The Outlast Trials is packed with terrifying enemies known as Ex-Pops , failed test subjects twisted by the Murkoff Corporation into living weapons. Each one has its own attack style, weaknesses, and ability to ruin your sanity. But which of them is the biggest threat? And more importantly , how do you survive an encounter?

In this deep dive, we’ll rank every major Ex-Pop from least threatening to absolute nightmare fuel, breaking down their threat level and the best counter strategies you can use to stay alive.

The Blind Experiment

Threat Level: Low–Medium

The Blind is one of the first Ex-Pops most players encounter. With stitched-shut eyes and heightened hearing, this creature hunts entirely by sound. Sprinting, slamming doors, or even careless movement makes you an instant target.

Why they’re dangerous:

• Sensitive to every little noise.
• Can force you to freeze up in tense moments.

Best strategies:

• Crouch-walk as much as possible.
• Close doors quietly instead of slamming.
• Use bottles and bricks to lure them away.

Bottom line: The Blind is more of a patience test than a lethal killer. As long as you keep calm and quiet, you’ll rarely be in real danger.

The Skinner Man

Threat Level: Medium

Unlike other Ex-Pops, the Skinner Man doesn’t belong to a single Trial. Instead, he appears randomly, usually when you least expect him. His goal isn’t just to attack , it’s to shatter your nerves.

Why they’re dangerous:

• Can spawn unpredictably.
• Disrupts your focus during critical moments.
• Forces you to waste stamina and items.

Best strategies:

• Always keep some stamina in reserve for a sudden chase.
• Carry at least one stun item (rig gadget, syringe, or throwable).
• Don’t panic. Running blindly into other Ex-Pops is how most players die.

The Skinner Man isn’t the most lethal enemy, but he’s a psychological weapon designed to keep you on edge.

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Characters & Factions

Mother Gooseberry

Threat Level: High

Equal parts clown and nightmare, Mother Gooseberry is a fan favorite , and for good reason. Accompanied by her doll, she taunts players with unsettling dialogue while stalking them relentlessly.

Why they’re dangerous:

• Fast and aggressive.
• Puppet gimmicks create psychological stress.
• Difficult to shake off once she has a lock.

Best strategies:

• Break line of sight quickly.
• Use corners and darkness to escape.
• In co-op, have one teammate bait her away while others progress.

Gooseberry combines speed, unpredictability, and mental pressure, making her one of the game’s most feared Ex-Pops.

Sergeant Coyle

Threat Level: High

A militarized enforcer with brutal patrols, Sergeant Coyle represents Murkoff’s authoritarian control. His presence is intimidating, and once he spots you, expect a relentless chase.

Why they’re dangerous:

• Patrol patterns often cut off objectives.
• Hits hard and moves fast.
• Forces players into risky timing decisions.

Best strategies:

• Study his patrol routes before making moves.
• Use vertical spaces or obstacles to create distance.
• In co-op, let one player distract him while others work objectives.

Coyle is all about control and timing. Treat him with respect, or he’ll end your run fast.

The Imposter

Threat Level: Extreme

The Imposter is The Outlast Trials’ ultimate paranoia machine. Unlike other Ex-Pops, he disguises himself as a fellow prisoner , blending in until the perfect moment to strike.

Why they’re dangerous:

• Disguises as players, creating distrust.
• Extremely unpredictable.
• Can single-handedly derail a mission.

Best strategies:

• Pay attention to teammate behavior , the Imposter has subtle “tells.”
• Stick together, but keep awareness high.
• Always carry a stun option , spotting and stunning early is crucial.

The Imposter’s ability to turn teamwork against you makes him the most dangerous Ex-Pop in the Trials. He doesn’t just hunt you… he makes you doubt your own allies.

My Final Ranking

From weakest to strongest, here’s how the Ex-Pops stack up:

C Tier → The Blind (sound-based, easy to avoid)
B Tier → The Skinner Man (psychological pressure, but not lethal)
A Tier → Mother Gooseberry, Sergeant Coyle (fast, aggressive, patrol control)
S Tier → The Imposter (unpredictable, destroys trust, hardest to counter)

Conclusion

Every Ex-Pop in The Outlast Trials has the power to ruin your mission — but some specialize in fear, while others specialize in chaos. The Blind keeps you quiet, the Skinner Man shatters your nerves, Gooseberry and Coyle chase you into panic, and the Imposter makes you question your own team.

Whether you’re new to the Trials or grinding for A+ ranks, knowing each Ex-Pop’s behavior is the key to survival.

What do you think? Did we rank them right, or do you have a different order? Share your tier list in the comments , and let’s see which Ex-Pop the community fears the most.

Video Walkthroughs

Check out the below playlist on my channel

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