This article ranks every mutation in Steal an Egg from best to worst for practical gameplay, and explains what each mutation does, how to use it, and when to skip it. The tier list below is based on general utility, ease of use, and how well each mutation performs across common game modes and player counts.
Formula
The score formula used by the in-game leaderboard is:
Score = (Time Survived × 10) + (Eggs Stolen × 50)
Where:
- Time Survived – total minutes you stay alive in a round (min).
- Eggs Stolen – number of eggs you successfully grab and deliver (count).
- Score – final points shown at the end of the round.
Each minute alive gives 10 points, and each stolen egg gives 50 points. This means stealing eggs is worth five times more than simply surviving, which shapes the tier list below.
Worked Example
Using the default values from the calculator: you survive 5 minutes and steal 3 eggs.
- Time points: 5 × 10 = 50
- Egg points: 3 × 50 = 150
- Total score: 50 + 150 = 200
The calculator returns 200 points, matching the manual calculation.
How Mutations Work in Steal an Egg
Mutations are random modifiers that appear at the start of a round, changing how the game plays. Each player gets one mutation, and they last for the entire round. Some mutations are clearly stronger than others, and knowing which ones to prioritize (or reroll, if the game allows) can significantly improve your win rate.
Mutations fall into three broad categories:
- Movement – increase speed, jump, or agility.
- Stealth – make you harder to spot or catch.
- Utility – provide a unique advantage like seeing through walls or slowing pursuers.
The best mutations are those that help you steal eggs quickly and escape, because eggs are the primary scoring method.
Full Tier List (S to D)
Here is the ranked list, from game-changing to nearly useless.
S-Tier (Must-Pick)
- Speed Boost – +30% movement speed. This is the best all-around mutation because it helps you grab eggs, run from chasers, and cover the map faster.
- Ghost Walk – become semi-transparent and slightly faster while moving. You are harder to see, and the speed bonus stacks with normal movement.
A-Tier (Strong)
- Jump Boost – +50% jump height. Lets you take shortcuts over walls and obstacles, making escape routes much easier.
- Egg Radar – shows the direction of the nearest egg on your screen. Removes guesswork and speeds up the stealing process.
- Slow Aura – enemies within a short radius move 20% slower. Great for escaping when you are being chased.
B-Tier (Situational)
- Shield – blocks one hit from a chaser. Useful but only once per round, so it does not help with repeated chases.
- Invisibility – turn fully invisible for 3 seconds after standing still for 1 second. Strong for ambushes, but weak in open chases.
- Egg Magnet – eggs you touch are automatically collected within a small radius. Saves a fraction of a second, but not a game-changer.
C-Tier (Weak)
- Coin Magnet – attracts coins from a distance. Coins are cosmetic or used for unlocks, so this does not affect the round outcome.
- Double Jump – allows a second jump in mid-air. Sounds good but is less effective than a plain jump boost in most maps.
D-Tier (Avoid)
- Slowness – you move 20% slower but gain extra coins. The coin bonus is not worth the movement penalty.
- Big Head – your head is larger, making you easier to hit. No benefit at all.
How to Choose the Best Mutation
When the game offers you a choice of mutations, consider the map and the number of players:
- Small maps – stealth mutations like Ghost Walk or Invisibility are more valuable because there is less space to run.
- Large maps – Speed Boost and Jump Boost shine because traversal time is the main bottleneck.
- Many players (8+) – defensive mutations like Slow Aura or Shield help you survive the chaos.
- Few players (2-4) – offensive mutations like Egg Radar or Speed Boost let you dominate the egg stealing.
If you are playing with friends, coordinate so that at least one person has Speed Boost and one has Egg Radar to cover the map efficiently.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
Many players think Invisibility is the best mutation because it sounds overpowered. In practice, it only activates when you stand still, which is rare in a fast-paced game. You are better off with Ghost Walk, which gives a permanent speed boost and partial invisibility.
Another mistake is taking Coin Magnet thinking it will help you unlock items faster. Coins are earned at the end of the round based on score, not during the round, so the magnet does not actually increase your coin income.
Finally, do not underestimate the power of Jump Boost. Many maps have vertical shortcuts that are only accessible with high jump, and taking those routes can cut your travel time in half.
How Mutations Compare to Each Other
To put the tier list in perspective, here is a direct comparison of the top three mutations:
- Speed Boost vs. Jump Boost – Speed Boost helps on flat maps, Jump Boost helps on vertical maps. Speed Boost is more consistent because most maps are mostly flat.
- Ghost Walk vs. Invisibility – Ghost Walk is active all the time, while Invisibility requires you to stand still. Ghost Walk is strictly better for escaping.
- Egg Radar vs. Speed Boost – Egg Radar tells you where to go, but Speed Boost gets you there faster. If you already know the map, Speed Boost is better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you reroll mutations?
In most versions of Steal an Egg, you can reroll once per round by spending coins. The reroll is random, so you might end up with a worse mutation. Save your reroll for when you get a D-tier mutation like Big Head.
Do mutations stack with items?
Yes, if the game has items like speed potions or shields, they stack with your mutation. For example, Speed Boost plus a speed potion makes you extremely fast, but the effect is temporary.
Is there a way to get a specific mutation?
No, mutations are random. The only control you have is rerolling, which still gives a random result. Some game modes may allow you to choose from three random options, but that is the extent of it.
What is the rarest mutation?
There is no official rarity system, but players report that Ghost Walk and Egg Radar appear less frequently than others. This is anecdotal, not confirmed by the game code.
Do mutations affect the score formula?
No, the score formula is always the same: time × 10 + eggs × 50. Mutations only help you achieve a higher score indirectly by making you faster or stealthier.
Can you lose a mutation mid-round?
No, mutations last the entire round. The only exception is if the game mode has a special rule that removes mutations after a certain event, but that is rare.
Related
Formula used
in t | Time survived | min | 5 | 0 | 60 in e | Eggs stolen | count | 3 | 0 | 20 out score | Score | points | t * 10 + e * 50 | 0
Each line is one input (in, sel, list) or one result (out: label, unit, formula, decimals). How the calculators work
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.
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