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“They’re not monsters. The Grunts are what Murkoff made monsters.”
In the world of The Outlast Trials, few enemies are as haunting as the Grunts. These aren’t your typical madmen. They’re civilians – discarded by society and molded by the Murkoff Corporation into weapons of pain. Artists, activists, the homeless, the mentally ill – people Murkoff deemed unfit for the future. People they thought no one would miss.
The Grunts – Manufactured Monsters
Pulled into the nightmare of Project Lathe via fake charity drives or forcibly transferred from Mount Massive Asylum, the Grunts were meant to be expendable. Those who didn’t make it past initial screening were reportedly sent off to other facilities “like livestock.” The select few deemed usable? They were strapped down, injected, and broken.
Years of drug regimens, trauma loops, and psychological torture erased their humanity. What emerged were puppets – twisted by pain, fear, and Murkoff’s relentless conditioning.
Brainwashed to Serve
These General Ex-Pop units patrol the Trials with programmed paranoia and rage. Under the cult-like teachings of Dr. Easterman, they believe Reagents are communist infiltrators, home invaders, and enemies of the state. Their attacks aren’t random—they’re dutiful. They believe they’re protecting their homeland. The catch? That homeland is entirely fictional. A mental prison layered over their suffering.
Some mutter apologies as they attack. Others chant Easterman’s teachings. A few flinch at his name. Deep down, something human still struggles to breathe.
Variants in the Ranks of the Grunts
While most Grunts lash out erratically, some display disturbing composure – working alongside Prime Assets like the Pouncers or Pitchers with eerie efficiency. These individuals might be higher-functioning due to different conditioning cycles, or perhaps they’re simply better at pretending. Either way, don’t assume every Grunt will act like a mindless brute.
“We don’t need to build killers. We just need to break people until they think they’re soldiers.” – Murkoff Memo, Redacted
Mercy is a Liability
What makes the Grunts truly terrifying isn’t their strength or unpredictability. It’s their suffering. They’re broken, yes—but not beyond recognition. That flicker of humanity in their eyes? It might make you hesitate. But hesitation is fatal.
If you see them, don’t try to help. Hide. Run. Survive. Because mercy doesn’t break conditioning – Murkoff does.
Enjoying these lore drops? Check out our other lore drops on enemies like the Night Hunters, Pushers, and Imposters!
