The Yautja or referred as the Predators are a race of dangerous and savage extra-terrestrial humanoid alien warriors featured in the Predator and Alien vs. Predator franchise as they are known for their hunting skills on other dangerous species including humans or Xenomorphs.
Biography[]
The Yautja are a sentient humanoid warrior race that breathe an atmosphere similar to that of Earth's, but possess a level of technological advancement far in excess of anything available to humans. The Predators stalk and kill their prey using a combination of highly advanced technology, such as active camouflage and energy weapons, combined with traditional ancient weapons. The Predators often ritualistically mutilate their victims and usually claim a trophy from their kills. Capable of interstellar travel in star ships, the Predators have hunted on Earth for centuries and have also had prior contact with the Engineers. They have been known to deliberately breed Xenomorphs in order to hunt them, often as part of initiation rituals for young Predators. Predators almost always operate alone, exceptions being when young Predators undertake their first hunt as a means of initiation, although even then each member of the group is expected to hunt for and by himself. When hunting, Predators notably follow a strict code of honor that dictates the manner in which they will hunt their prey.
Predators are bipedal humanoid alien hunters and warriors, physically distinguishable from humans by their greater height. They have long, dreadlocks on their heads, reptilian skin and their faces feature insect-like mandibles. The biological purpose of the distinctive mandibles is unclear — some have proposed they may be used in reproduction or mating rituals. They also seem to be utilized by Yautja to convey emotions (for example, splayed mandibles apparently signify anger or surprise). As well as dreadlocks around the side of the head, some Predators have also been seen to possess sparse, coarse facial hair on their cheeks and above the eyes. While generally uniform, each Yautja's physical appearance includes a number of subtle variations, akin to human genetic diversity. Similarly, while Predator heights vary, they are typically over 9 feet tall, although some have been known to grow to 8 feet or even taller. Despite this, shorter individuals have been recorded. These individuals are unusual and their smaller height the subject of ridicule in Yautja society. The species' reptile-like skin can range in colour from light to dark, be mottled or clear, and can appear dry or moist and clammy.
Yautja are highly resilient to physical damage, capable of recovering from multiple gunshot wounds with minimal or even no medical attention and surviving radiation doses which would be fatal to humans. They are also highly resilient to most bacteria and viruses. They are extremely very powerful and strong, easily capable of outmatching conditioned humans in combat and able to land blows that can shatter solid concrete. They are capable of tearing a human's head and spine from the body with little effort, while some larger specimens have even been seen to tear a human body in half using only their bare hands. This strength evidently extends to their lower bodies as well, as Predators have been seen to jump up to three times their own height, and are capable of falling up to ten times their height and landing safely on their bare feet. They are skilled climbers, and in fact appear to prefer moving at height through trees or across rooftops in pursuit of prey, typically jumping from one vantage point to the next. Though capable of surviving exposure in Antarctic temperatures for an extended period of time, it seems as though Predators have a preference for hot equatorial climates. Their blood is green, and has the capacity to partially neutralise the acidity of Xenomorph blood. It has also been known to bestow significant life-giving properties on humans, capable of extending a person's lifespan well beyond what would normally be possible. It is thought Yautja may be cold-blooded, hence their documented affinity for hot, humid conditions. Predators' vision operates mainly in the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. They can easily detect heat differentials in their surroundings, but are unable to easily distinguish among objects of the same relative temperature. A Predator's mask greatly increases its ability to see in a variety of spectrums, ranging from the low infrared to the high ultraviolet, and also filters ambient heat from the area, allowing them to distinguish prey with greater clarity and detail. While they are seemingly capable of breathing Earth's atmosphere, they have been known to use some form of breathing apparatus in the event of losing their mask.
Super Predator[]
Super Predators are a different species of the Yautja race. They are essentially a stronger version of the original Predators. They are larger than mainstream predators, standing at 8-9 feet tall or more. They have a more reptilian appearance than their better-known cousins, and have scaly skin in addition to different colour pigmentation. Another feature is their dreadlocks which are far more swept back than on "normal" Yautja. They also possess a longer face, giving them a small snout in effect. They are truly stronger than other Predators. Also, a Super Predator's trill, is much deeper and growlier than the commonly seen Yautja's.
The Berserker Predator, the Falconer Predator and the Tracker Predator appear to be in a blood feud with the smaller Yautja. However, they use the same technology as the original Predators, only some of it appears to be more advanced.
They do differ in various ways in terms of culture. The first difference is they have a new Wristblade on their Wrist Gauntlets and they also use a new type of Plasmacaster. They also have tighter armour, being less metal and more leather in appearance. The Falconer Predator is known by using a falcon-like spying device to trail his prey and so far the Super Predators are most likely they are not the only users of their devices. Like most Yautja, the Super Predators use masks boasting unique appearances, however these new masks have a new vision mode allowing the Super Predators to detect the pulse of prey. This unique vision mode has not been seen being used by any Yautja other than the Super Predators. The Super Predators are also seen using vocal mimicry and Cloaks.
When hunting, they use traps, preferring to induce fear and panic into their prey in an attempt to make them run. Another feature is that they (unlike their cousins) have no qualms about killing an unarmed or injured enemy. Also, Super Predators like the Tracker Predator have been seen to use their Hell-Hounds for pursuing down and killing their prey similar to hunting dogs.
They appear to value Trophies and large numbers of kills rather than honor in the hunt or in the individual kill. It is said that they are constantly trying to improve themselves to become better killers, and that is why they use the most dangerous of prey in order to improve their technology and tactics. The Super Predators share a similar characteristic with the killer Yautjas as they also captured and controlled Xenomorphs for their own usage.
Known Predators[]
Jungle Hunter Predator: The Jungle Hunter Predator was a Predator that began a hunt in the jungles of Val Verde during the insurgency. He stalked and killed several American military personnel in the region, including members of an elite mercenary unit led by their leader, Dutch Schaefer. Dutch eventually engaged the Jungle Hunter Predator in combat and mortally wounded it by triggering one of his traps, but the dying creature was able to commit suicide by blowing himself up with his self-destruct device.
City Hunter Predator: The City Hunter Predator was another Predator that began a hunt in the city of Los Angeles during the heatwave and gang war. He stalked and killed numerous LA gang members until he eventually came into conflict with both a government taskforce led by Peter Keyes attempting to capture him and veteran LAPD Detective Lieutenant Mike Harrigan. The warrior was eventually killed by Harrigan while engaging him in combat inside his Mother Ship after he used the Predator's own Smart Disc to slice open the creature's abdomen. The City Hunter Predator's corpse was later collected by his comrades and taken off Earth afterwards.
