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Biomutant
Promotional artwork
DeveloperExperiment 101
PublisherTHQ Nordic
DirectorStefan Ljungqvist
DesignerTorkel Forner
Programmers
  • Per Johansson
  • Nikolai Nyqvist
  • Artan Grajqevci
  • Michael Grünewald
Artists
  • Marcus Perrson
  • Fadi Asar
  • Nils Friberg
Writers
  • Stefan Ljungqvist
  • Matt Forbeck
ComposerBjörn Palmberg
EngineUnreal Engine 4
Platforms
Release
  • PS4, Windows, Xbox One
  • May 25, 2021
  • PS5, Xbox Series X/S
  • September 6, 2022
  • Nintendo Switch
  • May 14, 2024
GenreAction role-playing
ModeSingle-player

Biomutant is an action role-playing game developed by Swedish developer Experiment 101 and published by THQ Nordic. The game was released on May 25, 2021, for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One. Versions of the game for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S were released in September 2022. A port for the Nintendo Switch was released in May 2024. The game received mixed reviews from critics and sold 1 million units by August 2021.

Gameplay

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Biomutant is an action role-playing game set in an open world environment and played from a third-person perspective in which the player takes control of a mammalian warrior in a world filled with mutated animals. Players customize their character including length, body shape and thickness, fur, fangs, and many other attributes that can be tweaked and all have direct impact on the statistics of the playable character during gameplay. A thicker character is heavier, which makes it slower but conversely allows it to deal and resist more damage.[citation needed]

The protagonist is able to dodge to the left, right, and backward, as well as jump. The combat system combines melee attacks with long-range shooting. The player collects parts throughout the game and combines these parts to create a weapon. Each part has its own effect on the statistics of the end product. The game features a variety of Affixes, including cryogenic and electrical, which are effective in battles. When a cryogenic part is put onto a weapon, enemies will freeze when hit. The player can combine the power of multiple weapons by switching between different weapons during combat.[citation needed]

Besides leveling up the playable character, the player can use level up points to strengthen their attributes or to unlock new attack combinations. Another way to learn new moves is by interacting with specific characters in each area. Most moves are based on weapons, which can be crafted using the game's weapon crafting system.[1][2]

Throughout the game, players can change their abilities, looks by mutations, and apply upgrades to their robotic companion, which can be used to get various advantages against certain enemies or at certain locations. In order to reach specific areas, the player must equip gear that is suited for that area, or obtain specific vehicles, such as an air balloon or jet skis. This way, the player can overcome obstacles introduced by their surroundings, such as the limited oxygen availability in the Deadzone: by wearing a gas mask or an oxygen container, the player is able to venture deeper into the area and explore new places that cannot be reached without any precautions, while an even bigger part of the area can be reached by obtaining a mech.[1][3] The game's world can be seamlessly explored by the player on foot, by flying or using an air balloon, jet ski and mech. It features a dynamic weather system and day-night cycle which affect the gameplay and enemy behaviour.

The story is mission-based and mission lines are character-based. Certain characters will provide the player quest lines that are emanating from their area. The more the player interacts with this character, the wider the arc of that specific area becomes.

Biomutant features a Karma system for interactions with non-playable characters and an alliance system to influence the in-game tribal war. Depending on the actions, interactions, and decisions made by the player throughout the whole game, the stances characters take can change, which has an influence on the continuation of the story as dialogues and quest lines will be changed.[3] The story is fully narrated, though as playtime increases, the narration level scales down. Players are able to manually adjust the narration frequency.[4]

Plot

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Biomutant has branching storylines where decisions made by the player will decide how the story will continue. The main plot revolves around the "Tree of Life", which is struck by a natural disaster and becomes polluted by poisonous oil from beneath the soil. The five roots of the Tree, through which it gives life to the whole world, come under threat from five creatures who begin slowly gnawing at them, threatening to kill the Tree before it can heal itself. The situation is further complicated by six tribes, each split from their original enclave. Three of them want to heal the Tree of Life and restore the natural balance of the world, while the other three see an opportunity to expand their territory and power.

