[Last Updated: February 12, 2021] Experiment 101, the Swedish developer that is developing Biomutant announce that the game is coming out May 25, 2021, for PC, Xbox One, and PS4. This post includes an unofficial FAQ based on official information and gameplay video and screenshot predictions.
(Image credit: Experiment 101)
Will Biomutant be released for Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 (PS5)?
— As of the time of writing this, there is no word about releasing the game for PS5/XSX. It doesn’t mean that we won’t see it released to those consoles, but all the information we do know from the press release, websites, and interviews, is that it’s coming to PC, Xbox One, and PS4.
I’ve heard in AngryJoeShow interview with Biomutant’s Creative Director, Stefan Ljungqvist that they have designed the game from the get-go for the previous-gen consoles. this is understandable, because next-gen consoles weren’t announced yet. Probably why they focus, because they are a small team, finish this release and maybe later release it to Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5—just my take.
However, based on the creative director’s answer, the game will be playable on current-gen consoles. But from that answer, I understand that it won’t be optimized for high-fidelity graphics on current-gen consoles and it will look the same as old gen. This is what I understand.
What’s the size of the Map of Biomutant?
Biomutant is an open-world action RPG game. The size of the map is 8 kilometers by 8 kilometers or 5×5 miles. It’s a large world that you explore, packs with creatures, quests, hidden areas, and things to unlock and discover.
It’s a big open world, but not areas will be accessible to you. some of them, similar to the game ‘Grounded’ will require certain gear to gain access to. Some of them will be very cold and you’ll need warm clothes. Others might have poisonous gas which will require you to obtain a gas mask to be able to survive there for a longer period.
So there will be map progression restrictions, but overall the entire map is open for you to explore.
What Perspective the game is played?
Biomutant is played in the third-person perspective. This is obviously very important for the game as users can see how their character is mutated and changed as you alter the character’s DNA. Part of the fun progressing in the game is unlocking all of the unique abilities, gear and seeing your new self as you mutate.
It’s also worth mentioning that 3rd person perspective works the best for melee combat. There isn’t any first-person perspective support, at least no information that I’ve found suggesting that players will be able to change between 3rd person to 1st person.
Did you know? — Biomutant was designed first as a top-down view action RPG (Diablo style) but then change to 3rd person because the developers really liked how it looked.
How extensive is Biomutant’s Character Creation Screen?
When you start playing the game you’ll have the option to choose your character’s attributes. Spending points that you distribute towards different attributes like Charisma, Vitality, Intellect, Strength, Agility, Lucky, etc.
As you do that, that change will alter the look of the character, in a very significant way. For example, if you choose a high intellect, this leads to a bigger brain so you’ll have a larger head.
- Strength: Damage
- Vitality: Health, Health Regen, Armor, Power Resist
- Charisma: Persuasion, Barter
- Intellect: Power, Energy, Energy Regen, Power Resist, Power Pierce, Cooldown Reduction
- Agility: Move Speed, Attack Speed, Range, Dodge Energy, Dodge Deduct
- Luck: Loot Chance, Critical Change
You can also change the color of your fur or randomize it and see what you get. Of course, these stats will affect your abilities and the way you interact with different gear that you find in the world.
Keep in mind that they created a balance between the different attributes, at least for the beginning of the game. So for example, you won’t be able to create a character in the character creation screen that is both super smart and also has remarkable strength.
Can I Reset the Character’s Stats Later in the Game?
When you get to a biomutant pool, you’ll be able to re-code your mutation. Based on a Biomutatn developer presentation at PC Gamer Weekender 2018, it’s like getting back to the character screen all over again. So players will be able to aside from mutating, also re-code their DNA–change the stats.
It’s a good thing, as you might want to change your character’s playstyle as you play and reset the stats to match the new playstyle–make sense right?
Are there Character Classes in Biomutant?
Yes, and this is mentioned in an interview by IGN. The dev mentioned that they haven’t shown the secondary screen, but that screen is for choosing a class. After all, it’s a full-blown RPG game.
You can be, for example, Commando that makes you look like Rambo. This will dictate your proficiencies with your weapons, starting gear, and more. This is great, promote replay value as well.