Greyback: Greyback was an elder Predator and leader who was encountered by Mike Harrigan on board his Mother Ship hidden beneath Los Angeles. After the City Hunter Predator was killed by Harrigan in combat on board their ship, Greyback and the rest of his hunting party surrounded him. Contrary to Harrigan's expectations, they did not attack, but instead carried away their dead comrade's corpse. Before Greyback left, he gave Harrigan a flintlock pistol as a trophy, signifying the respect he held for the man who had defeated one of his kind in a fight. Greyback and the others then left Earth on the ship with their deceased comrade.
Berserker Predator: The Berserker Predator was the leader of the Super Predators on the Game Preserve Planet. Although each of the Super Predators was a relatively inexperienced juvenile, the Berserker acted as a very violent and merciless hunter. As well as an ongoing conflict with the original Predators, the Berserker and his brothers, the Falconer and the Tracker also abducted humans and other dangerous game for their hunts. The Berserker was eventually killed by Royce, who decapitated the Super Predator with an axe-like weapon.
Falconer Predator: The Falconer Predator was one of the Super Predators on the Game Preserve Planet. He notably used a falcon-like device to track prey from above. As well as an ongoing conflict with the original Predators, the Falconer and his brothers, the Berserker and the Tracker also abducted humans and other dangerous game to hunt on the planet. The Falconer was killed by Hanzo while fighting him in a one-on-one duel, but the Super Predator also killed the human before dying from his wounds.
Tracker Predator: The Tracker Predator was one of the Super Predators on the Game Preserve Planet. He notably used his Hell-Hounds to chase, hunt and kill prey. As well as an ongoing conflict with the original Predators, the Tracker and his brothers, the Falconer and the Berserker also abducted humans and other dangerous game to hunt on the planet. The Tracker was killed by Nikolai after he sacrificed himself by setting off claymore mines attached to himself, obliterating him and the Super Predator in an explosion.
Crucified Predator: The Crucified Predator or referred as the "Classic Predator" was a Predator captured by the Super Predators on the Game Preserve Planet. He was strung up on a totem and was later discovered by Royce's group at the Super Predators' campsite. He was eventually freed from his restraints by Royce and the released Predator helped him by setting up the Super Predators' spaceship ready for a return to Earth. He was later killed and decapitated by the Berserker Predator while engaging him in combat.
Scar: Scar was a Young Blood Predator who travelled to Earth with his older brothers, Celtic and Chopper to undertake an initiation hunt in an ancient pyramid beneath the ice on Bouvet Island. In stalking and killing Xenomorph prey, they hoped to become blooded Predators. Of the three individuals taking part in the ritual hunt, Scar was the only Predator to succeed in killing a Xenomorph and thereby gain his blooded status. He killed several of the creatures, including a Xenomorph Queen, which he defeated with the assistance of Lex Woods. Despite his successes, the Young Blood was mortally impaled by the Queen's tail and died peacefully from heavy wounds afterwards. Scar was also impregnated by a lone Facehugger and was host to a Predalien that later terrorized the town of Gunnison.
Celtic: Celtic was another Young Blood Predator who travelled to Earth with his younger brothers, Scar and Chopper to undertake an initiation hunt in an ancient pyramid beneath the ice on Bouvet Island. In stalking and killing Xenomorph prey, they hoped to become blooded Predators. Although each of the Predators was a relatively inexperienced juvenile, Celtic acted as the leader of the group. During the ritual hunt, Celtic killed one human and engaged the alpha Xenomorph Grid in combat. However, despite initially having gained the upper-hand, his overconfidence ultimately got the better of him and he was instantly killed by Grid. As a result, Celtic failed to slay any Xenomorphs.
Chopper: Chopper was another Young Blood Predator who travelled to Earth with his brothers, Scar and Celtic to undertake an initiation hunt in an ancient pyramid beneath the ice on Bouvet Island. In stalking and killing Xenomorph prey, they hoped to become blooded Predators. Having getting distracted by the humans, Chopper failed to slay any Xenomorphs during the ritual hunt and was quickly killed by the alpha Xenomorph Grid.
Wolf: Wolf was a veteran Predator and ruthless Xenomorph hunter who arrived on Earth after responding to a distress signal to kill a Predalien that was terrorizing the town of Gunnison and also to wipe out a Xenomorph infestation. He killed three humans of the town, slayed many Xenomorphs and fought the Predalien in combat. Wolf was killed when a tactical nuclear bomb was dropped on the town while locked in combat with the Predalien and both of them were incinerated in the explosion along with the Xenomorphs and the town's residents.
Bull: Bull was a Predator that was on board a Scout Ship which detached from the Mother Ship that was departing Earth after recovering the corpse of Scar when the Predator was killed by a Xenomorph Queen on Bouvet Island. Bull was killed by a Predalien that was spawned from Scar inside the Scout Ship after it crashed on Earth in Gunnison, but he just managed to send a distress signal to the Predator's home world where it was picked up by Wolf, who would travel to Earth to kill the Predalien and contain a Xenomorph infestation.
Ultimate Predator: The Ultimate Predator or referred as the "Upgrade Predator" was a genetically modified Predator and arch-nemesis of the Fugitive Predator. He was known for taking DNA from other creatures and uses it to alter his genetics, enhancing his size and strength. When he searches for something that the Fugitive Predator knows the whereabouts, it reveals that it is the "wrist computer" on the Predator's armour after Quinn McKenna's son Rory operated it. The Ultimate Predator was eventually killed by Quinn, who used the Predator's gauntlet to fire an explosive at the creature's leg, causing him to blow up before he is finished off with multiple shots to the head.
Fugitive Predator: The Fugitive Predator was a Predator/human hybrid and rival of the Ultimate Predator who crash-landed on Earth. Despite killing humans, it is revealed that his mission was to deliver a weapon known as the "Predator Killer" to humans so that they could fend off an invasion of some kind. He was captured by Project Stargazer while his armour was mailed off by sniper Quinn McKenna to his house. The Fugitive Predator eventually escapes from captivity and sets out to find and retrieve his missing technology, although it is stolen and used by Quinn's son Rory. He is later quickly killed by the Ultimate Predator in combat, who smashed the Predator's face in with one punch before tearing out his skull and spine.
Feral Predator: The Feral Predator was a Predator that came down to Earth in the 18th century, where he began his hunt within Lawton, Oklahoma. During his hunt, he would come across various animals and add them to his collection before coming in conflict with the Comanche Tribe and facing battle with the Comanche warrior known as Naru.
