In the original Grounded, Apex Predator is a mutation that gives eligible boss-made weapons a chance to trigger a weapon-specific effect. The Club can apply Venom, the Scythe can gain attack speed, and Bard’s Bow can summon a friendly Wasp. Obsidian’s April 17, 2025, Patch 1.4.7 notes say the mutation also works with all Infused Boss Weapons.
What Apex Predator does
Apex Predator is not a general damage bonus: its effect depends on which eligible boss weapon you use. The Grounded Wiki documents a 20% chance to trigger the listed effect on each of the three original weapon pairings. Obsidian later stated that the mutation works with all Infused Boss Weapons in its Patch 1.4.7 notes, published April 17, 2025.
The exact figures below come from the community-maintained Grounded Wiki mutation entry, rather than an independent test. They describe the effects documented there; later balance changes could affect in-game behavior.
Apex Predator effects by weapon
| Weapon pairing | Documented effect |
|---|---|
| Club of the Mother Demon or Infused Club | Each attack has a 20% chance to apply Venom. The reference lists 45 damage every 5 seconds for 15 seconds and says the Venom bypasses Poison resistances and immunities. |
| Scythe of Blossoms or Infused Scythe | Each attack has a 20% chance to increase the Scythe of Blossoms’ attack speed by 25% for 10 seconds. Switching weapons during the effect incurs a penalty, according to the reference. |
| Bard’s Bow or Infused Bow | Each attack has a 20% chance to grant a buff. The buff has a 25% chance to spawn a friendly Wasp that attacks aggressive foes. |
Which weapon benefits you most?
- Club: Choose it for a chance to apply additional Venom damage.
- Scythe: Choose it for a temporary attack-speed increase, keeping in mind the documented weapon-switch penalty.
- Bard’s Bow: Choose it for a chance to get a friendly Wasp fighting aggressive enemies.
The mutation’s value therefore depends on the weapon and effect you want; it does not provide one universal bonus across all weapons.
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Does Apex Predator work in Grounded 2?
This answer covers the original Grounded, not Grounded 2. Steam presents the two as separate entries in the series; its Grounded Series Bundle announcement distinguishes them. The weapon effects and Patch 1.4.7 compatibility note above concern the original game.
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