The Sticky Truth About Gum Under the Porch in Grounded
Ah, Grounded, Obsidian Entertainment’s delightful and surprisingly terrifying survival game that shrinks you down to the size of an ant and throws you into a perilous backyard. Among the dew-kissed blades of grass, lurking spiders, and perilous ponds, lies a critical resource—Chewed Gum. Specifically, the gum found under the porch in Grounded is a harvestable resource found attached to the portion of the house’s porch that resides in the Haze biome. Players can extract Gum Nuggets from these nodes with a Black Ant Shovel. These nuggets are then used to craft various advanced items, making this sticky substance surprisingly valuable.
Understanding Chewed Gum and its Variants
Chewed Gum isn’t just a discarded wad; it’s a vital component for crafting in Grounded. Knowing where to find it and how to utilize it effectively is crucial for survival and progression.
The Ubiquitous Chewed Gum Node
The standard Chewed Gum node is commonly found in a few key locations:
- Under the Picnic Table: A risky but rewarding area, the Picnic Table is rife with resources, including Chewed Gum.
- House Porch (Haze Area): Specifically, the portion of the porch that extends into the Haze biome is a reliable source.
- Shed Surroundings (Bike Tires): Keep an eye on the tires of the bikes around the Shed; they often sport a sticky surprise.
These nodes are harvested with a Black Ant Shovel, yielding three Gum Nuggets per node. These nuggets are used to create various items, which we’ll discuss later.
The Special Sticky Fingers Gum
There’s also a unique variant of Chewed Gum that doesn’t require a shovel. Located inside the toolbox in the Upper Grasslands, this special gum grants the Sticky Fingers trinket when harvested. However, extracting this gum is no easy feat. Instead of a shovel, you’ll need a Bomb Arrow and a Tier 3 bow or crossbow to dislodge it. The Sticky Fingers trinket increases your looting range, making resource gathering significantly easier.
Crafting Applications of Gum Nuggets
Gum Nuggets are integral to crafting some essential items. Here’s a glimpse of what you can create with this sticky resource:
- Slime Lantern: This provides essential light in dark areas.
- Gumdrop: Heals when eaten.
- Other Advanced Items: As you progress through the game, you’ll find more recipes that require Gum Nuggets.
Always keep an eye out for Chewed Gum nodes; you never know when you’ll need a fresh supply of Gum Nuggets!
Chewed Gum and the Game’s Ecosystem
The inclusion of Chewed Gum in Grounded isn’t just a quirky detail. It’s a subtle commentary on human impact on the environment, even at a miniature scale. As the provided text highlights, real-world gum is non-biodegradable and a significant source of litter. Its presence in Grounded reinforces the theme of navigating a world altered by human carelessness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Chewed Gum and related topics in Grounded:
1. Where can I find a Black Ant Shovel?
The Black Ant Shovel is crafted after obtaining the recipe from the Black Ant Lab. You’ll need to defeat Black Ants and collect their parts to analyze. The recipe requires:
- Black Ant Mandibles
- Berry Leather
- Silk Rope
2. What is the best way to farm Gum Nuggets?
The Picnic Table and the Haze porch are your best bets for farming Gum Nuggets. Just be prepared for the dangers lurking in these areas.
3. Can I eat Chewed Gum directly?
No, you cannot eat the Chewed Gum node directly. You must harvest it with a Black Ant Shovel to obtain Gum Nuggets, which can then be used to craft edible items like Gumdrops.
4. What are the dangers of the Haze?
The Haze biome is filled with poisonous gas and infected insects. You’ll need to craft gas masks and other protective gear to survive for extended periods.
5. What level of gear do I need to explore the Picnic Table?
The Picnic Table is a mid-game area, so you’ll want to have at least Tier 2 weapons and armor. Be prepared for challenging encounters with insects like Ladybugs, Stinkbugs, and Soldier Ants.
6. How do I get Bomb Arrows?
The recipe for Bomb Arrows is obtained by analyzing Stinkbug Gas Sacs. Bomb Arrows require:
- Feather Plume
- Stinkbug Gas Sac
- Rope
7. What are Tier 3 bows/crossbows?
Tier 3 bows and crossbows are the highest tier of ranged weapons in the game. The Tick Macuahuitl is a powerful Tier 3 weapon.
8. What is the Sticky Fingers trinket good for?
The Sticky Fingers trinket increases your loot pickup range, allowing you to collect resources from a greater distance. This is especially useful for gathering small items like petals and seeds.
9. What other trinkets are in Grounded?
There are numerous trinkets in Grounded, each providing unique benefits. Some notable trinkets include the Mom Genes trinket, Broodmother trinket, and the Spicy Safety trinket.
10. What is the most dangerous creature in Grounded?
As the text states, the Black Widow is considered by many to be the most dangerous non-boss creature in Grounded, due to its potent poison.
11. How do I deal with poison?
Antivenom is the most effective way to cure poison. You can craft antivenom using specific ingredients found in the backyard. Wearing armor with poison resistance can also help mitigate the effects of poison.
12. What other resources can I find under the Picnic Table?
Besides Chewed Gum, the Picnic Table is a treasure trove of resources, including food items, quartzite, and various insect parts.
13. How does Grounded use environmental storytelling?
Grounded cleverly uses environmental storytelling by placing items and structures in the backyard that hint at the lives of the humans who once inhabited it. The presence of Chewed Gum is just one example of how the game conveys a sense of a larger world beyond the player’s miniature perspective. For more insights into how games use narrative, visit Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
14. What is the hardest boss in Grounded?
The Infected Broodmother is generally considered the hardest boss in Grounded, demanding a high level of preparation and skill to defeat.
15. How does “Grounded” teach about sustainability?
While not explicitly a game about sustainability, “Grounded” subtly shows how even small acts of littering, such as throwing gum on the ground, can impact the environment. It also highlights the importance of resource management and crafting, encouraging players to think about the consequences of their actions within the game’s ecosystem.