Outfits, Armour & Technology[]
Yautja clothing and armour can be as varied as the physical appearance of Yautja themselves and appears to be based largely on personal preference of the individual. Design changes can include tribal ornamentation on the forehead, different arrangements of armour plates and different colours/metals used for the individual armour pieces.
Perhaps the most recognisable aspect of a Predator's armour is its mask, the outward design of which can range from simple and utilitarian to elaborate and decorative. Another common piece of Yautja clothing is a wire mesh undersuit with temperature control elements to help the Predator adapt to the harshest of cold environments. Other items, such as the metallic armour plates and bandoleers for weapons, including grenades, are applied over the top of this mesh. Wrist gauntlets provide a number of weapons, including retractable Wristblades and self-destruct explosives, as well as computerized control for many of the Predator's systems.
When on a hunt, Yautja verily often don body armour, a protective but sectional assemblage of armour distributed across the body. Interestingly, hunters rarely wear full protective suits of armour. The reason for this is never explained, although since the hunt requires stealth, speed, and fair bit of athleticism. Yautja may forgo it for this reason as heavy armour often sacrifices mobility.
Predators are rarely seen without armour, and if they are it is either because they have been forcibly stripped of it or they are not currently on a hunt. Otherwise, even the fiercest predators take care to armour their bodies before a hunt. Even when their armour is damaged, hunters take the time to create makeshift armour for themselves and possibly any pack mates. The process of fashioning armour has never been seen or described in depth, but some armour is special and given to a hunter after they attain a certain rank, particularly the mask.
Yautja technology is distinctive in many respects, not least of which is its unusual combination of ornate, tribal appearance masking deadly, sophisticated weaponry. However, despite the species' obvious technological prowess, including access to adaptive camouflage and plasma weaponry, traditional, ancient weapons, such as blades, knives and spears, are still employed widely (and apparently considered by the Yautja as being more "honorable" than advanced technology).
At least one Yautja weapon uses a metal that does not correspond to any known element on the periodic table, and many devices have been shown to be completely resistant to the effects of the acid blood of Xenomorphs, an otherwise incredibly corrosive and destructive substance. However, the Wristblades and chest armour of immature Young Blood Yautja are still made of metal that is not resistant to Xenomorph blood. It seems such advanced armour must be "earned" through initiation rituals that first test the individual's prowess with more rudimentary and challenging equipment. Many of the Yatuja's tools make use of thermal imaging to track prey, while some aspects of their technology have been in use for millennia. Individuals of the species will often utilize their own bespoke variations of tried and tested Yautja weapons, constructed from different materials and with varying degrees of tribal or symbolic ornamentation.
Speech, Language & Communication[]
Predators possess their own language, both in spoken and written form, the former of which resembles a series of clicks, roars, purrs, snarls, howls and growls. The written language is expressed in a pattern of dashes not dissimilar in form and function to many Earth-based languages. These written symbols appear on the creatures' gauntlet displays, helmets, architecture and many other surfaces. Vocal mimicry is what Yautja do by mimicking their prey's voices, whether for the purpose of distracting or luring a target into a chosen location, or simply to taunt or mock victims.
It is unclear to what degree the Yautja can comprehend this speech, although the creatures at least seem to hold some understanding of the language as they have been known to repeat phrases at vaguely appropriate times as a form of communication with prey. Older Predators with more experience among humans have on occasion been known to actually learn to speak English, at least to a limited extent. It has been known for humans and Yautja to successfully communicate using sign language.
Clans[]
A Clan is group of Yautja, who live together in the downtime between a hunt. Clans typically live on large spaceship, that can be as long as a Kilometer. These crafts tend to take the shape of massive oceanic creatures or predator birds. Predators in the same clan occasionally refer to themselves as "brothers".
Similar to humans, Predators live and function in communal groups. These groups contain individuals who share certain characteristics, such as appearance, technological prowess, and certain customs. Though the specifics may be different, the vast majority of predators operate on an honor code that is strict, inflexible, and demands harsh redemption if broken, if it is offered at all. However, not all Predators appear to exist within a clan. However, this may be reserved for hunters of high rank, such as Elites and Veterans.
Like individual Predators, Clans can be hailed and distinguished. However, it is possible for an entire clan to be disgraced and banished. This could be one avenue for a Bad Blood clan to form, when the hunters therein do no end their own lives, as is expected by the Honor Code.
It is not clear how new Yautja clans are formed, but however, Clan Leaders can have their places usurped via a challenge from a lower-ranked hunter. Alternatively, Leadership may be attained by acting as something of a "student" towards a current Leader. It is worth noting that there seems to be little difference in a instructing Leader and Clan Leader. In Prey, when the Un-Blooded young males are left to fend for themselves, Tichinde violently takes charge, calling himself the new Clan Leader. He intends to design his own mark, then officialize it by etching it into his head and the heads of his students via Xenomorph blood, claiming them as his own. It isn't clear if this is the typical Yautja way of founding a clan or if this method is unique to Tichinde.
Clans can also be formed out of Bad Bloods and it is likely these otherwise solitary and outcast hunters come together to increase their survival against the mainstream, honorable hunters. The Super Predator Clan and Killers are two clan comprised of Bad Bloods and both of them are in perpetual conflict with other, more traditional clans.
It is unknown if Yautja are born into their clans or if they join or selected by them once they demonstrate a certain level of finesse. Both these scenarios may be true. Dachande and Nei'hman-de had known each other since childhood, despite having different mothers and would be together constantly until the latter's death during his Blooding ritual. Even the Elite Clan has Young Bloods. Clans are led by Clan Leaders. Should he die for any reason, the next strongest will rise with or without challenge from his peers.
Female Yautja seem to be rare in a clan, and there is only one known female Clan Leader. Some Yautja are female who are Blooded or better hunters. The former two are clanned.
According to Prey, a derogatory name whispered by males about females means "child maker". This may suggest most females do little to no hunting, but do the child-rearing instead. This also reflects the common Yautja opinion that any Predator who cannot or does not hunt, with very few exceptions, is not a true Predator and worthy of ridicule. A unarmed female is strong enough to match an armed, excellent warrior in battle, however, so even an unwise hunter never says this to a female's face.
Clans themselves seem to have high or lower status in relation to the other clans. The Elite Clan, for instance, were an exalted group of legendary hunters who outrank and outperform most other clans. They themselves were only subordinate to the Council of Ancients, who ruled Predator society as a whole. The Dark Blade Clan was well known for it's highly advanced weapons, but likely lost some standing after one it's members, and allowed Yautja technology to fall into human hands.