Each tribe can be influenced through the Karma system. The player can ally with a tribe and eliminate other tribes in order to grow the power of the allied tribe in the world, although the player can decide on the Tree of Life's fate without having to eliminate any of the tribes if they want to.[1]

Development and release

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Biomutant is the first game by the Swedish development studio Experiment 101, which was established in 2015 by former Avalanche Studios employees. After working on the Just Cause series for many years, the founders of the studio wanted to go back to the basics of video game development and create a game that is "fun in a good way".[2] Experiment 101 has a flat organization and had 18 employees in August 2018.[5] Development on Biomutant started after the foundation of the studio.[2]

On 19 August 2017, an advertisement in the German gaming magazine GamesMarkt revealed the existence of the game, dubbing it as a "post-apocalyptic kung-fu fable",[6][7] before being fully announced on 21 August.[8] The game was playable later that week at the German trade show Gamescom. In an interview which was published the day after the announcement of the game, Experiment 101's head of studio Stefan Ljungqvist said that the game already was content complete. He mentioned that one of the most difficult things for the development team was to balance the combat system in order to "combine shooting, melee [attacks], and abilities in a quite intuitive way".[1] Unreal Engine 4 is used for the game.[7]

On 26 January 2021, it was announced that the game would be released for Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on May 25, 2021.[9] Versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S followed on September 6, 2022.[10] A port for Nintendo Switch was initially scheduled to release on November 30, 2023, but was delayed.[11] In late February 2024, the companies announced that the Switch port would be released on May 14, 2024.[12]

Reception

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Biomutant received "mixed or average reviews" according to Metacritic.[13][14][15]

Luke Reilly of IGN awarded the game a 6/10, writing, "Biomutant has a lot of the building blocks of a top-drawer action RPG but its cookie-cutter approach to objectives and puzzles starts feeling very repetitive very early on."[27]

In Japan, the PlayStation 4 version of Biomutant was the second bestselling retail game during its first week of release, with 24,596 physical units being sold.[28] As of August 18, 2021, the game sold more than 1 million units.[29][30]

References

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Biomutant

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from Grokipedia
Biomutant is an open-world action role-playing video game developed by the Swedish studio Experiment 101 and published by . Released on May 25, 2021, for Microsoft Windows, , and , playable on and Xbox Series X/S via , with native enhanced versions released on September 6, 2022, and a port following on May 14, 2024. The game is set in a vibrant, post-apocalyptic world populated by mutated animals, where players control a customizable raccoon-like navigating a narrative-driven adventure centered on saving the dying from pollution and tribal conflicts. Its core gameplay features a unique martial arts-inspired combat system that blends melee attacks, ranged shooting, and mutant powers, alongside extensive character customization, crafting, and open-world exploration using various vehicles.

Gameplay and World

Core Mechanics

Biomutant is played from a third-person perspective, allowing players to control a customizable anthropomorphic in an open-world environment spanning approximately 8 by 8 kilometers. occurs primarily on foot, emphasizing agile martial arts-style movement, with seamless transitions across diverse terrains including wildlands, mountains, and archipelagos. Players can also utilize various vehicles to facilitate traversal, such as mechs known as Mektons for heavy-duty exploration in hazardous areas, jet skis called Googlides for water-based , air balloons for aerial , and other mounts that enhance mobility and access to remote regions. The game's karma system, represented through an mechanic, tracks player decisions to determine moral alignment along a (benevolent) or Dark (malevolent) spectrum. Choices in dialogues, quests, and interactions—such as aiding or harming non-player characters—accumulate Aura points, shifting the protagonist's status from neutral to Somewhat Light/Dark or Maximum Light/Dark. This system influences tribal relations by affecting how factions perceive the player; for instance, aligning with Light-affiliated tribes like the Myriad strengthens bonds with benevolent groups, while Dark choices favor antagonistic ones like the Lotus, potentially locking out alliances or invitations to key locations such as the Ark. Ultimately, the dominant at the game's conclusion branches the narrative into one of two endings, with preserving the and Dark leading to its destruction, thereby shaping story progression and companion attitudes without directly restricting tribal recruitment. Mutations serve as core superpowers acquired through character progression, divided into biogenetic alterations and psi-powers that enhance both exploration and combat capabilities. Biogenetic mutations, unlocked using Bio Points earned from defeating Biocreeps, activating Nucleus Towers, or discovering containers, include physical enhancements like Vile for toxic ranged attacks or Turtleform for sliding down slopes, which integrate into melee and ranged by adding status effects such as or improved mobility. Psi-powers, conversely, are psi-mutations triggered by exposure or progression in the Ki Power stat, requiring Psi Points from shrines, rewards, or civilian interactions to unlock abilities gated by alignment—such as the Light-based Levitate for hovering over obstacles or the Dark-aligned for manipulating enemies mid-battle. These powers seamlessly blend into , enabling crowd control (e.g., Blink's teleporting shockwave), area damage (e.g., Sizzle Ball's projectile), or tactical repositioning, with upgrades scaling via attribute investments to amplify effectiveness against foes. A robotic companion, the —a small, modifiable scrap-toy resembling a —provides utility support throughout gameplay, starting available early and upgradable through side quests. Its upgrades, obtained by completing the recurring questline four times, include a for on-demand during low-health situations, a Glider for enhanced aerial descent, a Turret for automated combat assistance, and a Boost mode to temporarily increase damage output, all accessible via a radial menu. Additional perks like a flashlight aid scanning in low-visibility areas, while cosmetic modifications expand via noticeboard tasks, integrating the companion as a versatile tool for survival, reconnaissance, and battle augmentation without overshadowing player agency. Dynamic weather and day-night cycles enrich the open-world experience by altering environmental conditions and gameplay dynamics across biomes. Daytime offers clear visibility for resource gathering, while nighttime reduces sightlines, prompting reliance on the Automaton's and shifting enemy patrols to more nocturnal patterns that increase risks. Adverse , such as storms or , impacts aggression and movement, potentially making certain resources scarcer or more hazardous to harvest, while specialized zones like Dead Zones demand gas masks for toxic exposure and Cryo areas require insulated gear to mitigate freezing effects, thus tying environmental awareness to strategic resource management.

