The second boss to implement into Gaia. A terrifying ancient beast said to have ravaged species across Gaia, locked away in what can only be described as an open-air dungeon.
This boss comes in second, after the Malachite Guard. Should the mechanics from the Malachite Guard benefit the player against the Apex Predator, I will have to determine that.

General Gist

The idea is that the player will need to unlock this spawner in order to start the fight. This is done by going around this structure and finding the components required to unlock the spawner. To be determined in the structure design.

Once unlocked, the fight begins. This will be like the Malachite Guard where it makes use of basic movement AI. However, these attacks rarely make use of simple melee. Instead, there will be lunging attacks, ranged spike projectiles, and some other potential attacks.

Attacks

Lunge Attack

Like how a Wolf attacks, Apex Predator makes use of a charging lunge attack. It will stay in place for a period of time before lunging out at the target to deal hefty damage, perhaps also make it disable Shields. Make it bide damage and deal extra?

Spike Scatter

Apex Predators are covered in large thorny spikes that can be thrusted from the main body towards a given target like an Arrow. These are preferred methods of attack when a target is standing far enough away.

Roar

A non-damaging attack that will fling nearby targets away from the Apex Predator. Used to disperse a crowd of players or keep the target away.

Bite and Tear

Roar will have a cooldown until the next time it is allowed. When cooling down, Bite and Tear will be the preferred close range attack, opening its jaw and then slightly lunging at the target. Cues will need to be in place as this attack will deal huge damage.

Swipe

Roar has a cooldown and so does Bite and Tear. In the event both are unavailable, it will resort to a swipe attack that can deal a chunk of damage.

Traits

Bleeding Effect

Bleeding is an effect that could potentially apply to a hit target with certain attacks, some more likely to hurt than others. When Bleeding, sprinting, jumping, attacking, etc. will deal passive damage to the player. Method of clearing should involve another item apart from Milk. Natural health regen should be disabled during this time, but crouching will allow this.

Recoil Damage

Certain melee attacks will cause the player to take damage. These include using bare fists or blocks, or not wearing enough armour.

Bloodlust

As the Apex Predator weakens, it becomes more wild and enraged. Attacks may be stronger, cooldowns shorter, movement faster. Take more damage on lower difficulties during Bloodlust?