They often do this while the player is climbing to knock them off a ledge and deal high damage. In the event that a Volatile can see a player but not reach them, they will use a powerful spit attack similar to those employed by Toads. Players at higher levels with the appropriate skill can shake their attacks off relatively easily, but a low level player will need an incredibly powerful weapon in order to have any chance of survival. However, after First Assignment, you will get a UV flashlight which can be equipped and used when a volatile pounces, pushing them back and giving you enough time to escape. They have a special pounce attack that is very unlikely for low-level players to escape from. Volatiles are extremely fast, and can navigate through the dark at high speeds, matching the agility of the player perfectly, scaling obstacles and buildings in the same manner. They can audibly be identified by their heavy breathing and loud screeches.
Other physical markers include full-bodied nudity, exposed bone and muscle and a mandible jaw that it uses against non-infected humans. Volatiles are broad-shouldered and slightly taller than the average Biter.