Exploration and Progression

Biomutant's open-world map spans approximately 8 by 8 kilometers, featuring a diverse array of biomes that reflect the post-apocalyptic decay of its environment, including lush forests, barren deserts, poisoned areas, radiated wastelands, oxygen-devoid Dead Zones, and frozen cryo regions. These biomes incorporate hazardous conditions such as toxic gases, extreme cold, and radiation, which require players to equip specialized gear for safe traversal and encourage strategic . Dynamic weather systems, day-night cycles, and environmental obstacles like oil spills and deadly rivers further shape navigation, prompting players to adapt their approach to uncover hidden secrets and resources scattered across the landscape. The game's quest structure emphasizes meaningful progression without repetitive tasks, as confirmed by the developers, who explicitly avoided fetch quests in favor of varied, narrative-driven objectives. Main story missions advance the central conflict surrounding the world's fate, while side quests encompass exploration challenges like following mysterious trails or chasing mirages, rescue operations to free captives, combat-focused clearances of bandit camps, and scavenger hunts involving puzzle-solving with old-world gadgets. Collectibles such as ancient bunkers, known as Old-World Vaults, provide lore insights and powerful rewards, often requiring players to defeat guardians or solve environmental puzzles to access them, thereby integrating discovery with world-building. These non-linear pursuits reward thorough investigation, with off-path discoveries triggering personal quest lines that enhance player agency and experience gains. Character progression occurs through a flexible system of skill trees and classes that allow hybridization of abilities, enabling players to blend archetypes for personalized builds. The three primary skill trees—melee for close-quarters combat enhancements like increased damage or armor bonuses, ranged for precision shooting perks such as multipliers, and psi for powers including faster energy regeneration—unlock progressively as players level up via experience from quests and exploration. Classes like the Dead-Eye, which specializes in sniping with bonuses to damage, or the Psi-Freak, focused on abilities with health regeneration from power attacks, provide starting gear and unique perks that integrate into these trees. This setup promotes experimentation, as players can respec attributes like strength or agility to optimize their path without rigid commitments. Resource gathering fuels crafting and upgrades, with materials obtained by looting defeated enemies, scavenging scrap from the environment, destroying resource totems using melee weapons, or purchasing from specialized traders. These five core resource types—tracked in the inventory—are essential for enhancing weapons and armor at crafting stations, where costs are clearly indicated to guide efficient upgrades without waste. Environmental interactions deepen this loop, such as taming wildlife like Gnauts or other mounts through mini-games to gain faster traversal options across biomes, or engaging with interactive elements like tuning satellite dishes in side quests to unlock new areas and lore. Such mechanics tie resource acquisition directly to exploration, rewarding players for interacting with the world's ecosystem and remnants of the old civilization.

