Predator debuted in 1987, first introducing audiences to the unique alien creature that would fuel the franchise. The Yautja, as fans would come to know them, are distinguished by their dreadlock-like hair and terrifying mandibles. Their culture is also built around a distinct hunter/warrior society, with each Predator expected to prove their worth and earn their place among the clans.
Despite the perceived similarities among some, each Yautja offers its own look, mask, weaponry, and fighting style. Each film in the Predator franchise helped flesh out the lore to continually refine the alien characters, with the latest entry, Predator: Badlands, finally turning the Yautja from the usual antagonist into the central protagonist. Over the nearly 40 years since Predator first hit theaters, there have been many notable Yautja, each with aspects worth highlighting.
‘Predator’ (1987)
Jungle Hunter
The Jungle Hunter was the first Yautja introduced to audiences, with practical effects legend Stan Winston creating the alien creature. The original Predator was a skilled hunter, utilizing reconnaissance and stealthy tactics in his initial outings. He’s also proven to be a skilled fighter, adhering to the Yautja Honor Code, which is meant to ensure that the Predators hunt only worthy, dangerous prey. This is demonstrated when he allows Anna to live due to being unarmed, and when he fights Dutch in hand-to-hand combat in the film’s finale.
The Jungle Hunter also introduced weaponry that would become commonplace among the Yautja warriors, such as the cloaking device, the Plasmacaster shoulder gun, and the Wristblades, which are long, knife-like blades that can be extended from the Wrist Gauntlet. The Jungle Hunter features the first Bio-mask, providing various visual and audio capabilities, many of which are controlled through the Wrist Gauntlet. The movie also features the first use of the Medicomp, a medical kit used for battlefield touch-ups, and Disintegrator Gas, which eliminates organic waste.
‘Predator 2’ (1990)
City Hunter (Ghost)
The City Hunter, or Ghost, is the antithesis of the Jungle Hunter in many ways. The City Hunter is young and overzealous, attacking and killing targets with no regard for the Yautja Honor Code, as his targets are often unworthy, taking out drug dealers and gang members rather than skilled fighters. While the City Hunter is still highly capable, his hunt comes off more like a killing spree, with his hubris leading to his ultimate demise.
The City Hunter has weapons fans have seen before, with his cloak, Plasmacaster, and Wrist Gauntlet, which comes with new upgrades, like the Energy Flechette, a type of projectile. The action sequel gave the hunter a new mask design and even a Medicomp kit. However, the City Hunter also came equipped with brand-new weapons, including the Speargun, a throwable cutting device called a Smart Disc, and the Combistick, a collapsible spear. The City Hunter was even the first to wield the Netgun, which fires a net that can tighten and cut into its prey.
The Lost Tribe: Boar, Borg, Greyback, Guardian, Scout, Shaman, Snake, Stalker, and Warrior
The Lost Tribe is only seen briefly at the end of Predator 2 aboard the mother ship, with the City Hunter being a member. While each of the nine Predators is merely glimpsed, they possess unique attributes, as each is seen uncloaking with a distinct Bio-mask and weapons. Greyback is the Yautja Elder and leader, appearing without a mask but wearing a Plasmacaster, with a hierarchy in place, as Warrior acts as his right hand.
Shaman is seen with a distinctive staff, Borg with a sword, and Snake with a Combistick, each conveying the tribe’s diversity and notes of lore at a glance. While the Lost Tribe isn’t seen in action, they honor Harrigan’s win against the City Hunter, proving to be more mindful of the Honor Code than the deceased warrior, adhering to a degree of nobility.
‘Alien vs. Predator’ (2004)
Celtic
Celtic is the oldest of the three Youngblood Yautja Warriors seen in Alien vs. Predator, who came to Earth to hunt Xenomorphs in the newly discovered ancient Predator pyramid. While still considered inexperienced, Celtic amassed more kills than his brothers before the new hunt, using his imposing stature and aggressive tactics to stand out as the brute of the bunch. Despite being a cocky hunter, he sticks to the code, proving to be a noble albeit impulsive Predator.
Celtic came armed with standard Yautja gear, including the Plasmacaster, Wristblades, and Combistick, all of which he used to significant effect. Celtic also comes with a ceremonial dagger for the hunt, and he utilizes the Shuriken, which is a Yautja-style throwing star. He even has distinctive body armor that covers far more than previous iterations of Predators.
Chopper
Chopper is the Youngblood Yautja in one of Alien vs. Predator‘s most infamous images, staring down a snarling Xenomorph, encapsulating the titular conflict. He is the middle brother of Celtic and Scar, accompanying them on the ceremonial hunt. Chopper is easily the most careless of the siblings, often acting recklessly without properly contemplating his actions. While a risk-taker, he’s a skilled warrior, merely hindered by his youth.
