The Alien movie series is known for its strange and scary creatures. One of the newest and most chilling is the Neomorph.
This alien shows up in Alien: Covenant and leaves a big mark. Its shape, movements, and behavior are unlike those of the others.
The Neomorph is fast, violent, and hard to stop. Many fans want to understand what it is and where it came from.
This blog shares everything about this alien, from its beginnings to its role in the film. If the Neomorph left you with questions, this guide will help clear things up.
What is the Neomorph Alien and Where Did it Come From?


Image Source: Villains Wiki
The Neomorph alien is a fast and deadly creature first seen in Alien: Covenant. It is not the same as the well-known Xenomorph, but it shares some traits.
The Neomorph is like an early version of the alien species. It is violent from the moment it is born and attacks without warning. Though small at first, it grows quickly and becomes a serious threat.
This alien was not created by nature. It was formed by a black liquid called the Pathogen. This substance was made by a powerful race known as the Engineers, who came long before humans.
When the Pathogen spreads, it changes living things in harmful ways. It causes plants to grow tiny pods that release spores into the air.
When a person breathes in these spores, the Neomorph begins to grow inside their body. The infection is fast, painful, and always ends in death.
The events take place on Planet 4, the same world the crew visited in Alien: Covenant. It is there that the Neomorph alien first appears, changing everything the crew thought they knew about alien life.
How is a Neomorph Born?
The birth of a Neomorph alien is not like the chestburster from other Alien movies. Instead of coming from an egg, it comes from spores.
Here’s how the process works:
- Spores are released: Small pods grow on the ground or near infected plants.
- Spores Enter the Body: When a person walks too close, the pod bursts. The spores go into the nose or ear.
- The Embryo Grows Inside: The spore forms a Neomorph inside the human body.
- Bursting Out: The Neomorph breaks out through the back or throat. This scene is brutal and fast.
This process shows how deadly the Pathogen is. The Neomorph doesn’t need a Queen or an egg. It only needs a host.
What Does a Neomorph Look Like?


The Neomorph alien has a strange and eerie appearance. Unlike the armored Xenomorph, it has a soft, pale body that almost looks human, but it is far from friendly. Below is a simple table showing its main features and size.
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Body Color | Pale or pink-white, soft skin, no dark armor like the Xenomorph |
| Limbs | Long, thin arms and legs; moves quickly and with sharp strikes |
| Claws | Razor-sharp claws used to slash and tear |
| Head Shape | Long, smooth head with no visible facial features |
| Eyes | None; senses likely based on sound or smell |
| Tail | Has a tail, but it’s not blade-tipped like a Xenomorph’s |
| Movement | Jerky, fast, and quiet; moves upright or on all fours |
| Sound | Silent and sneaky, making it even more dangerous |
| Newborn Size | About the size of a baby or small dog |
| Adult Size | Grows quickly to around 6 to 7 feet tall |
How Does a Neomorph Act?
The Neomorph alien behaves wildly and unpredictably. It doesn’t follow patterns like the Xenomorph. It doesn’t build nests, stalk prey, or set traps. Instead, it reacts quickly and violently to anything it sees as a threat. This makes it much harder to deal with.
Key Behaviors of the Neomorph Alien:
- Very Aggressive: It attacks without warning, showing no fear.
- Animal-Like Instincts: It acts more like a wild beast than a clever hunter.
- Protective Nature: It becomes hostile when it feels unsafe or cornered.
- Quick Reflexes: It moves fast, dodges bullets, and fits into tight spaces with ease.
- Not a Hunter for Food: It doesn’t kill to eat. It attacks out of fear or instinct.
These traits make the Neomorph alien extremely dangerous. Its speed and rage leave little time for escape or defense.
Role of the Neomorph in Alien: Covenant
In Alien: Covenant, the Neomorph appears after the crew lands on Planet 4. Two crew members the infected by spores. The births of the Neomorphs are shocking and bloody. The crew is caught off guard. They are not ready to face something like this.
Later in the film, David, the android from Prometheus, shows a strange interest in the Neomorphs. He studies them and seems proud of what they are. He may have played a part in shaping these creatures using the Pathogen.
While the Neomorph doesn’t survive the full movie, it leaves a lasting impact. It shows how dangerous the Pathogen is and hints at the future creation of the Xenomorph.
Neomorph vs. Xenomorph: What’s the Difference?


Fans often ask how the Neomorph alien compares to the classic Xenomorph from the earlier Alien films. Here are the main differences:
| Feature | Neomorph Alien | Xenomorph Alien |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Color | Pale or white | Dark or black |
| Eyes | No eyes | No visible eyes |
| Birth | From a spore infection | From facehugger and egg |
| Behavior | Wild and fast | Calm, smart, and stealthy |
| Tail Weapon | No blade on the tail | Long tail with a sharp blade |
| Head Shape | Long, smooth head | Long head with ridges or a dome |
| Growth Speed | Grows extremely fast | Also grows fast |
| First Appearance | Alien: Covenant (2017) | Alien (1979) |
Both are deadly. But the Neomorph feels more like an early version, wilder and harder to predict.
Is the Neomorph Smarter Than It Looks?
At first, the Neomorph alien seems like a mindless beast. It runs, bites, and kills without reason. But in one key scene, it stops and looks at David. It doesn’t attack him. Instead, it acts calmly and curiously.
This moment suggests the Neomorph may have some level of thought or awareness. It is not as smart as the Xenomorph, but it may be learning or recognizing allies.
Some fans believe David used the Neomorph as a test before creating the final form of the Xenomorph. If true, this creature could be seen as a “step” in the design of a perfect killer.
Will We See the Neomorph Again?
As of now, there is no sign that the Neomorph alien will return in new Alien films. But with the Alien series continuing to grow, it is possible.
Fans are hoping for more background on how these creatures were made and what they might become.
If the story of David and the Pathogen continues, the Neomorph could come back. It may play a role in the steps leading to the full creation of the classic Xenomorph.
To Conclude
The Neomorph alien added something new and unsettling to the Alien series. It showed that danger can take unexpected forms.
Its quiet nature, violent actions, and strange birth made it stand out from past creatures. While it may not return in future films, its short time on screen left a lasting impact.
The Neomorph raised new questions about how life can be shaped, or broken, by the Pathogen and those who control it.
For fans who enjoy learning about sci-fi creatures, there’s always more to find. Be sure to check out our other posts for more deep looks into the world of Alien.















