The Ultimate Grounded Progression Guide: Conquer the Backyard Like a Pro

So, you’ve shrunk down and found yourself in a perilous backyard – congratulations, you’re playing Grounded! But with so much to see and so many hungry bugs, where do you even begin? Fear not, intrepid adventurer! This guide will lay out the optimal progression path, ensuring you survive and thrive in this shrunken world.

Here’s the definitive order to tackle Grounded:

1. Early Game Survival (Days 1-3): Focus on basic needs first. Prioritize crafting the Canteen to manage thirst, build a small shelter near the Mysterious Machine (for easy access to resources and story progression), and craft the Stone Axe and Hammer to gather essential materials. Experiment with analyzing resources at the Research Table to unlock new crafting recipes. Don’t be afraid to die a few times – learning from your mistakes is part of the process!
2. Mid-Game Exploration and Preparation (Days 4-10): Once you have a stable base and basic equipment, begin exploring the surrounding area. Focus on acquiring better armor and weapons, like the Acorn Armor and Spear. Pay attention to the Ant colonies – they can be a valuable source of food and materials, but be prepared for a fight. Start tackling early game quests to unlock resources and tools that will enable better exploration.
3. Hedge Lab (Days 10-15): The Hedge Lab is your first major story objective. Craft some basic healing items and upgrade your armor before venturing in. The main challenges are dealing with orb weaver spiders and electrical traps. Be sure to use the torch to see in the dark.
4. Pond Lab (Days 15-20): After the Hedge Lab, it’s time to dive into the Pond Lab. Craft the Gill Tube and Slime Lantern to explore underwater. Beware of tadpoles and diving bell spiders, which can be challenging to deal with. Focus on unlocking the resources to make better underwater armor.
5. Haze Lab (Days 20-25): The Haze Lab is a dangerous location filled with poisonous spores and infected insects. Craft a gas mask before venturing in. Expect to fight infected gnats and weevils, along with the infected ladybug.
6. Black Anthill Lab (Days 25-30): The Black Anthill Lab is a late-game area that requires decent armor and weapons. Be prepared to face tough Black Ants and navigate complex tunnels. Clearing this lab opens up a wealth of new opportunities.
7. Upper Yard and Beyond (Days 30+): The Upper Yard contains some of the most challenging enemies in the game. It is best to fully gear up before entering it, and you may want to be a higher level before facing the challenges there. It is also crucial to focus on the ending quests from this point on.

Essential Tips for Success

• Stay Hydrated and Fed: This is paramount for survival. Always have a water source nearby and regularly replenish your food supply.
• Analyze Everything: Analyzing resources at the Research Table unlocks new crafting recipes, which are essential for progression.
• Build a Strong Base: A well-defended base provides a safe haven from the dangers of the backyard.
• Experiment with Weapons and Armor: Different enemies are vulnerable to different types of damage. Find what works best for you.
• Embrace the Grind: Grounded requires patience and persistence. Don’t be afraid to experiment and learn from your mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I do first in Grounded?

Craft a canteen, build a basic shelter, and gather essential resources like pebbles, sprigs, and plant fiber. Explore the immediate surroundings and analyze resources at the Research Table.

How do I get water in Grounded?

Craft a Canteen and fill it from dew drops or juice droplets. Later, you can build a water collector to passively gather water.

Where is the best place to build a base in Grounded?

Early game, near the Mysterious Machine offers easy access to resources. Later, locations like the Baseball or Flat Stone provide better defenses and visibility.

What is the hardest animal in Grounded?

Black Widows are arguably the most challenging non-boss creatures due to their high damage, resistance to most damage types, and immunity to poison. The Hedge Broodmother is also considered the hardest angry creature to beat in the game for even survivor video game pros.

What is the best weapon in Grounded?

The Poison Widow Dagger is considered one of the best weapons due to its high damage and poison effect. Other viable options include the Mint Mace and various upgraded spears.

What is the best armor in Grounded?

The Black Ox Armor and Ladybug Armor are good choices in the early game, while the Fire Ant Armor and Roly Poly Armor are strong late-game options. It depends on your playstyle and the enemies you are facing.

How do I get better at combat in Grounded?

Practice parrying attacks to stun enemies and create openings. Experiment with different weapons and armor to find what suits your playstyle. Learn enemy attack patterns and weaknesses.

Is Grounded scary?

Grounded can be scary, especially for those with arachnophobia. The game features large, realistic insects and tense combat encounters. The Hedge Broodmother fight is known to cause terror in new players.

How long does it take to beat Grounded?

According to HowLongToBeat, completing the main story takes around 20 hours. However, exploring everything and completing all side content can easily take over 40 hours.

What is the hardest boss in Grounded?

The Infected Broodmother is generally considered the most challenging boss due to its high health, damage, and numerous adds. The Director Schmector is a optional secret boss enemy and one of the hardest non repeatable bosses.

Where is the Stump Lab?

The Stump Lab is accessed through a hallway that opens after pressing a button in an outpost in the Koi Pond. This button is locked until the player has killed the Assistant Manager and used its keycard.

What is the strongest build in Grounded?

The “Poison Widow” build, utilizing the Poison Widow Dagger and focusing on poison damage, is considered one of the strongest. The Stun Prodder and Ox Wizard are also viable for late game.

Where is the secret weapon in Grounded?

The Pinch Whacker is located inside a hidden nook in the wall close to the Hedge Lab behind a cracked doorway, behind a milk carton next to some large rocks.

What is the best mutation in Grounded?

Meat Shield, Parry Master, Juicy, Coup De Grass, Buff Lungs, Natural Explorer, Mithridatism and Fresh Defense are all excellent choices, depending on your playstyle and needs.

Can you kill the bird in Grounded?

No, the crow is invincible. However, you can collect feathers that it drops to craft new items.

Remember, Grounded is a game about exploration, survival, and discovery. Don’t be afraid to experiment, learn from your mistakes, and most importantly, have fun! And for more information on the intersection of games and learning, check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Now get out there and conquer that backyard!