There is little evidence that clans interact extensively, however some clans are more well known that others. It isn't unknown for the Council to pit two Clans unknowingly against each other to determine the stronger faction and some clans have broken out into full-scale-wars, often over conflicts of ideology.
Known Clans:
Jungle Predator Clan
Dark Blade Clan
Super Predator Clan
The Killers
Elite Clan
Hunts & Honor Code[]
The Hunt is a theory considered sacred to the majority of the Yautja race. The hunting of dangerous prey is the backbone of Yautja society and the means by which individuals prove their worth. Hunts typically involve a lone Yautja individual, or perhaps a small group of individuals, traveling to a remote location to track and kill dangerous and worthy prey, and the collection of trophies from that prey. However, entire clans can take up a large-scale Hunt, typically against enemies a single or few predators could not stand against. Hunts exclusively target dangerous organisms that offer the Yautja a significant challenge, be it thanks to the prey's physical strength, mental capacity or technological prowess. Preferred victims include humans and in particular the species of Xenomorphs, which the Yautja apparently deem to be the "ultimate prey". Special Hunts are also used as a form of initiation ritual for Young Blood Yautja, representing a kind of a trial-by-combat that marks a young Yautja's passage from adolescence into adulthood. These initiation Hunts typically involve Xenomorph prey and may take place inside a Yautja pyramid or other sacred temple.
Yautja culture revolves around the stalking and hunting of dangerous lifeforms. Yautja primarily hunt not for sustenance or the elimination of threats, but purely as a means of entertainment and proof of worth. As such, they will only attack life forms that have the ability, natural or technological, to provide them with a challenge. Indeed, Predators will travel great distances to find worthy opponents, often drawn by intense heat and conflict. In rarer cases, Yautja have been known to attract or simply kidnap worthy prey, bringing them to a Hunting ground of their choosing, although this is thought to be atypical. Certain Yautja individuals have also been known to use other non-sentient species as tools to aid them in their Hunts, including alien hunting hounds. On occasion, if a particularly worthy member of a sentient species is found on a Hunt, Predators will systematically eliminate those who are close to the intended target in an attempt to enrage them and increase the challenge of the final confrontation.
After making a kill, a Predator may mutilate the corpse and turn it into a trophy — this is done only for prey who were considered worthy. This process can involve skinning often while the victim is still alive, decapitating or removing the skull and spine from the carcass, or even removing all of the bones from the body altogether. One typical means of displaying a kill is to hang the flayed body by the feet from a great height so as to be visible to others. Skulls and sometimes spinal cords are routinely removed and collected, and can commonly be found displayed on board Yautja vessels, in trophy rooms or even worn about the individual Yautja's person if size permits this.
Defeat in a Hunt typically results in the Predator committing suicide, usually through the detonation of their Wrist Gauntlet's Self-Destruct Device, which may simultaneously be used as a last-ditch attempt to kill their prey. This explosion is also intended to wipe out all traces of the Predator and prevent their advanced technology from falling into the hands of their prey, an occurrence which is considered a huge affront by Yautja society and typically results in the Predator responsible being banished. If they should be killed, a Yautja's ship will return automatically to their homeworld, taking with it a record of the individual's Hunt, recorded through their mask. These records are often viewed by other Yautja with interest and have even been known to encourage further hunting of the species involved in their predecessor's death.
Despite the ferocity and brutality with which Predators hunt and kill their prey, they seemingly adhere to a code of honor that dictates who they may and may not kill. On Earth, this has displayed itself as a refusal to harm children, unarmed adults or the elderly. Yautja have also been known to spare pregnant women or those with terminal illnesses, although they will not hesitate to kill such targets if directly assaulted by them. A human who has managed to kill a Yautja in single combat is often spared by the species and perhaps even rewarded with a gift (often a weapon, either of Yautja manufacture or a prize from a previous Hunt) as a sign of respect. In even rarer cases, a human who has fought valiantly alongside a Predator may be similarly honored. Should a target challenge a Predator to a fair, hand-to-hand fight, the Predator will often abide, and strip themselves of their advanced technology, barring their Wrist Gauntlet, to challenge them.
Notably, the Yautja use an eclectic array of equipment on their Hunts, ranging from incredibly advanced plasma-based technology to ancient, relatively rudimentary bladed weapons. This diverse and seemingly incongruous mix is thought to be a result of the species distinct honor code, which dictates that the use of traditional weapons such as Wristblades or the Combistick carries with it a higher degree of honor than more technologically advanced weaponry such as the Plasmacaster. This belief manifests itself most prominently in the tendency of Yautja individuals to discard their advanced technology when confronted by a particularly worthy individual, and instead face their prey using only their most basic of weapons — their Wristblades.
The Honor Code is a strict honor code followed by the Yautja in day-to-day life in general and while on Hunts in particular. This code is the highest law of their kind, a set of rules and requirements that approach something of a religious doctrine. The code is taken with the utmost seriousness and even talk of breaking it, no matter how light-hearted in nature, is severely frowned upon. To break the code is to stop being a "true" Yautja, and such digressions typically result in the individual responsible being killed without remorse, although in some cases transgressors will merely be excommunicated from their clan and summarily banished from all civilized Yautja society. Falsely accusing an individual of breaking the honor code is viewed as being almost more serious than breaking the code itself, and can even result in the accuser being torn limb from limb when the fallacy is discovered.
Yautja Masks[]
Jungle Hunter Predator's Mask: This was the first Mask ever seen, as well as the most basic in design. It was a simple, yet effective mask.
City Hunter Predator's Mask: This mask was similar to the original one, but with a few major differences. The mask's shape is noticeably different, with a steeper forehead and a full-rounded crest, along with a more prominent snout. Rather than two eye holes, it bears a single visor. The mask was also a deep bronze colour.
Chopper's Mask: This mask had gill-like patterns on both side of its mouth area, as well as a single visor and a dull copper colouration. Due to its unique design, Chopper has earned the name "Gill".
Celtic's Mask: This mask had a strange, elaborate design around the mouth area, making it appear vaguely like a Yautja's face. The mask also shows four scratch marks over the left eye when Celtic got scratched by the alpha Xenomorph Grid.
Scar's Mask: This mask was in many ways identical to the Jungle Hunter Predator's mask, although it had a Predator-type visor. When Scar kills a Xenomorph, he burns a mark onto the forehead, making him as a Blooded Yautja.
Wolf's Mask: This mask bore several marks on the face, lines of Yautja script over the forehead, a reptilian hide complete with spikes, and a deep gunmetal colouration. Compared to many other Predators' masks, Wolf's mask takes on a slightly more skeletal appearance, with more pronounced cheeks, brow and snout.