Biomutant Aspiration
I’ve heard an interview with the dev and they mentioned Breath of the Wild which was one of their inspirations. However, looking at the Biomutant gameplay myself, I’ve seen things that remind me of not just videogames but also movies, including Breath of the Wild, Devil May Cry, Kong Fu Panda (movie), Guardians of the Galaxy (movie), Far Cry (different zones and tribes), Crysis, Fallout (the mech and other unique grungy Mad Max-style gear), Ratchet & Clank (speedy and slick fighting mechanics), Avatar (‘Tree of Life, beautiful exotic world design), Horizon Zero Dawn, X-Men (movie), Monster Hunter and others.
How do you learn new Combat Moves in Biomutant?
Based on what I’ve seen and heard in interviews, you can learn new combat moves based on your mutation as you recode your DNA and the gear you obtain in different ways. You can also learn new fighting skills when you become part of a tribe.
There are a total of 6 tribes, each one represent DNA strands for you to gain mutation from and hold unique items and fighting styles that once you become part of or doing the quest for them, you’ll be able to extend your knowledge in different combat moves and get new gear.
Does Biomutant has a Combo-based Fighting System?
The simple answer to that yes. The creative direction Stefan Ljungqvist mentioned that in an interview at Gamescom 2018.
This means that once you master certain fighting techniques, you’ll be able to further maximize your damage by doing complex combos. How far the rabbit hole goes–I have no idea.
I heard the dev talking about super Wushu (sorry if I wrote it wrong) mode, which in that mode you can unleash a unique combo. I’ve googled the word ‘Wushu’. It’s full-contact Chinese Kungfu.
How you obtain New Mutations?
There will be biohazard pools spread around the map. Once you interact with those biohazard pools, you’ll be able to unlock new mutations and recode your DNS.
I think it’s great, as you might want to change things to choose different skills that match your preferred playstyle or maybe ones that are required in certain levels, to make it easier to complete them.
How Many Types of Mutations Are in Biomutant?
There are two types of mutations: Physical and Psionic. The physical are done near biomutant pools. The psionic mutations are the X-Men style mutations, so you might something like mental powers. It’s beyond the physical mutation. Here you might benefit from higher intelligence, which is equivalent to mana to power up your psionic abilities.
Psionic mutations can be obtained within radioactive machines which can be discovered in bunkers from the old world throughout the open world. The dev mentioned it as something similar to “Hulk”, where he was a man who exposed himself to radioactivity that leads him to obtain his superhuman powers.
What are “Bionics” in Biomutant?
Bionics aren’t mutations. These are items that affect your character’s capabilities. Kind of like bio-mechanical body parts or add-ons.
They can be obtained from a character called Whiz, that will craft cool stuff for you, and one of those things are bionics—like bionic wings, bionic bow, a jump-pack, and more.
The dev mentioned that these types of items aren’t necessarily for combat, but also for explorations. For example, reaching certain places or maybe unlocking secret areas that otherwise you won’t able to find.
For example, shooting the bionic bow at an area of the mountain to climb a certain place that otherwise with other of your abilities you wouldn’t be able to reach.
Bionics are also upgradeable.
Same Enemy, Different Mutations
In Biomutant you might encounter enemies that might look a bit similar but have a different set of attacks. These are mutant enemies that share the same basic DNA structure but they were mutated because they live in a different environment.
This reminds me of the ‘mite’ and ‘infected mite’ in the game Grounded. The infected mite resides in the poisonous zone. It was mutated and although it looks similar to the regular mite, it had different attacks and look variation. Same in Biomutant–pretty cool!
Can My Character Fly in Biomutant?
As I mentioned, you can fly using a glider for example, but your character won’t be able to fly using abilities. That being said, your character can levitate for a certain height (upgradable to even higher). However, this is used for jumping and during combat. It does however consumes energy so there is a limit to how long you can actually use it.
The developer mentioned that you can’t use it to fly across the world–for that, you have the glider and maybe other types of flying vehicles.
Does Biomutant features shooting or just melee combat?
Biomutant features both melee and shooting combat. The martial art melee combat looks very in-depth, but I don’t know how in-depth the shooting will be. I’ve seen plenty of crazy shooting items so I guess it won’t be neglected as I’m sure many players want to enjoy shooting with different guns.
