R.E.P.O. Guide | How To Beat Apex Predator

The Apex Predator in REPO seems small, but as soon as it enters chase mode, you can tell how dangerous it is. You can get past it by keeping your sightlines straight, staying far away after an impact, and using hazards or clean burst damage to compel safe kills.

This guide tells you how the Duck spawns, how it finds you, how each Phase works, and how to get the Small Orb prize with less danger.

Apex Predator Basics

Tier One enemies like the Apex Predator have 150 health and deal 10 damage each hit. They are also Hazard Level B enemies. It drops Small Orbs and doesn't have any strength breakpoints. It features a straightforward loop: Roam, Follow, Attack (when things go awry).

Spawn and Roam Phase

Modules distant from the Repo Van are where you'll find the Duck spawning. After a 2-minute idle period, it goes into action; however, if you approach within 20 units, it activates more quickly. It travels between Level Points, or pathing checkpoints, during the Roam Phase. In most cases, it will choose a spot within 25 to 30 units, walk there, and then do it again.

It can investigate sound, but vision is the real trigger. Its vision cone reaches about 10 Units and spreads wide. If you are standing, it spots you after about 1 second in view. If you are crouching or in Object Mode, it takes about 2.5 seconds. 

If you are crawling, it takes about 5 seconds. Held loot can also give you away, and being too close can trigger detection even if it is not facing you. When it spots you, it switches into Follow Phase.

Follow Phase Control

The Duck follows your cursor for two minutes in the Follow Phase. It doesn't hurt you here, but it can mess up grips and make you make mistakes. It might jump if you aim above it, thus keeping your cursor still helps.

This is the best time to force a safe kill. Lure it into a Cauldron to stun it for about 18 seconds, then finish it. A Toilet can also work, but the kill only counts after you Flush. Pits work too, but a normal pit is risky because the Duck can fly back up. An Acid Pit is safer. If it tries to escape a normal pit, blocking the edge with a Cart can keep it trapped.

The Duck can quack and alert enemies in a small radius, which is dangerous near a Huntsman. To reset the Phase, break the line of sight for 5 seconds. It returns to the Roam Phase. When its follow timer fully expires, it enters a leaving behavior. It moves far away, ignoring sound as it does so.

Attack Phase Survival

Upon being caught, struck, or otherwise impacted by dangers, the Duck has the ability to activate the Attack Phase. Upon recharging, it launches an assault on any nearby target within ten units. Making room immediately upon touch is an important safety measure since, if no one is within that distance, it returns to Roam Phase.

During its Attack Phase, it undergoes a metamorphosis, flies into the air, and engages in a ten-second intense chase. This can knock you out in the blink of an eye. To escape is to purchase time.

Best Ways to Kill an Apex Predator

No matter how many enhancements you give it, the Duck can't be item-stunned or grab-stunned. A clean Tumble Launch can still knock it down for a short time, and doing it again can kill it in around two to three clean blows. When you can force the descent, pitting it is also reliable.

The sledgehammer is an excellent weapon choice due to its one-shot capability. Additionally, the Tranq Gun, Duck Bucket, and Frying Pan are all powerful tools. You won't need to improve the Tranq Gun's strength to lock it down for a clean finish. 

If you set your Extraction Point near the finish, you can still collect the Small Orb, making it a clean kill. With the Small Orb payoff, knowing the fight is worthwhile, and a Flamethrower is another fast alternative when available.

Also, check our other guides below:

• R.E.P.O. Beginner’s Guide | Gameplay Tips & Tricks
• R.E.P.O. Guide | All Monsters and How to Beat Them
• R.E.P.O. Guide | Best Tips & Tricks for Faster Extracts
• R.E.P.O. Guide | Cart Speed Boost Trick
• R.E.P.O. Guide | How to Beat Huntsman
• R.E.P.O. Guide | How To Beat The Animal
• R.E.P.O. Guide | Best Shop Reroll Strategy