Tracker Predator's Mask: This mask appears vaguely similar to a regular mask with two tusks tied to the snout, a darker colouration with a hint of green, and a slightly more organic appearance.
Falconer Predator's Mask: This mask is somewhat bulkier than most others. It had lines on both sides of the mouth area, and also featured two metal spikes on the back. It slightly resembles a real life falcon head.
Berserker Predator's Mask: Compared to the typical design of the mask, the Berserker Predator's mask was more narrow with a very dark umber colouration, and features deep red visors. Its distinguishing feature is a large jawbone attached to the bottom half of the mask.
Crucified Predator's Mask: This mask is similar to the original one used by the Jungle Hunter Predator, but has heavy damage on the left side and exposes the Crucified Predator's left eye.
Fugitive Predator's Mask: This mask resembles the Jungle Hunter Predator's mask, but features a sort of metallic shine to it and a prominent, flat mouthpiece.
Feral Predator's Mask: This mask appears to be made from the skull of an unknown creature rather than metal, owing perhaps to the Feral Predator's more primitive technology compared to later generations of Yautja.
Elder Predator's Mask: This mask is a lot different than other Yautja masks. It features an opening near the mouth area, and the top of the mask is adorned with many markings, representative of all of the battles and hunts the Predators has experienced.
Ancient Predator's Mask: This mask is somewhat similar in shape to the original mask, with the exception of the cybernetic details on the cheek areas. The Ancient Predator's personalized mask bears a bronze colouration, as well as special Yautja inscriptions on the brow and a large opening on the front of the snout.
Equipment & Weaponry[]
Cloak: Light-bending adaptive camouflage allowing Predators a form of invisibility, or at least translucence, rendering them incredibly difficult to spot. The invisibility effect has been known to be worn out through contact with water or if the arm gauntlet is damaged, and it is susceptible to the effects of an electro-magnetic pulse, at least temporarily. The effects of the device have also been known to fail as a result of direct assaults on the Predator's body, such as physical attacks. This device is rendered useless during Xenomorph hunts owing to the Xenomorph's ability to see through its cloaking effects.
Mask: The Predator's mask contains systems to enhance its thermal imaging and provide additional vision modes in other electromagnetic spectra, ranging from night vision to ultraviolet and even vibration scanning. It also records anything that the Predator sees and hears so that it may be reviewed at a later date.
Remote Detonator: A device powerful enough to destroy a Yautja spaceship as it has been used by the Berserker Predator on the Game Preserve Planet to take down spaceships.
Language Translator: A program installed in some Predators' masks that allows a Yautja to understand species' communications or languages.
Sat-Com: A holographic map projector which shows a complete 3D scan of an area. Predators use this device in their hunts to locate enemies or other targets.
Self-Destruct Device: A powerful explosive-like device built into the Predator's Wrist Gauntlet. This weapon is used in which the Yautja commit suicide when they are wounded in battles, and also to remove any sign of their presence and prevent their technology from falling into the hands of another species such as humans.
Wrist Gauntlet: A device that incorporates touch-pad technology to control a Predator's cloak and even remotely pilot Predator spaceships.
Medicomp: Predators carry medical equipment including solvents capable of cauterizing and healing wounds along with various serums and other medical devices.
Cleaner Case: A storage device that is most likely used on special Xenomorph "clean up" operations.
Dissolving Liquid: A highly potent, corrosive blue chemical which can melt away any piece of organic material it was placed on, including the corpses of Xenomorphs or humans then turned it into a "pile of sludge".
Tracking Syringe: A device that Yautja use to collect DNA samples from Facehuggers and inject it into a Yautja's Wrist Gauntlet in order to calibrate their mask's vision, enabling them to see Facehuggers and their tracks.
Wristblades: Razor-sharp serrated blades worn on the Wrist Gauntlet, typically in pairs, used for combat and the ritualistic mutilation of prey.
Scimitar: An enlarged extraordinary Wristblade.
Axe: An axe-like blade used by Super Predators. Since it wasn't used during their hunt, its true purpose remains unclear, so it may be used to torture victims.
Flaying Tool: A tool-like device used by Yautja that emits a laser from between two prongs and is hot enough to easily peel skin off of a flayed trophy.
Whistle Device: A whistle-like device used by the Tracker Predator on the Game Preserve Planet to call his Hell-Hounds back to him to prevent them from doing too much damage and killing prey.
Noose: A razor edged hanging rope that Yautja use to hold the weight of a target as it yanks them up. It also constricts around the throat of the victim in such a way that the target cannot produce any noise, allowing Yautjas to pick off stragglers in a group with extreme stealth. Also, when used in the dark, the weapon is almost impossible to see.
Power Punch Glove: A powerful device used to give a boost in punching strength, allowing a user to perform a punch so powerful enough to make a hole in solid concrete.
Plasmacaster: A cannon-like weapon capable of shooting deadly plasma bolts of high-energy at targets that is worn on the shoulder. Generally aimed through the laser of the Predator's mask, although there are exceptions.
Plasma Pistol: A hand-held pistol-like device and a version of the Plasmacaster.
Wrist Cannon: An energy projector weapon which, in many respects, is a stronger version of the Energy Flechette, built into the Yautja's wrist gauntlet.
Speargun: A projectile weapon that fires small metal spears, comparable to a traditional projectile firearm or crossbow.
Combistick: A retractable spear that can be used in combat or as a thrown weapon.
Netgun: A handheld device capable of firing a net made of hard wire with enough force to pin a target to a wall. The net also features an automatic constriction mechanism designed to cause serious wounds to the trapped target.
Smart Disc: A thrown, self-guiding, discus-like cutting device that can slice targets in half.
Shuriken: Similar to the Smart Disc, except considerably larger and fitted with several long, fan-like blades around its edge.
Whip: A destructive segmented whip that wraps around a target and is capable of cutting it in half once it is pulled.
Proximity Mines: Predators utilize a variety of mines with varying trigger mechanisms and detonation effects in their hunts.
Energy Flechette: A short-range energy projector weapon and a version of the Plasmacaster.
Ceremonial Dagger: A dagger-like weapon used by Yautja as a last-resort defence or to take trophies from fallen enemies. It is also linked with the blooding rite of Young Blood Yautja.
Falcon Device: A bird-like spying device used by the Falconer Predator on the Game Preserve Planet. Its role in the hunt was to watch over prey, and to study them, as well as their tactics. The Falcon device is capable of quickly moving across the hunting grounds and monitoring prey before returning to its master.