Combat and Customization

Biomutant's combat system is a hybrid third-person experience inspired by , known in-game as Wung-Fu, which emphasizes fluid movement and combo-based attacks alongside ranged and powers. Players execute wuxia-style aerial and ground combos using one-handed or two-handed slash and crush weapons, allowing for agile dodges, parries, and strikes that can chain into environmental interactions or follow-ups with firearms. Ranged combat involves customizable guns equipped with affixes such as for ignition damage or for freezing enemies, enabling strategic switches between close-quarters brawling and distance suppression during encounters with mutated wildlife or rival tribes. powers, drawn from bio-contamination and , integrate seamlessly, such as deploying telekinetic blasts or to disrupt foes mid-combo. The weapon crafting system enhances this hybrid approach by letting players loot parts from the post-apocalyptic world to assemble unique gear, fostering experimentation in build variety. weapons are constructed from basic components like handles, blades, and , while ranged options require additional elements such as barrels, stocks, and scopes; for instance, combining a staff base with a cryogenic creates a that inflicts freezing effects on impact, slowing or shattering vulnerable targets. provide bonuses like increased critical chance or energy regeneration, and weapons can be iteratively refined at crafting stations using resources obtained from dismantling or vendors, ensuring no two setups are identical and promoting replayability in combat tactics. Character creation occurs at the game's outset, where players customize their anthropomorphic protagonist's appearance and foundational abilities to influence depth from the start. Options include selecting body types ranging from slender and agile to bulky and robust, along with fur colors, patterns, and facial features like fangs or ears, which subtly tie into aesthetic later. Players also choose a genetic breed—such as the strength-focused Rex or agility-oriented Primal—and a origin that affects starting stats, for example, favoring for evasive maneuvers versus strength for heavier hits; these choices allocate points across six attributes (, Strength, , , , ) and four resistances (Heat, , Biohazard, ), with classes like Psi-Freak enhancing mutant power access or boosting ranged proficiency. This initial personalization directly impacts early combat viability and progression paths. Further customization evolves through acquired via environmental interactions, allowing players to re-code their genetic structure at in-game labs or pools to alter both appearance and capabilities. Biogenetic , unlocked with Bio Points earned from defeating contaminated enemies or collecting canisters, include abilities like the Fungi mutation for launching foes with explosive mushrooms or Turtleform for armored sliding charges; more advanced ones, such as adding wing-like appendages via splicing, enable gliding across terrains to access new areas or ambush from above. These evolutions not only modify the character's look—such as sprouting bioluminescent growths—but also deepen options by stacking with Wung-Fu combos or weapons, with upgrades requiring progressive Bio Point investments to maximize effects like extended glide duration or enhanced power potency.

Story and Characters

Plot Overview

Biomutant is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has gone extinct following a cataclysmic event known as the Great Disaster, leading to the of animals into diverse anthropomorphic mutants who now inhabit a contaminated . The core conflict revolves around the , a massive central tree that sustains all existence on the planet but is slowly dying due to poisoning from oil that has seeped into its roots from underground sources linked to a long-defunct corporation, Toxanol. This environmental catastrophe has triggered widespread famine and division among the mutant tribes, exacerbating tensions in their fragile society. The is a customizable mutant warrior and tribal outcast, the sole survivor of their destroyed clan, who sets out on a pilgrimage across the ravaged wilds to reach the and attempt to heal it before it's too late. During this journey, the character must confront four colossal ancient beasts called the World Eaters, which are devouring the Tree's vital roots and accelerating its decline, posing an existential threat to the entire world. The narrative unfolds as a fable-like tale, narrated in a reflective style that emphasizes themes of , , and environmental consequence. The story features a branching structure driven by player choices, presented through episodic flashbacks and moral dilemmas that shape interpersonal relationships and broader outcomes, ultimately determining whether the —and the world—can be saved or is doomed to perish. A guiding maternal voice, representing the protagonist's inner compass or lost heritage, provides occasional counsel amid the chaos. The lore draws on the Great Disaster, an ecological catastrophe caused by human corporations' dumping that polluted the planet, sparking and .

