Mutation: Dominance

Unlock Condition:

Defeat a set number of predatory insects or creatures (e.g., spiders, centipedes, carpenter soldier ants)

Effects:

Predator Instinct: +10% melee and ranged damage against aggressive creatures

Top Predator: +5% defense while engaged in combat with stronger enemies

Resource Opportunist: Small chance to gain bonus crafting materials from defeated predators (+10%)

Dominance Buff: After defeating a predator, gain a temporary +10% damage and +10% movement speed, representing supremacy in the ecosystem

Theme:

Represents control and mastery over other creatures in the backyard ecosystem, rewarding combat efficiency and predator awareness.

 

Mutation: Scavenger

Unlock Condition:

Automatically unlocks after harvesting any amount of any plant

Progression tracked by total plants harvested

 

Levels & Effects:

Level 1 – Novice Scavenger

Resource Tracker: Resources being tracked through the scanner are highlighted within 10 meters

Resourceful Hands: 5% chance to gain extra resources on harvest

Opportunistic Loot: 2% chance to find bonus items in containers

 

Level 2 – Skilled Scavenger

Resource Tracker: Scanner-tracked resources highlighted within 12 meters

Resourceful Hands: 10% chance to gain extra resources on harvest

Opportunistic Loot: 5% chance to find bonus items in containers

 

Level 3 – Master Scavenger

Resource Tracker: Scanner-tracked resources highlighted within 15 meters

Resourceful Hands: 15% chance to gain extra resources on harvest

Opportunistic Loot: 10% chance to find bonus items in containers

Theme:

Represents growing expertise in scavenging and resourcefulness—efficiency and awareness of the environment increase over time.

i really enjoy the idea of both of these mutations but i think a little tweaking may be needed. obsidian hasnt given this many buffs on one mutation before. dont get me wrong i love all the options and each idea would be great, but maybe part of each one is a mutation and part can be made into new trinkets. as for the domination mutation, id say instead of "stronger enemies" we specify a tier of bug(based on what theyy drop or the internal rating obsidian has for them)

Yeah good point nukeGoose I like the idea of trimming them down. Maybe Dominance just boosts damage vs predators and gives a short buff after a kill, while the other perks could be trinkets. Same with Scavenger, keep it focused on tracking/extra harvests and leave the opportunistic loot stuff for gear. Makes it cleaner and more Obsidian-style I'll get working on it right away

Edited August 30, 2025Aug 30 by LeonidasLee777