Ship Remote: A device that can control Yautja ships. When activated, a series of red, yellow and orange lights (in two straight lines parallel to one another) light up on top of the device. When not in use, it is stored within a special slot on the Wrist Gauntlet and upon removing, it triggers a small burst of steam.
Predator Killer: A suit of armour that resembles a Yautja in design. It is equipped with a quad set of Plasmacasters each with independent targeting lasers. It also presumably has similar abilities to standard Yautja body armour such as cloaking and thermal vision in the built mask.
Kujhad: A unique multi-purpose tool that acts like a portable mini-computer, a weapon that can fire a rather tiny discus, a storage unit for certain small objects and act with a mind of its own.
Shifter: A small orb that features the cloaking technology of the Yautja.
Mother Ship/Scout Ship/Game Preserve Ship: The mother ship is a massive spaceship suitable for Yautja hunters which are totally independent craft where a number of scout ships can dock. These ships rarely enter conflict with another force, and are usually inhabited by a single clan, led by the Elder Predators. The scout ship is a short range Yautja spaceship which is usually connected to the Mother Ship. The Game Preserve Ship is a Yautja spaceship on the Game Preserve Planet and it is unclear who exactly owned the ship, whether it was the Super Predator Clan, as it seems to have some control over the vehicle through the Wrist Gauntlet.
Drop Pod: A Yautja vehicle used to insert Predators to the surface of a planet.
Trophies & Skinning[]
Trophies are tokens collected by Yautja from their prey during hunts. Trophies can include a wide range of items and most commonly a piece or part of the victim's body is taken (often the skull), but items or trinkets of personal significance to the original prey may also be claimed, while the body itself may also be mutilated (often by skinning) and left behind as a form of trophy. In most cases, trophies are collected by Yautja as a means to display their skill. Recovered trophies are often displayed proudly in a trophy cabinet or room, or perhaps worn about the Yautja's person if of sufficiently small size. By far the most common form of trophy collected by Yautja is their victim's skull, sometimes with the spinal cord still attached. A skull will be exactly cleaned, the flesh and muscle stripped from it and the brains removed, before it is displayed alongside other trophies collected by other clans. A trophy cabinet is a chamber where Yautja keep the trophies (typically the skulls of slain prey) that they have collected on their hunts. Trophy cabinets are usually a wall or alcove adorned with various fixtures for displaying skulls and trophies, but in some cases are as large as entire rooms.
Skinning is what Yautja do by removing skin from the victim's body. It is also a process often chosen by a Yautja when turning its prey into a trophy. It consists on removing most of the skin from the victim's body. This process can be carried out either after death or whilst the prey is still alive. Skinned victims are usually those who were considered easy prey by a Predator. Skinned bodies are routinely hung by the ankles on trees or ceilings from a height and left behind to frighten or mock victims.
Yautja Prime/Game Preserve Planet[]
Yautja Prime is the home world of the Yautja, although its true name is unknown. The planet has at least two major biomes: a dry, hot, desert environment with rivers of flowing lava and a tropical, wet jungle biome. Not much is known about the native life of the world, most noteworthy is the Yautja, but there also seems to be a plethora of wildlife. Little is known about the planet. It is shown orbiting a trinary star system and possesses a ring. Gravity, day/night cycles, atmospheric composition and continental distribution are unknown. The climate is presumably hot and humid throughout most of the world and intense volcanic activity is still present. The volcanic regions are also known to contain areas of lethal radioactivity, as the dangerous Vy'drach dwells in these areas.
The Game Preserve Planet is an example of an entire celestial planet used for hunting grounds. The terrain of the planet is a jungle and the topography of the planet doesn't match any jungle from Earth, though it is closest to the Amazon. Certain plant species from Earth are actually present on the planet, as humans is able to recognize plant species which secretes a potent neurotoxin. Super Predators have been dropping humans off here for centuries, so it would not be surprising if some seeds accidentally came with them. The other possibility is that the Super Predators intentionally terraformed the planet to some degree. The length of days as well as years on the planet is logically not the same as on Earth: both seem to be much longer. Its revealed that the sun hasn't moved at all since humans got here several hours, proving there is no magnetic north on the planet. The nights on the planet are shorter than the days. The seasons of the planet are also long. Its revealed that some humans have been on the planet for 10 "seasons", but there has been there since the Vietnam War 30 years ago. Therefore, roughly speaking a given "season" on the Game Preserve Planet may be three times as long as an Earth year. The planet actually may be a planet not a planet. In the scene when a group of humans discovered they are not on Earth, a Jupiter-like gas giant and an Earth-like planet are seen very close to the Game preserve. This may mean the Game Preserve Planet is actually one of two or more planets orbiting a Jovian gas giant. The planet orbit around the gas giant explains the long day-short night cycles. Although not seen in any media, the Game Preserve Planet oceans may have strong tidal forces from the gravitational pull from the gas giant and other celestial bodies. The magnetic field must be strong enough to fend off radiation from the Jovian planet, but may also be chaotic rather than cyclical, given the spinning compass. The Yautja living on the planet have been abducting species from other planets, such as humans, then dropping them on the planet as game. Two Predator clans, the larger Super Predator Clan and the smaller Jungle Predator Clan, have been at war with each other for a long time, ever since the clan war on Yautja Prime. It is unknown if the Predators maintained many permanent structures on the Game Preserve Planet itself, or if it was simply a pristine jungle environment that they dumped prey onto.
At some point, possibly in the distant past, a drill rig of some kind was built on the planet, but by the time of the hunting season, it had long been abandoned. Some of the power still worked. However, it is basically just the lights .It is unknown if the drill is of Yautja design. One human hid out for decades deep inside the drill rig, where the metal from the massive surrounding structure would shield his heat signature from any passing hunters. It is unknown if any other structures were ever built on the planet in the past, or of different kinds.
The only "structure" on the planet which seems to be common and in active use in the present day, are Monoliths. These are essentially some sort of totem pole, made out of steel metal, which curves backwards like a claw over the landscape. They are roughly 15–20 feet high. The totem poles are apparently a focal point of the Predators' cultural practices, and temporary Predator hunting camps are usually built around them. If Predators from one clan manage to capture a Predator from a rival clan alive, they will tie the captive Predator to the totem with its hands bent backwards, leaning forward to the point that it is almost hanging from the totem, in a pose vaguely reminiscent of crucifixion. Every indication suggests that the captive Predator is strung up on the monolith as some form of cultural tradition in which the members of the rival Predator clan ritualistically disembowel their enemy, to make trophies out of his body parts. It is also possible that the Predator who is tied to the totem is simply left there for the forces of nature to torture him. As with many of the Predators cultural activities, while their behavior may not be entirely within our comprehension, it is not without parallel in human culture. The Super Predators were responsible as they were going to ceremonially mutilate a "Classic" Predator. It is possible that the Predators have similar cultural practices. Some monoliths are in active use while others are overgrown with vegetation since they haven't been used for a long amount of time.
