What is the best tactic for battling wretches in Gears of War?

Solution 1:

The best strategy when dealing with the normal wretches is to use the shotgun. Don't aim (so shoot from the hip) and then melee when they get closer to you. If they get too close you can always shoot the shotgun then roll backwards to give yourself some distance.

With the Lambent wretches, the explosion you see when they die also effects other locust. So, if possible, try and get a lambent wretch to explode next to other enemies. Two birds with one stone :-)

If a lambent wretch gets too close to you, melee and roll backwards. Or shoot and roll backwards (as you've probably found out, the explosion hurts.....a lot!!)