Chopper packs standard Yautja weaponry, such as the cloak and Plasmacaster, and wears a distinctive Bio-mask. His unique weapon is the Scimitar, an upgraded-looking version of the Wristblade that extends even further, offering greater range akin to a sword.
Scar
The youngest of the three Youngblood Yautja in AvP, Scar, ultimately becomes the central Predator, as he is the only one to earn his Blooded status by killing several Xenomorphs, including a Queen, with the help of the movie’s human lead, Lex Woods. Unlike his older brothers, Celtic and Chopper, Scar is a strategist, thinking his actions through and planning rather than giving in to his siblings’ impulsivity. When things get out of hand, he sees the benefit of having a human fight alongside him, allowing his intelligence to aid him.
Scar carries a similar arsenal to his siblings, though he is shown to have a broader skill set, displaying an aptitude for multiple weapons, such as the Shuriken and Combistick. He is also skilled at crafting improvisational weaponry, as he is shown making a spear and shield for Lex from the head and tail of a dead Xenomorph.
Ancient Predator
The Ancient Predator is only seen at the end of Alien vs. Predator, serving as an overseer to the hunt that Chopper, Scar, and Celtic were undertaking. While not shown in action, the Ancient Predator honors the code, noting that Scar gave Lex a Blooded mark, which he respects, even giving her his Combistick in recognition of the accomplishment.
The Ancient Predator has more distinct facial features, setting himself apart even further with garb meant to indicate his status, as most Yautja Elders wear capes. While not seen using weaponry, he is seen with a Combistick and Wrist Gauntlet, with his cloak used upon arrival and departure.
‘Alien vs. Predator: Requiem’ (2007)
Wolf
After a Yautja ship crashes on Earth, unleashing the Predalien, a Predator/Xenomorph hybrid, Wolf is called upon to stop it. Wolf is an Elite hunter, having made several notable kills beyond his basic training to earn the title, with his appearance rife with battle scars, including a missing mandible and a blind eye. Wolf is a formidable, seasoned warrior, capable of holding his own against a rabid alien threat and showcasing his tactical hunting expertise.
Wolf carries a relatively standard Yautja loadout and is regularly seen using his Wristblades and Plasmacaster. However, he also brings some unique new weaponry to the franchise, including Laser Mines. Wolf’s most notable weapon is his whip, which is crafted from a Xenomorph tail, proving to be a deadly tool.
Bonegrill & Bull
Bonegrill and Bull don’t get much time to shine, appearing in the opening scene of Alien vs. Predator: Requiem as the first two victims of the Predalien. Neither Yautja puts up much of a fight: Bonegrill is snuck up on while he goes about his duties, and Bull is taken down after a short battle in which he gets off a few shots with his Plasmacaster.
Bonegrill and Bull both feature elaborate Bio-masks that make an impact during their brief appearances. Bonegrill is also seen using a flaying tool that hasn’t been in the franchise before, though for dissection rather than battle. Bull mainly uses his Plasmacaster, but his Wrist Gauntlet comes into play, sending out a distress signal rather than activating its explosive capabilities.
‘Predators’ (2010)
Berserker
Berserker is the leader of the Super Predator Clan seen in Predators. Super Predators are a taller, more aggressive subspecies of the Yautja, with distinctive features such as darker pigmentation and larger mandibles. Berserker has no interest in the Honor Code, killing whomever he pleases in whatever manner he chooses, though he uses his Plasmacaster more than most. The Super Predator also doesn’t care for a fair fight, utilizing all his weaponry in situations that would see more honor-bound Yautja disarm to even the odds.
While the Berserker comes equipped with the usual items, he has distinct differences. His Plasmacaster has various functions, including rapid-fire and charged shots, as well as a superior swivel system. The Berserker’s Wrist Gauntlet is also new, featuring a single Scimitar blade rather than the usual double blades seen before.
Tracker
Tracker is a Super Predator known as the “Dog Handler” for his use of Hell-Hounds to flush out prey during hunts. He tends to prefer the company of his well-trained tracking dogs to other Yautja, performing brutal, often sadistic kills that paint him as sociopathic. He notably stabbed Nikolai and held him aloft to study his dying face like Michael Myers in a Halloween movie, showing his morbid fascination as part of his hunting enjoyment.
Beyond his single-bladed Scimitar and tusk-sprouting Bio-mask, the Tracker Predators’ most useful weapon is his dog whistle. The Tracker uses an eerie-sounding dog whistle to control his hounds with precision, turning them into a weapon he can point and control like any gun.