Factions and Narrative Choices

In Biomutant, the narrative revolves around six tribal factions that have splintered from a once-unified society, each vying for control in a post-apocalyptic world threatened by the dying . These tribes are broadly divided into three light-aligned groups, which seek to heal and preserve the Tree through unity and restoration, and three dark-aligned groups, which favor aggressive expansion using polluted oil resources, viewing the Tree's decline as an opportunity for dominance. The light tribes—Myriad, Ankati, and Netra—emphasize persuasion, protection, and communal healing, aligning with the protagonist's potential path to save the ecosystem. In contrast, the dark tribes—Pichu, Jagni, and Lotus—prioritize conquest, self-interest, and exploitation of the oil that poisons the land, often leading to more destructive outcomes in the story. This division ties directly to the protagonist's Karma system, where player actions shift allegiance toward one side, influencing available quests, powers, and the world's fate. Key characters anchor these factions and the protagonist's personal arc, which begins with from a childhood battle against the Lupa-Lupin, a ruthless warrior who embodies destructive ambition and leads forces threatening the . The tribal leaders, known as Sifus, are former disciples of the protagonist's late mother—a wise unifier whose teachings emphasized balance but fractured after her death, leading the Sifus to form their tribes. Each Sifu represents their tribe's : for instance, the Myriad Sifu advocates peaceful reunification to heal the , while the Jagni Sifu pushes for oil-fueled supremacy. among the "guardians" refer to the four colossal World Eaters—ancient beasts gnawing at the 's roots—their defeats uncovering fragments of the protagonist's lost memories and tying backstories to the mother's legacy of failed unity. The narrative choice system allows players to shape tribal relationships through quests, dialogues, and moral decisions, determining alliance formations and outcomes without railroading into a single path. Early on, players choose an initial (typically Myriad for light or Jagni for dark), but can later betray it and recruit others by completing faction-specific quests or engaging in persuasive dialogues that sway neutral s. These alliances culminate in a tribal , where uniting three like-aligned s enables an assault on the rival "super " (the opposing alignment's ), leading to multiple endings based on dominance—peaceful unity under light factions restores the , while dark conquest accelerates its collapse. Choices introduce moral ambiguity, such as allying with seemingly villainous dark s for pragmatic benefits like powerful weapons or resources, which can strain relationships with light-aligned companions or alter world states like outpost statuses. For example, deciding whether to subdue or integrate a defeated via options affects companion loyalty, potentially recruiting them to the Ark (a vessel) or leaving them behind, influencing subtle narrative branches and the protagonist's reflective inner voice. Overall, these decisions emphasize consequences without binary good-evil tropes, allowing pragmatic villain alliances to yield advantages while risking isolation or a doomed world.

Development

Concept and Early Production

Experiment 101, the studio behind Biomutant, was co-founded in 2015 in , , by Swedish game development veteran Stefan Ljungqvist, who serves as CEO and creative director, alongside Goodbye Kansas Game Invest (later rebranded as Amplifier Game Invest). Ljungqvist, a former art director at Avalanche Studios—known for titles like Just Cause and —assembled a small team of fellow Avalanche alumni to pursue ambitious projects in open-world . The studio's debut title, Biomutant, embodied this vision by aiming to innovate within the action role-playing genre through a seamless blend of exploration, narrative, and player agency in a vast, dynamic environment. The concept for Biomutant originated from Ljungqvist's desire to merge elements of wuxia-inspired with a post-apocalyptic world inhabited by mutated anthropomorphic creatures, framed within a fable-like structure. Early development focused on prototyping core systems, particularly a fluid combat mechanic that transitions smoothly between melee and ranged attacks, drawing from styles to create an intuitive, acrobatic feel. mechanics were also central from the outset, allowing players to evolve their character through genetic customization and environmental interactions, emphasizing adaptability in a ravaged where humanity's has led to animal . This foundation was tested in initial prototypes to ensure the systems supported non-linear progression and player-driven narratives. Creative influences shaped the game's unique aesthetic and tone, incorporating Studio Ghibli's whimsical, hand-drawn environmental designs for a vibrant yet melancholic post-apocalyptic landscape, contrasted with the gritty vehicular chaos of and the high-flying choreography of classic Kung Fu films like those directed by . The fable aspect drew from traditional storytelling, such as , with a mysterious narrator guiding players through moral choices that ripple across tribal factions and the world's fate. These elements were refined during to craft an open-world RPG that prioritizes emotional depth and visual poetry over conventional tropes. Biomutant was publicly announced at 2017 with a cinematic trailer that showcased its lush, mutated world and gliding through sequences, generating buzz for its distinctive art style and premise. At launch, the game targeted , , and PC platforms, positioning it as a cross-generational title from , which handled publishing duties. The reveal emphasized the project's roots in creative experimentation, setting expectations for a self-published indie-scale effort evolving into a polished open-world experience.

