What is the Ant Axe in Grounded? Your Ultimate Guide
The Ant Axe in Grounded is a crucial Tier 2 chopping tool crafted specifically to harvest tougher resources. This tool allows players to progress beyond the early stages of the game by enabling the collection of materials required for mid-game crafting, base building, and combat. It is essential for chopping down tougher stems and breaking open specific resource deposits.
Why You Need the Ant Axe
The Ant Axe acts as a significant upgrade from the initial Pebblet Axe. While the Pebblet Axe can handle early-game resources, it quickly becomes inadequate for the challenges Grounded throws your way. Here’s why the Ant Axe is so important:
- Harvesting Sturdier Resources: The Ant Axe allows you to chop down thicker stems and harvest resources that are simply impossible to obtain with the weaker Pebblet Axe. This opens up new avenues for building and crafting.
- Progression: Many crucial crafting recipes require resources accessible only with the Ant Axe. Acquiring this tool is a key step in progressing through the game’s storyline and unlocking more advanced gear.
- Efficiency: Even when used on resources the Pebblet Axe can harvest, the Ant Axe does so much faster and more efficiently, saving you valuable in-game time.
Crafting the Ant Axe: What You Need
Crafting the Ant Axe requires obtaining specific components by defeating and interacting with Ants, specifically the Soldier Ants found around the Anthill. These components can be risky to acquire as Ants can overwhelm players quickly. It is recommended to bring a friend or two! Here’s the crafting recipe:
- Ant Mandible (3): These are obtained by defeating Soldier Ants. Prepare for a tough fight as these ants are significantly stronger than the smaller worker ants.
- Acid Gland (2): Found inside Soldier Ants.
- Sprig (2): A common resource found on the ground throughout the backyard.
- Woven Fiber (3): Crafted from plant fibers harvested from plants and weeds.
Finding the Necessary Resources
Acquiring the components for the Ant Axe requires strategic planning and execution. Here’s a breakdown of where to find each resource:
- Ant Mandibles and Acid Glands: Your primary focus should be on the area surrounding the Anthill. Soldier Ants frequently patrol this area. Be cautious, and consider crafting some basic armor and weapons before engaging them. Using bait, such as rotten food or fungus, can also lure ants away from the main colony, making them easier to manage.
- Sprigs: Sprigs are very common and can be found almost everywhere in the backyard. Look for them along the ground, often near plants and grassy areas.
- Woven Fiber: Collect Plant Fiber from around the yard, then craft Woven Fiber at a crafting station. Plant fiber is easily identified by its green, stringy appearance.
Using the Ant Axe Effectively
Once you’ve crafted the Ant Axe, it’s time to put it to good use. Here are some tips for maximizing its effectiveness:
- Targeting Tougher Stems: The Ant Axe excels at chopping down thicker stems, such as those found near the Oak Tree. These stems are essential for building larger structures.
- Resource Deposits: The Ant Axe is often required to break open certain resource deposits, granting access to valuable materials that are otherwise unobtainable.
- Maintenance: Like all tools in Grounded, the Ant Axe has durability. Keep an eye on its condition and repair it regularly to avoid it breaking in the middle of a crucial task.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Ant Axe
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Ant Axe in Grounded:
1. Can I use the Ant Axe to fight?
While you can use the Ant Axe as a weapon in a pinch, it’s not particularly effective. It’s primarily designed for harvesting resources. Dedicated weapons are far more suitable for combat.
2. What is the best way to kill Soldier Ants for Ant Mandibles?
Several strategies can be effective. Ranged attacks with a bow and arrow, particularly from a safe vantage point, can whittle down their health. Melee combat requires careful timing and blocking. Using a spear to maintain distance and poke at the ant is a viable strategy. Consider wearing armor to mitigate damage.
3. Is the Ant Axe worth crafting?
Absolutely! The Ant Axe is essential for mid-game progression and allows access to resources that are vital for crafting and base building.
4. How does the Ant Axe compare to the Pebblet Axe?
The Ant Axe is significantly more powerful and efficient than the Pebblet Axe. It can harvest tougher resources and does so at a faster rate.
5. Where is the best place to find Soldier Ants?
The area surrounding the Anthill is the most reliable location to find Soldier Ants. They frequently patrol this area, guarding their colony.
6. How do I repair the Ant Axe?
The Ant Axe can be repaired at a crafting station using the same materials used to craft it initially.
7. Does the Ant Axe have any special abilities?
The Ant Axe doesn’t have any special abilities beyond its enhanced chopping power. It simply allows you to harvest resources that are inaccessible with weaker tools.
8. Can I upgrade the Ant Axe?
While you can’t directly “upgrade” the Ant Axe, you can improve your character’s stats and skills, indirectly improving its effectiveness. Certain perks can increase chopping speed or durability.
9. What happens if my Ant Axe breaks?
If your Ant Axe breaks, you’ll need to craft a new one. This is why maintaining its durability and repairing it regularly is important.
10. Is there a better axe than the Ant Axe?
Yes! Eventually, you’ll be able to craft the Black Ox Hammer, which is the highest-tier chopping tool in the game. It offers even greater chopping power and access to even tougher resources. However, the Black Ox Hammer needs much more advanced resources to craft it.
11. Can I use the Ant Axe to chop down trees?
Grounded doesn’t feature traditional “trees” that can be felled. The Ant Axe is used primarily for chopping down thicker stems and breaking open resource deposits.
12. Is it possible to avoid fighting the ants when collecting materials?
While difficult, it’s sometimes possible to sneak around the ants and collect resources when they’re not looking. However, this requires patience and careful planning. Using distractions like thrown rocks can sometimes work too.
13. What should I do if I’m being overwhelmed by ants?
If you’re being overwhelmed by ants, retreat to a safe location. Build a small elevated platform or take advantage of natural terrain features to gain a tactical advantage. Using ranged attacks from a safe distance is a good option.
14. How does the Ant Axe affect my base building?
The Ant Axe allows you to harvest the sturdier stems required for building more robust and elaborate structures. This opens up a wider range of base building options.
15. Besides stems, what other resources can I harvest with the Ant Axe?
The Ant Axe is crucial for breaking open certain resource deposits to obtain materials like Quartzite and other minerals found in the game. These are generally more valuable than resources collected with the Pebblet Axe.