Falconer
The Falconer is a tech-savvy Super Predator who offers one of the most original Yautja hunting devices with his bird-like tracker. The flying falcon drone launches from his shoulder, scanning the forests of the game preserve in search of prey. While Falconer appears to be the smaller member of the Super Predator Clan, he’s extremely agile and strong, proving his skills in a sword fight with Hanzo. He is also the only Super Predator to lean into elements of the Honor Code, fighting Hanzo on even terms.
The Falconer shares the other Super Predators’ loadout, though he is highly skilled with his Scimitar, highlighting a penchant for close-quarters combat. His drone also changes his approach to hunting, making his tactics stand out among the others in the franchise, as he doesn’t rely on natural instinct.
Crucified Predator
The Crucified Predator is seen strung up as a prisoner of the Super Predators in the game preserve. He is from the Jungle Hunter Clan of Yautja, first seen in the original Predator film, with the Super Predators being at odds with the more honor-bound clan. While initially unable to fight back, he is eventually freed and attacks Berserker, even helping Royce, highlighting his honorable tactics and strategic thinking.
The Crucified Predator has a standard weapons lineup, though his mask is damaged. He’s also put at a disadvantage against the Super Predators, given his weakened state from his time as a tortured prisoner. While the Yautja put up a valiant fight, he was outmatched, with his appearance speaking volumes about Predator culture.
‘The Predator’ (2018)
Fugitive Predator (Rogue Predator)
The Fugitive Predator has one of the most confusing Honor Codes of the franchise, as he is ultimately on Earth to provide humanity with a weapon against the Yautja called the “Predator Killer,” a metallic suit with big guns. However, the movie’s plot issues have him killing innocent people, which does highlight unique combat tactics, as he is seen biting with his mandibles and using bone spurs on his head to cut at enemies. Still, even with his code muddled in his actions, he is a proven fighter, capable of both close-quarters and long-range combat.
The Fugitive Predator utilizes standard weaponry, much of which he must steal back. However, his Bio-mask features numerous upgrades used throughout, and a new device called the Kujhad, which serves as a remote control for several things, including the Predator’s ship. The Yautja is also seen using a human assault rifle during his escape, making for a rare use of human weaponry.
Ultimate Predator
The Ultimate Predator, or Upgraded Predator, is a genetically modified Yautja. He is the largest Predator the franchise has seen, standing 11 feet tall, with his imposing frame giving him greater strength, agility, speed, and even making him more durable in combat. Rather than being naturally skilled like standard Yautja, the Ultimate Predator is an amalgam of DNA, designed to create a superior species, which plays into the film’s plot. While a skilled hunter, he succeeds thanks to brute force.
The Ultimate Predator also utilizes standard gear in many respects, with upgrades unique to him. His lack of a Bio-mask is notable, as he still possesses the mask’s abilities, either through an implant or genetic manipulation. He also uses a Wrist Cannon, which operates from his gauntlet, acting like a stronger version of the Energy Flechettes. His Wristblades can even be fired from the gauntlet, allowing for close combat or being fired like a harpoon.
‘Prey’ (2022)
Feral Predator
The Feral Predator is one of the franchise’s most distinctive Yautja, with a markedly different physical appearance from what most fans expect, as he is not part of the clans seen in past films. He also lives up to his name, preferring close-quarters combat, seeing him savagely take down a bear with his hands. He’s an adaptable fighter, as seen with Naru and the French fur trappers, where he uses every weapon he can while also fighting several at once in hand-to-hand combat. Despite his savagery, the Feral Predator does look to adhere to the Honor Code, only going after those who pose a threat or are deemed worthy adversaries.
The Feral Predator has weapons fans will recognize, but he is notable for featuring primitive versions of them, as the movie is set in 1719. Rather than a high-tech metallic Bio-mask, his is made of bone, and he also doesn’t use a standard Plasmacaster; instead, he utilizes a Bolt Gun variation. He also has a shield that spawns from his Wrist Gauntlet, with the device even granting him access to Proximity Mines. The Feral Predator even had Netballs, which offer a grenade-like version of the Netgun.
‘Predator: Killer of Killers’ (2025)
Yautja Pilot (World War II Predator)
The Yautja Pilot offers one of the franchise’s most original Predators, as he uses his custom Scout Ship to fight his chosen adversary. Rather than using on-foot hunting techniques, he acts as a fighter pilot, allowing his ship to serve as his weapon, marking the Predator franchise’s first aerial dogfight.
The Yautja Pilot is notably bald, lacking dreadlock-style hair, and he has an eye patch, marking a past injury highlighted in his appearance. While his chosen weapon is his ship, featuring a net launcher, harpoons, and mines, he still appears to uphold an Honor Code, as the pilot attacks heavily armed aviators during WW2 who pose a skilled fight or threat.
