they will flee from combat and head back underground . This can be seen easily by throwing a flash bang or firing a flare gun at a tunneler . Their enlarged eyes appear to be an adaptation to the conditions of their preferred habitat and are sensitive to light ; a condition which would explain their extreme aversion to weapons like flash bangs and flare guns , and to the sun itself . Gameplay attributes . Tunnelers will flee from a multitude of things such as : Variants . Tunneler . These are the most common type of tunneler and will deal medium damage individually . Tunnelers typically attack in groups , swarming anything in their way . This makes them lethal opponents to even higher - level Couriers . Hulking tunneler . Hulking tunnelers are the second largest variant of tunneler , second only to the tunneler queen . They are quite rare and are not as fast as regular tunnelers , but if they strike the Courier , there is a good chance he or she will be staggered or knocked down . Venomous tunneler . The smallest of the tunnelers , they are also quite rare except at higher levels , when they are more frequent in the pack . Venomous tunnelers are faster than others and their attacks deal less damage on the initial strike . As their name implies , they possess a deadly venom which can quickly overpower an inexperienced player . As they swarm with regular and hulking tunnelers , even a higher - level player can be killed in a matter of seconds . Tunneler queen . The largest of the tunnelers , the queen combines deadly speed and hard - hitting attacks , enough to kill even a deathclaw . While there is only one ( located in the Cave of the Abaddon ) , she has only 25 HP less than a deathclaw , making her a formidable opponent . Appearances . Tunnelers appear in the " " , " Lonesome Road " .