(Image credit: Experiment 101)
Keep in mind that there are many crazy items that you can use to attack your enemies, like the flexible bubble that is tight to one of the mutant abilities that you can use to traverse through the environment and attack enemies with it as well.
It seems like the game encourages players to mix different weapons during combat. Especially with weapons that have different affixes like cryogenic that will freeze enemies upon hit and then use a high-DPS melee weapon.
Overall, I am very impressed with all the different moves, gear, combo-system and fighting system implemented in this game. I mean, it’s crazy, move than many other games of this genre!
How many devs work on Biomutant?
From an interview with Stefan Ljungqvist, they were 13 and 18 by 2018. Don’t know the current numbers, but they are not a big team.
That being said, they got support from THQ Nordic to be their publisher.
Does Biomutant have Mounts to Traverse the Land?
Yes, based on one of the Biomutant trailer videos. Here is a screenshot below where you can see the hero riding on a horse mount–Breath of The Wild-style.
(image credit: Experiment 101)
Can you Glide in Biomutant?
Yes! Based on the gameplay trailer, you will be able to use a glider to traverse the terrain from the air.
(Image credit: Experiment 101)
Also in the press release the dev mentioned:
So I can say in confidence that mounts and gliders are in–and even more!
Does Biomutant features co-op or any multiplayer game mode?
Based on the information I’ve found, there is no multiplayer game mode available, not co-op nor PvP. Even on Steam, it says “Single-player” and no multiplayer is mentioned neither in the press release.
Is Biomutant feature Narration?
Yes, it’s fully narrated and this is very much evident in the Biomutant gameplay videos. Although I’ve read in Wikipedia that has you the playtime increases, the narration decreases.
Can I Change my Abilities & Look During the game?
Yes. You’ll find biomutant pools that allow you to mutate and re-code your genetic structure.
From the game’s description via Steam: “You’ll be able to re-code your genetic structure to change the way you look and play.“.
Can I Craft Weapons & Gear in Biomutant?
Yes. Crafting is one of the great features of Biomutant. You can mix and match parts to create your own unique 1H or 2H slain and crush weapons. This includes revolvers, rifles, and shotguns. You can also add modifications (mods). There are thousands and even millions of combinations, depends on the weapon. The devs mentioned like even millions of crafting combinations for range weapons!
As you can see in the above image. There are the “crafting cost” which is the items you need to craft that specific weapon. You can there are weapon rarities as well. “Ultimate 100” seems like one of the better end-game weapons. There is also “Relic”, “Rare”, “Uncommon” and “Common” Each one also carries + signs, I think up to 3, the more + the higher the rarity for a specific rarity category.
What do the stars mean in the weapon’s stats screen? – As mentioned by the developer, the stars that you see at the top represent the average total value in terms of “gold cost”.
For each weapon, you can see its stats and the modifiable parts (e.g. Grip, Handle). Some weapon requires special skill and/or Attribute to use. For example, the Hyprozapper Tock requires requires “Agility” 10/50 attribute and “Automatic Rifles” Skill to use (or craft, not sure yet).
Higher tier weapon possibly have cool features, like the one above that has “Split: A projectile penetrates the target, inflicts damage on entry and exit and continues up to its maximum range.“
For some weapons you can find information like “Quality”, “Damage Type” (e.g. Radioactive VII), and “Material”.
(Image credit: Experiment 101, THQ Nordic)
Can I Craft Clothing/Armor Gear in Biomutant?
Yes. you can craft clothing items, like armor, helmet, etc. In fact, for some areas, it will be necessary to craft wearable gear. For example, you’ll need to craft a gas mask to enter a zone with hazardous air conditions or wear warm clothes in cold areas that otherwise you won’t survive these harsh conditions.
Does Biomutant Supports Outfit Presets?
Yes, this is also confirmed in an interview by IGN with the developer. The dev mentioned that you’ll be able to change to different outfit presets. This is great as it will save time if you want to switch to a different preset for different zones or changing your gameplay style, etc.
Will Biomutant feature many Story Endings?
It seems so based on the interview with the creative direction and the information found on Steam.
