The other approach is to run away to avoid the explosion at just the right moment when they go into self-destruct.

Protocol Droids are very hard (close to impossible, actually) to defeat with melee weapons safely, therefore keeping a ranged weapon in one's inventory is advised.

However, the player can hide, attack them from behind and circle-strafe, buying enough time to finish them before they turn and start shooting. It is hard to defeat them without taking any damage being already in their range.

Shotgun Hybrids are one of the tougher opponents on early stages, as they have hitscan weapons.

This is especially important in case of Pipe Hybrids and Cyborg Midwives. Agility can make the job easier for obvious reasons.

Observe the attack patterns of enemies and always try to evade when they are about to strike.

Neural Decontamination that efficiently protects against radiation, useful on Deck 1.

Localized Pyrokinesis which makes the player immune to the explosion of Protocol Droids (and also Laser and Blast Turrets), eliminating the greatest threat of any melee weapon user.

Psychogenic Strength that increases the final bonus to the melee damage.

Recursive Psionic Amplification that boosts PSI statistic, influencing all Psi Powers.

Adrenaline Overproduction which can greatly increase melee damage (depending on one's PSI), allowing the player to literally smash any foe in one hit.

Psychogenic Agility which can be used to catch up with enemies on early maps ( Year 3, Mission 1).

Psycho-Reflective Screen that protects against 15% of almost all damage ( Year 1, Mission 3).Contrary to popular belief, OSA Agent is arguably the best class to specialize in any melee weapon, as one can unlock the following Psionic Powers at the (very) beginning:.Both Lethal Weapon and Smasher O/S Upgrades (acquired preferably in that order) substantially increase the damage output of a melee weapon, and should come in handy throughout the whole game.

Strength increases the final bonus added to the melee damage and thus should be a high priority.

Laser rapier system shock concept art