Predator Witch: The Scariest Yautja Type
The Witch Predator is a female Yautja variant introduced as downloadable content for the video game Predator: Hunting Grounds, developed by IllFonic. Distinguished by her bone-adorned armor and use of scouting drones, the Witch Predator is one of the scariest Predator types. The Predator Witch embodies the more mystical and primal aspects of Yautja culture, standing apart from traditional warrior types. Here is an overview of the Predator witch, including a guide to similar mystical Predators who have appeared even earlier in the lore.
A New Predator For Predator: Hunting Grounds
The Witch Predator was released as part of the game's 3.4.0 update on April 24, 2025. She was made available as a purchasable DLC across multiple platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, Steam, and the Epic Games Store. The release included early access to a new piece of gear, the Predator Drone, as well as a unique skin pattern exclusive to this character. The release of the Witch Predator DLC also coincided with the general availability of the Dual Swords weapon, which was previously offered as early access content.
The Backstory Of The Predator Witch
According to the official description, the Witch Predator originates from ancient Britannia, during a period characterized by megalithic structures and untamed wilderness. Identified as a Scout-class hunter, she operated independently, observing and targeting human Celtic warbands known for their violent raids and combat prowess. In preparation for her hunts, she modified her equipment, replacing standard metallic armor components with materials derived from bone and hide. This adaptation allowed her to engage in close-quarters combat in a manner that mirrored the brutal fighting style of her human prey. Her vocalizations, described as wild combat cries, were noted for their psychological impact, instilling fear among the Celtic warriors.
Armor And Weapons
Visually, the Witch Predator is designed with a bone mask featuring ornamental antlers, tusks, and black feathers. This aesthetic distinguishes her from other Yautja characters, who typically utilize advanced metallic armor. The Witch Predator's armor reflects a deliberate shift from technological materials to organic ones, utilizing bones and hides for both functional and symbolic purposes. This design choice emphasizes her focus on traditional hunting practices. The Witch employs bone (or wood) based wristblades, and wears a bunch of Yautja hand grenades on her belt. In addition to standard Yautja weaponry, she uses a Predator Drone.
The Witch Drone
The Predator Drone, included with the Witch Predator DLC, functions as a tracking device utilizing Yautja scanning technology. Once deployed, it becomes cloaked and sends out a pulse to detect and mark nearby prey for a limited duration. The device serves as a support tool, enhancing the Witch Predator's ability to locate and engage multiple targets efficiently. This device is a variation of the drone technology previously associated with the Falconer Predator.
The Predator Witch From Alien vs. Predator vs. Terminator
A character conceptually similar to the Witch Predator appears in the comic series Alien vs. Predator vs. Terminator. In this crossover storyline, a female Predator witch played a ceremonial role during a rite of passage for Ripley 8, a character from the Alien franchise. The ceremony involved anointing Ripley with a red substance, likely human blood, as part of her induction into the Yautja ranks. The character's design featured long dreadlocks and a prominent head crest. While not explicitly connected to the Witch Predator of Predator: Hunting Grounds, the comic suggests the existence of mystical or ceremonial roles for female Yautja within their society.
Shaman Predator
The Shaman Predator is another example of a Yautja associated with spiritual and ritualistic practices. Introduced in the 1990 film Predator 2 as a member of the Lost Tribe, the Shaman Predator's role has been further expanded through licensed merchandise and supplementary lore. Characterized by his skull mask, long dreadlocks, and ceremonial staff, the Shaman Predator represents a spiritual leader figure within Yautja culture. His backstory includes interactions with indigenous human tribes, where he engaged in ritualistic hunting practices. The Shaman's weaponry and attire, emphasizing organic materials and minimalistic armor, parallel the thematic design of the Witch Predator.
Conclusion
The Witch Predator is a Yautja variant introduced in Predator: Hunting Grounds in 2025, characterized by the use of bone and hide-based armor and disposable scouting drones. Although female Predators have been somewhat rare, the game keeps introducing new females with almost every update. Her design and backstory draw on themes of primal hunting tradition, and even tie to local British folklore. Similar figures, such as the Shaman Predator and the Witch Predator from Alien vs. Predator vs. Terminator, have existed before.
Tag Categories: Individual Predators