Technical Aspects and Challenges

Biomutant was developed using 4, which facilitated the creation of its expansive 64-square-kilometer blending hand-crafted elements with for aspects like weapon customization and environmental variety. The engine's flexibility allowed the team to render diverse biomes, including snowy tundras and deserts, while incorporating dynamic systems and mutation-based character alterations that influenced gameplay visuals and mechanics. This combination enabled a vibrant, post-apocalyptic landscape where procedural elements enhanced the hand-built terrain, supporting seamless exploration and environmental interactions. Key innovations included a fluid combat animation system drawing from kung fu influences, featuring acrobatic combos blended with abilities and ranged attacks for dynamic encounters. The game's audio design incorporated in an invented for non-player characters, overlaid with English narration to convey narrative elements without direct subtitles, creating an immersive fable-like storytelling experience. Additionally, dynamic world events, such as emergent tribal conflicts, were generated to populate the , adding layers of interactivity beyond scripted sequences. Development faced significant challenges due to the project's ambitious scope, particularly in achieving seamless transitions between , , and progression systems in a fully , which contributed to multiple delays from the announcement to the 2021 release. Optimizing performance for last-generation consoles proved particularly demanding, requiring extensive iteration to balance visual fidelity with stable frame rates across hardware limitations. Experiment 101, the studio behind Biomutant, operated with a compact team of approximately 20 to 23 members, many with prior experience from Studios, which amplified the difficulties of managing a large-scale RPG without expanding headcount. Publisher supported a no-crunch policy, prioritizing bug elimination and quality over rushed deadlines, which allowed the team to address technical hurdles methodically but prolonged overall production. This approach ensured a polished final product despite the extended cycle, with Stefan Ljungqvist emphasizing iterative alignment on the game's vision as a primary internal challenge.

Release and Commercial Aspects

Release Timeline

Biomutant was initially released on May 25, 2021, for , , and Windows. The game had faced multiple delays during its development, ultimately launching after an announcement of the final date in 2021. A free next-generation upgrade for and Series X/S followed on September 6, 2022, featuring enhanced visuals such as higher resolution textures, improved lighting, and better performance with support for up to at 60 frames per second. Owners of the prior-generation versions received the upgrade at no additional cost, along with features like HDR support and haptic feedback on DualSense controllers. The Nintendo Switch port was officially announced on May 3, 2023, with an initial release target of November 30, 2023, but was delayed to May 14, 2024, to allow for further optimizations. Ported by , the Switch version includes adaptations for handheld and tabletop play, such as adjusted controls and performance tuning for the hybrid hardware, while maintaining the core open-world experience. A day-one patch addressed technical issues like performance and stability. Marketing for Biomutant emphasized its unique "post-apocalyptic Kung-Fu fable RPG" premise through a series of trailers, including the 2021 release trailer showcasing elements like tribal conflicts and moral choices, and the explanation trailer highlighting the game's crafting and systems. The game launched without microtransactions or any always-online requirements, as confirmed by developer statements prioritizing a complete single-player experience. Following the 2021 launch, Experiment 101 released several post-launch patches to address technical issues. Day-one updates fixed critical bugs such as progression blockers and stability problems across platforms. Subsequent patches, including the major Update 1.4 on June 1, 2021, introduced the New Game+ mode—allowing players to replay the campaign with retained progress and access to all class perks—while improving gameplay pacing, enemy behaviors, and overall AI responsiveness in combat and exploration. Further refinements in later updates enhanced loot distribution and difficulty modifiers for repeated playthroughs.

Sales and Market Performance

Biomutant achieved strong initial commercial success, selling over 1 million units worldwide by August 2021. The game recouped its full development, marketing, and acquisition costs within the first week of release, marking a significant financial milestone for publisher and developer Experiment 101. Sales were robust across PC and traditional consoles at launch, with the title contributing substantially to Nordic's revenue during the quarter ending June 30, 2021. The port, released on May 14, 2024, performed particularly well in , exceeding internal expectations by approximately 20 times for both physical and digital versions during its debut week, where physical reached 1,878 units according to data. This regional success is attributed to the platform's portable nature appealing to new demographics in the Japanese market. The game's mixed critical reception upon launch influenced its post-release trajectory, leading to a reliance on discounts and inclusion in bundles to sustain momentum. By late 2025, ongoing promotions on platforms like —where it has amassed over 19,700 user reviews—have continued to support . Distribution occurred through both physical and digital channels handled by , with the Switch version highlighting untapped regional potential in portable gaming markets like .

Reception and Impact

Critical Reviews

Biomutant received mixed reviews from professional critics upon its initial release in May 2021, with aggregate scores ranging from 62 to 68 out of 100 across major platforms on , reflecting a generally average reception. The version scored the lowest at 62 based on 60 critic reviews, categorized as mixed, while the PC and versions both achieved 68 from 39 and 17 reviews respectively, also mixed. Critics praised the game's unique and fluid system, which blended melee with shooting and mutant abilities, creating engaging customization options. However, common criticisms focused on repetitive quests and a shallow story, which undermined the open-world exploration despite its visually striking post-apocalyptic setting. Key reviews highlighted these contrasts. awarded a 6/10, commending the beautiful and diverse world alongside excellent enemy designs but criticizing the empty-feeling exploration and cookie-cutter objectives that made progression feel rote. also gave 6/10, appreciating the depth in crafting and systems for building versatile characters but faulting the weak delivery and uneven pacing that failed to capitalize on the fable-like aesthetic. Recurring themes in critiques emphasized strengths in the visual fable aesthetic—evoking a hand-painted, whimsical post-apocalypse—and the innovative system allowing dynamic ability evolution. Weaknesses included subpar AI leading to predictable enemy behaviors, confusing due to the invented conlang narration that distanced players from the story, and endgame content padded with filler activities. The 2024 Nintendo Switch port, optimized for handheld play, earned a score of 64 from 51 reviews, also mixed. Critics commended its portability and stable performance in handheld mode, making the accessible on the go, but noted graphical compromises such as reduced resolution and texture quality compared to other platforms.

