Game Preserve Planet: The Super Predator Hunting Ground

The Predator Game Preserve Planet is the main exotic location of the 2010 film Predators. The jungle-filled planet is used by a faction of Yautja known as the Super Predators to conduct ritualized hunts by kidnapping prey from other worlds. Unlike Earth-based encounters seen in earlier Predator films, the Game Preserve Planet is a controlled environment where the prey are transported to, and hunted for sport.

The Predator Game Preserve

The planet is designed as a large-scale hunting ground that mimics various Earth-like ecosystems (although perhaps coincidentally). It features dense jungles, rugged cliffs, open clearings, poisonous plants, and hostile wildlife, offering the Yautja a wide range of environments in which to stalk their prey. It is unclear whether the entire planet is used for this purpose or if only a designated section is reserved for the ritual. The presence of a large drill suggests the planet could have been used for mining decades ago, and possibly even by another species. The Game Preserve is near multiple other planets (or moons), and is possibly somewhere between Earth and Yautja Prime. The atmosphere is breathable for both humans and Predators.

Kidnapping Of Hunting Subjects

In Predators, the film introduces a new approach to the Yautja hunting method—selecting elite warriors and killers from different parts of Earth and abducting them for sport. The human characters awaken mid-fall with parachutes deployed, having been forcibly transported to the planet without explanation. The group includes soldiers, mercenaries, serial killers, and criminals, all chosen for their combat capabilities. This abduction tactic is different from traditional hunting practices seen in previous installments, where Predators engaged with prey already in their native environments. Some bigger creatures were dropped in large metal cages, instead of just parachuting them.

Exotic Plant Life

The planet’s vegetation resembles tropical and temperate jungle biomes, but includes plant species that appear alien in form and behavior. While much of the foliage is similar to Earth’s, several plants exhibit unfamiliar structures, coloration, or movement, suggesting extraterrestrial origin. The dense undergrowth and towering trees provide both cover and strategic vantage points, used by both the Super Predators and their prey. Some plants were shown to be poisonous and inhibited paralyzing properties, as discovered by Edwin, the Serial Killer.

Strange Creatures

In addition to the vegetation, the Game Preserve Planet hosts several non-human species. Among them are the Predator Hounds—hostile, quadrupedal creatures deployed to track and attack targets. These hounds were employed by the Tracker Predator and are presumed not to originate from the Game Preserve, but perhaps Yautja Prime instead. Another encountered creature is a large Alien creature nicknamed the "River Ghost", but it was dropped on the planet under similar conditions as the humans. River Ghosts showed up in larger numbers in the Predator: The Preserve comic, along with a large with other exotic species that the Predators hunt.

The Super Predator Camp Site

A central location within the film was the Super Predator campsite, where the trio of Berserker, Tracker, and Falconer Predators operated. This area included the Crucified Predator, a member of the classic Yautja species who had been restrained and displayed by the Super Predators, highlighting a Civil War between Yautja factions. The camp contained hunting tools, surveillance gear, and trophy displays. Nothing was well arranged like with many of the other Predator trophy collections, revealing the reckless nature of the Super Yautja. Perhaps the camp was meant to be found as a way of intimidating their prey.

The Giant Drill

The Game Preserve planet features at least one giant drill-like vehicle. The machine appeared to have been stationed there for an extended period and was later abandoned, eventually serving as a makeshift shelter for Ronald Noland. It is plausible that the Predators had already depleted the local resources and subsequently converted the area into a dedicated Game Preserve. The vehicle was mounted on massive treads similar to a tank and lacked any form of hovering or cloaking technology. There is also the possibility that the drill was not of Predator origin but rather acquired—potentially stolen—like several other items in the Yautja’s arsenal, some of which are believed to have been taken from the Amengi species.

Further Appearances

The Game Preserve Planet was used in all the tie-in comics to Predators, including Predators: Surviving Life, a direct sequel to the movie, where Royce and Isabelle fight a four-armed Predator. Later on, the Game Preserve Planet reappeared in Predator: The Preserve, a 2023 Marvel Comics series written by Ed Brisson. The story follows Theta Berwick as she encounters a group of humans abducted over the past century and released from hypersleep to be hunted by Yautja. The series continues Theta’s story from Predator: Day of the Hunter while introducing new creatures, technology, and survivors. Predator: The Preserve also establishes that not only Super Predators use the planet as a hunting ground, but so do some other more traditional Yautja clans.

Behind The Scenes

The Game Preserve Planet was filmed primarily in Hawaii and Texas, with practical jungle locations supplemented by digital enhancements to create an alien atmosphere. Director Nimród Antal and producer Robert Rodriguez aimed to return the franchise to its jungle roots while expanding the scope beyond Earth. The set design and visual effects teams worked to blend familiar Earth-based environments (to cut costs) with subtle alien features, ensuring the planet felt simultaneously exotic and believable. The Predator: Badlands movie will also feature a similar "Death" planet named "Kalisk", a deadly environment where the main "Dek" Predator ends up from Yautja Prime.

Conclusion

The Game Preserve finally brought the Predators to hunt on another world, although Yautja Prime was already shown three years previously in Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem. Its combination of exotic plants, alien wildlife, and feral hunting practices offered a unique take on Predator culture and hunting traditions. While limited to a single film appearance, the setting expanded the franchise’s mythology and left room for future exploration in other media. Predator: Badlands will continue with the concept of a "Death Planet", although that will take place on another world.

Tag Categories: Yautja Society