How to Unlock the Mantis Kebab in Grounded: A Comprehensive Guide
The Orchid Mantis Kebab is a crucial item for players looking to challenge one of the toughest bosses in Grounded: the Orchid Mantis. This special kebab isn’t just found lying around; it requires a bit of exploration and effort to unlock. Here’s a detailed guide on how to unlock the Mantis Kebab recipe and what you need to prepare for this formidable encounter.
Unlocking the Mantis Kebab Recipe
The Mantis Kebab recipe is not acquired through simple crafting or discovery. Instead, it’s hidden within the Stump Lab Outpost, located inside the Tree Stump in the Northeast corner of the Upper Yard. To be precise, you’ll find the necessary Mantis Research Note in a small hallway within the first parkour room of the Stump Lab Outpost. This means a bit of platforming and puzzle-solving is involved. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Locate the Tree Stump: Head to the northeast corner of the Upper Yard. The giant tree stump is hard to miss.
- Enter the Stump Lab Outpost: Find the entrance point, which will lead you down into the lab.
- Navigate to the First Parkour Room: Once inside, you’ll encounter a series of parkour challenges. These usually involve jumping across platforms, navigating around obstacles, and using your environment to advance.
- Find the Mantis Research Note: Inside the first parkour room, look for a small hallway or alcove. It will usually be slightly off the main path of the parkour. Within this hallway, the Mantis Research Note will be waiting for you. Interact with it to unlock the recipe.
Once you’ve acquired the Mantis Research Note, the recipe for the Orchid Mantis Kebab will be added to your crafting menu, allowing you to prepare for the boss fight ahead.
Using the Mantis Kebab
The Orchid Mantis Kebab isn’t just a crafting item; it’s a key to spawning the Mantis boss. Here’s how it works:
- Craft the Mantis Kebab: After obtaining the recipe, you’ll need to gather the required ingredients. These typically include raw insect parts and other common resources found throughout the backyard.
- Locate the Flower Pot: The Mantis boss resides in a potted plant on the Shed porch, which is located north of the BBQ. This is the spawning location for the fight.
- Place the Kebab: Interact with the eggs within the flower pot and select to use the Orchid Mantis Kebab. This will initiate the boss encounter with the Orchid Mantis.
Preparing for the Mantis Boss Fight
The Orchid Mantis is considered one of the toughest bosses in Grounded. Preparation is key to ensure victory. Here are some crucial aspects to consider:
Weapon Choice
- Salt Damage: The Mantis is weak to salt damage. A weapon with salt damage is highly recommended.
- One-Handed Weapon: A one-handed weapon such as the Salt Morning Star is an excellent choice, as it allows you to pair it with a shield for blocking.
Shield Use
- Blocking: The Mantis is known for dealing powerful attacks. A shield will help you mitigate damage, especially when you’re not able to perfect block.
- Perfect Blocking: Practice your perfect block timing. This is important for negating damage and creating openings for counterattacks.
Armor and Mutations
- High Defense: Equip the best armor you have available to provide sufficient protection.
- Apex Predator: If you’ve reached the late game, use the Apex Predator mutation for boosted weapon damage, particularly if you use high-damage late game weapons.
Healing Items and Smoothies
- Healing: Pack a variety of healing items, such as bandages and smoothies to help you recover during the fight.
- Buffs: Consider using smoothies with buffs that increase damage output or defense.
Strategic Gameplay
- Observation: Study the Mantis’s attack patterns and find openings to exploit its weaknesses.
- Patience: This fight requires patience and good timing. Don’t get discouraged by failures, and learn from each attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where exactly is the Stump Lab Outpost?
The Stump Lab Outpost is located inside the large Tree Stump in the Northeast corner of the Upper Yard.
2. What is the best weapon to use against the Mantis?
A Salt Morning Star or another one-handed weapon with salt damage is the recommended choice, paired with a shield.
3. Where is the Mantis boss located?
The Mantis boss fight takes place in a potted plant on the Shed porch, North of the BBQ.
4. What is the Mantis weak to?
The Mantis is weak to salt damage.
5. Do I need to complete parkour to get the Mantis Kebab recipe?
Yes, you’ll need to navigate through the first parkour room of the Stump Lab Outpost to find the Mantis Research Note.
6. Is the Mantis the hardest boss in Grounded?
While the Mantis is very difficult, it is considered among the toughest but not the hardest. The Infected Broodmother and Director Schmector are often considered more challenging.
7. What is the hardest non-boss enemy in Grounded?
The Black Widow Spiders are the most challenging non-boss enemies, having no vulnerabilities and being immune to poison.
8. Can you parry the Broodmother’s scream?
Yes, the Broodmother’s scream can and should be perfect blocked or blocked with a shield to avoid a damage debuff.
9. How do I unlock the Broodmother fight?
You can summon the Broodmother by using a Broodmother BLT within her lair. The recipe is found in research notes near the Hedge Lab.
10. What does the Cutman perk do?
The Cutman perk gives each critical hit a 50% chance to inflict Bleed, dealing damage over time.
11. What is the creepiest bug in Grounded?
Many players find the Orb Weavers particularly creepy, given their common presence and surprising attacks.
12. Which Grounded staff is the best?
The Sour Staff is considered one of the best damage-dealing staffs, dealing mostly ranged attacks.
13. What is inside the Stump Lab?
The Stump Lab contains the Stump Auxiliary Chip and the Mantis Research Notes.
14. Are Mantis eggs available to buy?
Yes, packaged Mantis egg cases are available from certain vendors and can yield 50-200 nymphs once hatched.
15. What does the Apex Predator mutation do?
The Apex Predator mutation boosts weapon damage, particularly with the strongest weapons in the game, and is a vital part of maximizing late-game damage.
By following this guide and preparing strategically, you will be well-equipped to unlock the Mantis Kebab and conquer the formidable Orchid Mantis boss in Grounded. Happy gaming!