Post-Release Updates and Legacy

Following its launch, Biomutant received several post-release patches primarily in 2021 to address technical issues and enhance features. Patch 1.4, released in June 2021, fixed numerous bugs including progression blockers in quests, crashes related to hardware, and issues with photo mode such as infinite jumping or auto-completing child memories; it also introduced New Game+ mode, unlocking all class perks for subsequent playthroughs, and added an Extreme difficulty option with combat and item balancing tweaks. Subsequent updates like patch 1.5 in June 2021 improved loot variations, relic drops at higher levels, and further stability fixes, while a minor hotfix (1.4.1) targeted Pro crashes. In 2022, a next-generation update arrived in September for and Series X/S, providing free upgrades with native at 60 fps, faster loading times, and HDR support, though it focused on performance rather than new content. No major expansions were announced or released beyond the class pack in June 2021. Player reception has evolved since launch, with Steam user reviews holding a 65% positive rating from over 19,000 submissions as of late , reflecting a mixed but dedicated appreciative of the game's and customization despite criticisms of repetitive . By , retrospective analyses on platforms like have reappraised Biomutant as an underrated title, highlighting its whimsical, post-apocalyptic world of anthropomorphic mutants as particularly suitable for or younger players due to its non-violent, fable-like tone and vibrant aesthetics, often recommending it for relaxed co-op or solo adventures. Videos such as "BIOMUTANT The Most Underrated RPG You Must Play in " emphasize its charm and accessibility, positioning it as a "hidden gem" for those seeking lighthearted RPG experiences. Biomutant's legacy endures through a that values its open-world exploration and inventive customization, even amid acknowledged flaws like shallow storytelling, fostering ongoing appreciation for its unique blend of kung-fu action and ecological themes in a post-human wasteland. This niche appeal has subtly influenced indie RPG development, inspiring titles with similar anthropomorphic protagonists and procedural world-building elements, as noted in analyses of post-apocalyptic genre trends. The game's commercial viability, including ports to in May 2024, has sustained interest and supported Experiment 101's position within for potential future endeavors, though no new projects from the studio have been confirmed as of 2025. The PC community has embraced modding to extend Biomutant's longevity, with over 20 mods available on that enhance , such as improved biogenetic powers, character models, and for more dynamic transformations and abilities. Forums and gaming outlets discuss the narrative's replayability through faction choices and branching paths, noting how decisions in alliances and dilemmas encourage multiple playthroughs to uncover deeper lore and alternate endings, adding layers to the otherwise fable-inspired storytelling.