Species on Game Preserve Planet:
Yautja
Super Predators
River Ghosts
Hell-Hounds
Species on Yautja Prime:
Yautja
Pyramids[]
Pyramids are large structures common in Yautja architecture. On Earth, pyramids are typically associated with ancient human civilizations such as the Egyptians, Cambodians and Aztecs, and were built by those cultures under the direction and instruction of Yautja who visited Earth early in its human history. While it seems Yautja pyramids have many uses across their civilization, including simply for habitation, they are arguably best known as breeding sites for Xenomorphs and for their corresponding use as hunting grounds for Yautja initiation rituals.
Along with their significance in hunting Xenomorphs, many pyramids were constructed to honor particularly worthy Yautja who had died, either in battle or of natural causes, and often held tombs containing the bodies of those individuals. As a result, many pyramids were considered religiously or spiritually significant by the Yautja. Many structures found on Yautja Prime are known to have conformed to pyramid-like designs.
While little is known about the structures found on Yautja Prime, pyramids used by the Yautja for hunting rituals are fairly well-documented by comparison. The structures are typically constructed of stone and include elaborate decorations in the form of statues and carvings that celebrate both the Yautja themselves and their reverence for the Xenomorphs, which they consider to be the ultimate prey. On Earth, pyramids constructed under the auspices of the Yautja also contained engravings of ancient text on the interior surfaces that reveal the purpose of the structure and shed light on the Yautja's history with humanity.
The most important areas of a pyramid are the chamber used to imprison a Xenomorph Queen, from whose Eggs lesser castes of Xenomorphs are bred to hunt. Vast trophy rooms containing the skulls of victims who died within the structure are also common. The rest of the structure consists of numerous chambers and passageways in which the Hunt would take place, many of these spaces specifically designed to suit the Xenomorph's abilities, with tight, enclosed passages that encourage close-range ambushes and a lack of lighting.
Some pyramids were created not as dedicated locations for ritualistic Hunts, but to honor significant events or individuals in Yautja history. For example, the pyramid was build in honor of the great Predator Lord, the first ever Yautja to successfully hunt the Xenomorphs. In reverence of his achievements, the first ever Xenomorph Queen to be captured by the Yautja was eventually entombed alongside his body within the temple.
Despite the seemingly rudimentary stone construction, many pyramids conceal advanced technologies designed to facilitate the hunts undertaken there — this combination of ancient techniques with highly advanced technology is typical of the Yautja and reflected in much of the other developments. Among the more advanced technology found within pyramids are the machinery used to contain the Xenomorph Queens imprisoned at their core, advanced holograms depicting ancient ceremonies, or the mechanisms that allowed the entire interior of the structure to rearrange itself periodically, constantly shifting the landscape of the hunt.
When a hunt takes place in a pyramid, the Queen entombed within is revived from stasis and almost immediately begins laying Eggs — secure restraints prevent her from moving freely or escaping. These eggs are in turn delivered by automated mechanisms to a chamber, where several hosts are impregnated with Chestbursters. These hosts may be willing sacrifices who give themselves voluntarily, or victims unwittingly lured to the structure so that the Xenomorphs may multiply. The Yautja participating in the hunt will enter the structure and combat the creatures.
The sacrificial chamber is a room within the pyramid where Xenomorphs are bred from sacrificial hosts so that adolescent Yautja can take part in initiation hunts. The chamber itself was typically circular and very tall, its high walls lined with the skulls and spines of those who had been sacrificed there. The victims lie on several stone slabs arranged in a circular pattern around the center of the room, at the base of which is a receptacle for the Egg that is used to impregnate them. The Eggs are delivered by an automated system installed by the Yautja. The hosts would lie on the slabs while the implantation process is carried out, remaining there until the Chestbursters inside them emerge killing them and signalling the start of the hunt. Directly beneath the sacrificial chamber is another room containing a sarcophagus that holds the young Yautja's Plasmacasters, their prize for succeeding in their hunt. At an unknown time in the past, Predators visited the earth and the early humans worshiped them. The Yautja taught humans how to build and in exchange, they wanted sacrifices once every hundred years. The sacrificial chamber within the pyramids that were built was used for these sacrifices. While the sacrifices went willingly and considered it a great honor, the room would be sealed moments before the eggs would be raised up, this was either to prevent the maidens from escaping or to make sure none of the Xenomorphs attack those who were not to be sacrificed such as the high priests, who leave the room just before it was due to be sealed.
Once the hunt is complete and the Xenomorphs have been slain, the Queen is returned to stasis to await the next hunt, while the Yautja are honored for their accomplishments. In the event that the Xenomorph outbreak escalates out of control and the Yautja are overcome, the hunters would use their self-destruct devices to wipe out the Xenomorphs, in the process also obliterating the surrounding civilization, a reason many ancient Earth cultures simply vanished in such a short period of time.
While humanity was still in its infancy, the Yautja discovered Earth and taught the primitive peoples there how to construct pyramids, thus explaining why so many ancient human civilizations — including the Aztecs, Mayans, Zapotecs, ancient Egyptians, Cambodians and many other cultures — built such startlingly similar structures. Owing to their incomprehensibly advanced technologies, including space flight, these Yautja were often worshiped as Gods by the peoples they encountered. Owing to this reverence, many of the civilizations they assisted gladly offered willing human hosts to be used in the breeding of Xenomorphs within the pyramids; these sacrificial individuals would go willingly to their deaths so that Yautja adolescents would have creatures to face in their initiation hunts.
The Yautja would periodically return to the civilizations they had assisted to conduct new hunts, each time expecting ritualistic hosts to breed their prey. Over time, this practice either died out, or the civilizations themselves were wiped out when the hunts spiraled out of all control, resulting in their destruction. As such, modern humanity had little knowledge of the ancient practices, or of mankind's prior contact with extraterrestrial species, save for theories proposed that were almost unilaterally rejected by mainstream historians.