Quote from Steam:
Your actions play a major part in the unfolding of a story where End is coming to the New World…
You are guided through the world by a Storyteller that narrates every step of your journey, but it’s your actions and choices that’ll decide how your story of survival ends.
Steam game’s description
So yes, we have different storylines and endings depends on your actions. How many endings I don’t know but everything that I’ve read suggests more than one endings.
What are Tribes in Biomutant?
There are 6 tribes in this game. Each tribe owns an outpost (like in Far Cry). Our hero has a karma score based on our he interacts with each tribe. You can decide to ally with a tribe or eliminate it. The influence you have in the tribe will also open up more options for you to obtain the unique tribe’s weapons, unlock new Wushu fighting techniques and unique mounts. Players will also be able to eventually become the Champion of the tribe with enough karma influence.
One of the coolest mounts that I’ve seen is a metallic clockwork hand mount that can attack with its fingers and shoot projectiles through its fingers as well 👉😲.
Does Biomutant feature Stealth?
I haven’t found any official information regarding it nor I’ve seen any gameplay that showcase stealth gameplay.
However, considering that the game is heavily based on martial art combat, we might have stealth but again, no official info about that just yet.
Can I Go Underwater in Biomutant?
Yes, you will be able to go underwater in certain areas. We’ve seen a fight against what seems like a boss battle underwater. The hero drove what seems like a futuristic bug-like submarine vehicle.
How many Different Areas are in Biomutant?
The developer calls them biomes and there are 7 or more of them. Each area will be different than the other and offer unique and interesting ways to explore it.
Some of them will require you to create gear to explore it. This is similar to the game “Grounded”. All areas are connected, but each one has its own unique distinctive peculiarities, different types of enemies, and many things to discover that are unique to that biome.
For example, one area will require you to wear a gas mask as it’s low on oxygen, another one to wear warm clothes as it’s very cold. You might be able to get in, but you won’t survive long without special equipment.
This is a way to also control the progression, not allowing people to survive in an area (they can still go there), and then they need to obtain certain items to be able to explore them. Used in many open-world games to control progression. Can also be difficulty-differentiation and other tricks
Bullet-time (slow-mo) Confirmed in Gameplay Trailer
I know it’s just a little feature but some players love having a bullet-time effect during combat. I enjoy this a lot in Cyberpunk 2077. Anyways, in the 2018 Gamescom 2018 gameplay trailer minute 1:28, you can see there is a bullet-time effect. It looks like a finisher bullet-time as it happened the moment the enemy died. Might be related to ability or a specific weapon’s function. Although I have seen ones that slow-time on melee hit without finishing an enemy.
Are there Ultimate Abilities in Biomutant?
Can’t clarify that entirely, but I came across a melee and gun (yes also for guns) “Super Wushu” in a gameplay trailer that seems like a ‘Super ability’. Once the user got to what seems like 20x hits, the “Super Wushu” meter reached max and it seems the user activated the ability manually. There are some yellow visual effects lines and I guess that deals a big chunk of extra damage.
What’s the Cricket in the Trailer Does?
Based on the developer presentation from PC Gamer Weekender 2018–the cricket is a sidekick (close companion). He is kind of contextual to the world. This cute buddy can start quests if he comes to specific parts of the world. That’s all I know so far.
What Game Engine Biomutant was Developed with?
Biomutant was developed using Unreal Engine 4.
What you get if you buy Biomutant Collector’s Edition & What Price?
There are 3 different Biomutant Collector’s Editions, for PlayStation 4, PC and Xbox One.
What you get in the box for the Collector’s Edition:
- Game Biomutant
- Game hero figurine
- Artwork on Fabric A1 size
- Soundtrack
- Premium Box
Price SRP of € 109.99 | $ 109.99 | £ 99.99 for PC and € 119.99 | $ 119.99 | £ 109.99 for consoles
And now for the Atomic Edition:
- High Detail Diorama – 60cm/23″ long, 25cm/10″ width, 30cm/12″ height
- Game Biomutant
- Steelbook
- T-Shirt in L/XL
- Oversized Mousepad 80cm/31″ x 35cm/14″
- Artwork on Fabric A1 size
- Soundtrack
- Premium Box
The Biomutant Atomic Edition will be available at selected retailers for an SRP of € 399.99 | $ 399.99 | £ 349.99.