References

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  2. https://thqnordic.com/games/biomutant
  3. https://www.thqnordic.com/article/biomutant-releases-today-playstation-5-xbox-series-xs
  4. https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/biomutant-switch/
  5. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7447028/
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  7. https://gamingbolt.com/biomutant-15-features-you-need-to-know
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  10. https://gamerant.com/biomutant-aura-complete-guide/
  11. https://www.thegamer.com/biomutant-ability-mutations/
  12. https://gamerant.com/biomutant-automaton-upgrades-guide/
  13. https://www.thegamer.com/everything-we-know-about-biomutant/
  14. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/biomutant-guide-essential-beginners-tips/1100-6491926/
  15. https://www.gamereactor.eu/biomutant-wont-have-any-fetch-quests/
  16. https://www.thegamer.com/biomutant-best-side-quests/
  17. https://www.ign.com/wikis/biomutant/Old-World_Vaults
  18. https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/biomutant-best-class-character-creation
  19. https://www.gamepressure.com/biomutant/resources-how-to-get-them/z6e7f4
  20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTs9Z5jnHNk
  21. https://gamerant.com/biomutant-crafting-guide/
  22. https://www.polygon.com/guides/22447929/biomutant-character-creation-attribute-stat-class-breed-race-resistance-psi-power-mutation
  23. https://www.thegamer.com/biomutant-best-breed-guide/
  24. https://gamerant.com/biomutant-all-biogenetic-mutations-explained/
  25. https://www.thegamer.com/biomutant-everything-about-mutations/
  26. https://screenrant.com/biomutant-game-story-what-about-setting-explained/
  27. https://mashable.com/article/biomutant-review-video-game
  28. https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/681289-biomutant-review-pc-ps4-ps5-xbox-series-x-worth-buying
  29. https://kotaku.com/how-to-choose-the-right-faction-in-biomutant-s-first-ma-1846976200
  30. https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/biomutant-tribes-tribe-weapons-alignments
  31. https://gamerant.com/biomutant-tribe-join/
  32. https://screenrant.com/biomutant-light-dark-aura-guide/
  33. https://screenrant.com/biomutant-story-ending-tree-life-world-eaters/
  34. https://villains.fandom.com/wiki/Lupa-Lupin
  35. https://www.gamesradar.com/biomutant-tribe-choice-jagni-myriad/
  36. https://www.thegamer.com/biomutant-everything-about-tribes-guide/
  37. https://experiment101.com/
  38. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/thq-nordic-acquires-i-biomutant-i-developer-experiment-101
  39. https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/12/01/biomutant-developers-answer-the-6-biggest-questions
  40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RlLedf0opA
  41. https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/developer-interviews/carving-out-a-post-apocalyptic-rpg-identity-in-biomutant
  42. https://nordic.ign.com/biomutant/4731/preview/pax-2017-biomutant-has-the-potential-to-be-a-fantasy-just-cause
  43. https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/21/16180764/biomutant-announcement-thq-nordic-experiment-101
  44. https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2017/08/gamescom_2017_open_world_ps4_rpg_biomutant_gets_first_trailer
  45. https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2021/05/19/the-art-of-fighting-in-biomutant/
  46. https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/682597-biomutant-who-plays-the-narrator-voice-actor
  47. https://www.gamepressure.com/newsroom/biomutant-takes-so-long-to-develop-because-thq-nordic-doesnt-forc/z42c69
  48. https://www.ign.com/articles/biomutant-heres-why-the-developers-have-been-quiet-for-so-long
  49. https://www.ign.com/articles/biomutant-release-date
  50. https://thqnordic.com/article/biomutant-gets-release-date
  51. https://www.thesixthaxis.com/2022/07/06/free-biomutant-ps5-xbox-upgrade-release/
  52. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/biomutant-is-coming-to-nintendo-switch/
  53. https://thqnordic.com/article/wung-fu-fable-rpg-biomutant-out-now-nintendo-switch-will-you-choose-save-world-or-let-it
  54. https://www.rpgsite.net/news/15541-biomutant-unleashes-its-post-apocalyptic-open-world-to-nintendo-switch-on-may-14
  55. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32Tq2Hr8I3E
  56. https://www.destructoid.com/biomutant-will-definitely-not-feature-microtransactions/
  57. https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/597820/view/3033716901078398113
  58. https://thqnordic.com/article/biomutant-patch-14-pc-and-consoles-released
  59. https://gamerant.com/biomutant-update-level-cap-difficulty-modifiers/
  60. https://www.ign.com/articles/biomutant-million-copies-sold-costs-recouped-first-week
  61. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/-i-biomutant-i-has-topped-1-million-sales-recouped-development-costs
  62. https://gamingbolt.com/biomutant-on-switch-is-selling-about-20-times-higher-than-expected-in-japan-as-per-thq-nordic
  63. https://www.neogaf.com/threads/famitsu-sales-week-20-2024-may-13-may-19.1670863/
  64. https://steamdb.info/app/597820/charts/
  65. https://www.ign.com/articles/biomutant-review
  66. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/biomutant-review-a-flawed-mutation/1900-6417678/
  67. https://opencritic.com/game/11380/biomutant
  68. https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/biomutant
  69. https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/67116/biomutant-switch-review
  70. https://cogconnected.com/review/biomutant-switch-review/
  71. https://thqnordic.com/article/biomutant-patch-15-released
  72. https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2022/09/native-ps5-version-of-biomutant-evolves-4k-60fps-capabilities-free-upgrade-for-ps4-owners
  73. https://store.steampowered.com/dlc/597820/BIOMUTANT/
  74. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydSmVcGdKuM
  75. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZ8dmBMsdXc
  76. https://gamingbolt.com/biomutant-three-years-later
  77. https://indiegamesdevel.com/biomutant-review-a-new-dawn-after-the-end/
  78. https://www.nexusmods.com/games/biomutant/mods
  79. https://www.ign.com/wikis/biomutant/Updates_and_Patch_Notes
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