Hunting & Society[]
Yautja culture centers on the ritualistic hunting of other dangerous lifeforms, and this practice appears to be the foundation of their very society. Predators will travel huge distances — even across entire galaxies — in order to face opponents they consider a worthy challenge, and may also kidnap and transport prey across similar distances to bring such victims to a hunting ground of their choice. Defeat in a hunt is apparently an cause of great shame to the Yautja, and often leads to the individual committing suicide, typically through the detonation of their Wrist Gauntlet's Self-Destruct Device. Upon their death, a hunting Yautja's spaceship will return to the species homeworld on automatic pilot so that a record of the individual's hunt, recorded through their mask, may be returned to its kin. Yautja society operates a class or ranking system, nominally based on an individual's hunting experience and prowess. Their titles include:
Young Bloods
Young Bloods are juvenile Predators. This means that the individual has made no distinguishable kills. Once a Yautja kills their first worthy target, usually a Xenomorph, and collects its head as trophy, they become blooded. Young Bloods are typically teenage Yautja sent on their right of passage in threes to kill a Xenomorph.
Blooded
About 45% of male Yautja are Blooded. These are warriors who have successfully hunted suitable prey and thereby passed into adulthood. In some clans, it is traditional for the individual to mark themselves in some way following the first successful hunt, such as burning a symbol onto the forehead with the blood of a slain Xenomorph. Blooded Yautja are granted access to more advanced weaponry denied to Young Bloods, including the Plasmacaster.
Retirees
About 10% of male Yautja are Retirees, Predators who have fought their time and now are too old and honoured to hunt. Females commonly come under this section due to their roles as mothers and the driving force behind the home world's natural wasteland systems.
Elite
Elite Predators are often leaders in their clan, and are only elevated to the caste of Elite Predator once they have acquired the skull of a Xenomorph Queen. About 15% of Blooded Yautja are Elite Predators. Elites specialize in a particular weapon, making that weapon their strongsuit. Elite Predators often become retirees after a few decades.
Clan Leaders
Clan Leaders are only made by the Adjudicator's decision. The only way to become a Clan Leader is to clean out an entire Xenomorph hive larger than 300 members with a maximum of two other Predators. When this has been proven, the surviving Yautja all become Clan Leaders. They become the forefathers of that clan and will repopulate with females of their choosing. In order to be eligible for the trials of a hive cleansing, each member of the trio must have at least 3 Queen skull trophies. After this point, any hive cleansings that the forefathers complete will give the clan greater honor and standing in the caste system. Clan leaders comprise 5% of the Yautja society.
Adjudicators
The adjudicators are the administrators and law enforcers of the Yautja. They are world leaders and the ruling class in Predator society. Less than 1% of Yautja are adjudicators, due to their massive worldly role. At this point, they simply no longer have time to hunt off planet, but often foray into the underground hunting grounds, where younger hunters train in order to lend experience to the young ones. Adjudicators are always the leaders of a clan and no adjudicators have ever risen to that position without first having completed at least five hive cleansings.
Bad Bloods
These are criminal Yautja who have been sentenced to death and escaped. The Predator justice system shows that crime is very low. About 2% of Yautja are bad bloods.
Apprentice
These are honorable humans taken by Predators to learn their ways.
Ancient
Veterans of many hunts, these Predators are nearly a 1000 years old and are also leaders and retirees. Few Predators live long enough to become Ancients and those that do are highly respected.
Philosophers
Not all Yautjas are hunters. According to War, some attend to matters of the mind instead of the glory of the hunt. It is unclear how these Yautja are seen by their fellow non-hunters, but doesn't seem to think lowly of them. Also, one has never been seen, indicating they are uncommon or even rare.
Relationship with Xenomorphs & History with Earth[]
Of all their prey, the Yautja apparently have a special hunting relationship with the Xenomorphs. They seem to consider the voracious alien lifeforms to be the ultimate prey and correspondingly have a reverence for the creatures. The Yautja have been known to specifically breed the creatures at numerous sites for use in the initiation hunts undertaken by Young Bloods. To this end, the Yautja are known to capture and imprison Xenomorph Queens, using their Eggs to breed lesser castes to hunt. Some of these captured Queens have apparently been imprisoned for tens of thousands of years. Yautja have also been known to 'seed' worlds with Xenomorphs so that they may be hunted there, infecting the local fauna and then engaging the resulting creatures in combat. Statues of Xenomorphs can often be found in and around Yautja hunting temples and ruins.
Some human scientists studying the two alien races have even theorised that the Predators may have had a hand in creating the Xenomorph species, although such concepts are not widely accepted as anything more than speculation. Even so, the Yautja clearly have a significant understanding of the Xenomorphs, and obviously have far greater respect for and control over the creatures than humans; whereas human attempts to capture and study the Xenomorphs have routinely resulted in disastrous breaches of quarantine and significant loss of life, the Predators have successfully entombed and utilized Queens for thousands of years with relatively few major incidents.
The Yautja also have a long and involved history with humans on Earth, dating back to ancient times. Evidence suggests the Yautja influenced the development of early human civilizations, including the Ancient Egyptians, the Khmer Empire, the Aztecs and a largely undocumented culture inhabiting what is now modern day Bouvetøya in Antarctica. Upon their arrival in ancient times, the Predators were worshipped as gods by the primitive peoples of Earth, and they in turn taught humans how to construct pyramids (explaining why so many ancient civilizations share distinctly similar cultures and architecture). These pyramids and temples were then used as hunting grounds by the Yautja, typically for initiation hunts involving the Xenomorphs, which would be bred through the use of sacrificial human hosts that the civilizations would provide.
These rite of passage hunts were conducted every 100 years on Earth. Each Young Blood taking part would be expected to return with the head of a Xenomorph killed in hand-to-hand combat. Were the young hunters successful in these trials, they would use the acid of their foes to sear a clan marking or other symbol into their masks and foreheads. On the other hand, should they fail and the hunting grounds be overrun with Xenomorphs, the Yautja were expected to activate their Self-Destruct Devices, dying honorably and eliminating all trace of the Xenomorph infestation.
Not all hunts on Earth were conducted in such a manner. Yautja also visited the planet to hunt humans as well. In fact, the species has been linked with the destruction of the ancient Mayans in Central America. Yautja individuals have also hunted humans during the Renaissance, in North America prior to its colonization by the European nations, in New Way City in 1930, on Iwo Jima during World War II, in Cambodia during the Vietnam War, in Beiruit, in Val Verde during the late 1980s, in Los Angeles in the mid-1990s, as well as numerous other occasions. A Predator also travelled to Earth to clean up a Xenomorph outbreak in Gunnison, colourado resulting from a failed hunt in Antarctica earlier in the year.
Throughout history, Predators have also abducted humans from Earth for staged hunts on at least one game preserve planet that they control in an undefined region of space. This particular means of hunting prey seems to be utilized primarily by the Super Predators.