You can buy it on Amazon.com
The “regular” Collector’s Edition (cheaper one) comes with an official soundtrack, A1 artwork on fabric, the game, figurine, and all in a premium box.
What Frame Rate Biomutant Runs on Consoles?
I haven’t found any official information regarding frame rates, whether it would run at 30fps or 60fps. The world does seem very detailed and I was expecting 30fps, but thinking about it, to make the fast-paced combat really shine–I have a feeling that we’ll see 60 fps. But again, no official confirmation for this.
What are Biomutant Minimum and Recommended System Requirements?
As of the time of writing, the devs only released the minimum system requirements, not the recommended system requirement.
The minimum system requirements are as follows (source Steam):
- 64-bit processor and OS (for both minimum and recommended)
- Windows 7 or higher (64 bit)
- Processor:2.6 GHz Intel® Core™ i5-750 or 3.2 GHz AMD Phenom™ II X4 955
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Graphics Card: 2 GB Direct3D 11 capable video card (GeForce GTX 780 or Radeon R280)
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 10 GB available space
Important: They also added a note that these are preliminary system specs that can and will change!
Play Biomutant with Controller or Keyboard?
Yes, you can play the game with a controller or mouse and keyboard if you like.
Does Biomutant have Dialogue Choices Option?
Yes. this is confirmed from the Gamescom 2018 gameplay trailer.
Is the map in Biomutant Procedurally Generated?
Not. The entire map is handcrafted. Every item in any specific location is thereby the choice of the level/map design artists.
Can I Craft Clothing Items in Biomutant?
Yes. Also confirmed by AngryJoe’s interview with Biomutant’s Creative Director, Stefan Ljungqvist. You can craft pants, jackets, shoulder pads, face decorations, helmets, etc.
But to craft cool things, you’ll need to find all of these parts to create your new customized look.
Are there any concerns that the game will not be balanced?
Biomutant is huge when it comes to customizations. It has been raised in the interview with AngryJoe, but the developer mentioned that they spend a lot of time making sure the game is properly balanced. It can get easily out of control when you just put so many things in. Players might come up with some combinations that will just “break the game”.
From the interview, I get good vibes that this is very important, so hopefully, we won’t encounter any big balancing issue when the game launches.
Are there Collectibles to find in Biomutant?
Short answer, No. Base on what I understood in the Interview with AngryJoeShow–No, there aren’t (source: AngryJoeShow). This was a very straight answer by the creative direction.
He mentioned that they are not a fan of that. Joe replied fairly that it’s nice discovering a thing in a place where you decided to randomly investigate—“Players love it”. I agree with Jo,e but at the same time, you can put there other related items as well. That being said, having it doesn’t hurt and actually give some “completionist” players spend more time playing the game.
What is ‘Aura’ in Biomutant?
Aura is the morality system in Biomutant (as mentioned on AngryJoeShow interview with the dev). It’s more resembles “Light and Dark”.
This was done to add more depth to the characters and this is why they tied the characters to the Aura system. Most of it will be determined by your dialogue answers for the most part.
Some of the powers in the game, like psionic powers existing in dark and light versions. But the dev mentioned you are not gated–means you won’t be restricted from buying items based on your aura. However, you have the option to create the character of your choice with those options. Like going all “Dark” and this sort of stuff.
Did you know? — There are 6 tribes in Biomutant, 3 are “Dark” and 3 are “Light”. Based on your aura, these relationships might be a bit different.
Is Biomutant Going to be a Buggy Game Like Cyberpunk 2077?
Many people afraid of yet another Cyberpunk 2077 saga. Dev answers to AngryJoeShow that they are doing their best. They also put up a release date– which they think can be released in a form that won’t be a mass.
For the dev, it seems that the most important thing is that they won’t be “truly disruptive bugs”.
Such a big sandbox game where users have so much freedom is very prone to bugs–especially for a small team–but hopefully, we’ll see a good launch.
Any Loot boxes and Microtransactions in Biomutant?
No microtransactions. Confirmed by the developer. The only loot boxes you’ll find are in the game and you won’t need to pay for them, just find them. No real money loot boxes guys!
More answers coming soon…