Grendel (Viking Predator)
Grendel is a staggeringly large Predator featured in Killer of Killers, feeling at home in the ancient Viking setting. One of his most notable features is a missing arm, replaced with a prosthetic that doubles as a weapon, emitting sonic blasts. He keeps to the Honor Code, stealthily watching the Vikings, noting their skills and weaponry before he makes his attack. Still, he prefers brutal close-quarters combat, using his imposing stature to significant effect.
Grendel is one of the least equipped Predators there has been. Aside from his prosthetic arm, he only uses a Bio-mask and cloak, keeping things simple. While this could be due to the early era, it also plays into his choice of hand-to-hand fights, with Grendel notably not even carrying the standard Medicomp.
Oni Predator (Feudal Japan Predator)
The Oni Predator has distinct physical attributes, as he is tall and thin rather than the general hulking form of most Predators. His mouth also only features lower mandibles, as the top two are missing, and they are longer and folded more tightly upward over the mouth. His physical appearance also plays into his fighting style, as he prefers to observe stealthily, studying his prey before attacking. The Oni Predator is highly skilled in close combat, as seen in a sword fight, with tactics reminiscent of swordplay in 1609 Japan.
The Oni Predator utilizes much of the standard Yautja gear, with slight differences, such as a double-barreled Plasmacaster and a Combistick concealing retractable blades. He even expertly uses a barbed Chain Whip, which extends from his Wrist Gauntlet, allowing him to grab his opponents, pulling them close like Scorpion from Mortal Kombat.
Grendel King
The Grendel King shares many characteristics with the Feral Predator from Prey, suggesting he is from the same clan. He offers a staggering presence, towering over others with a muscular frame, bolstered by his bone cape hanging from his back. He earned his place as king due to his combat skills. While he’s seen watching others fight for his amusement, the Grendel King battles the winners, proving to have a lengthy winning streak thanks to his tactical mindfulness and adaptability.
The Grendel King features a unique Bio-mask that is either an actual Yautja skull or one made to look like one, as the film is set in the future. His other weaponry comes pretty standard, including a Wrist Gauntlet and Combistick. However, he uses a Predator Axe, which was seen in 2010’s Predators, but not witnessed in action until the Grendel King.
‘Predator: Badlands’ (2025)
Dek
Dek is one of the Predator franchise’s most diverse Yautja, as he is first seen with standard weaponry before making a stand with an improvised arsenal. Life has kept Dek down, as he is seen as the runt of his clan, even appearing underdeveloped alongside others. However, this instilled a fire in him, showing he was determined to prove his worth at any cost. Still, his attitude often sees him running headlong into battle rather than planning his attack, which he eventually learns. More than anything, Dek is adaptable and able to find strength and strategy when all seems lost.
Beyond the standard weapon loadout, the story sees Dek having to earn his cloak. He also has unique weapons, such as the Plasma Sword, Plasma Bow, and Cryo Grenades. His final battle sees him gathering weapons from the planet he’s on, Genna. Dek then utilizes explosive grubs, bone bison armor, and an acid-spitting eel creature in place of his Plasmacaster. While many Predators rely on technologically advanced weapons or bare-bones combat, Dek found an improvised arsenal in the world around him.
Kwei
Kwei is a conflicted Yautja, bound to his father’s code, but he can’t bring himself to kill his brother because of perceived weakness. Still, he’s a skilled warrior, fighting well at close range and from a distance. However, his compassion proved to be a weakness, as while his code may be mired in his father’s shortcomings, he has an underlying nobility despite not adhering strictly to the Honor Code. These characteristics even make him a good teacher, helping Dek train.
Kwei comes equipped with numerous standardized Yautja weapons, like a Bio-mask and a cloak. He has detachable Wristblades, and his Wrist Gauntlet generates an energy shield, similar to the upgraded version used by the Feral Predator.
Njohrr
Njohrr is a clan leader with a ruthless personality, abhorring anything he perceives as weak, including his own family. He harbors a perfectionist nature, which overflows with unhinged pride, proving to be his own weakness. One of his most noticeable attributes is his white dreadlocks, which indicate his age, but also serve as a first for Yautja on film. Despite his age, he is a skilled warrior, with Njohrr even besting his younger son, Kwei, in battle. His actions violate the Honor Code, as his petty Darwinian attitude toward his family is an offense punishable by death in other Predator clans.
While Njohrr has several standard weapons, like Wristblades and his Cloak, he is also seen using an Energy Snare, which is a throwable device that holds prey in place. Njohrr even wields a Plasma Sword like his sons, showing deadly skill with it.
- Release Date
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June 12, 1987
- Runtime
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107 minutes
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
