Grounded is a survival simulation from Obsidian Entertainment, known for creating Fallout: New Vegas. The game hides many subtle moments and hidden mechanics that players often overlook. This guide distills the most popular questions and requests from the community into a clear, practical resource for both Canadian and American players.
Grounded conductors
- Grounded Beginner’s Guide: Access Labs, Unlock Mutations, Craft Bombs, and Survive Falls from Lethal Heights
- Best locations to build a base in Grounded and the use of fast travel
- Where to locate the resource analyzer, how to check costs, and how to learn recipes in Grounded
- Upgrade tools, weapons, and armor in Grounded
How to open fast travel in Grounded
Players must locate a superchip in the Hedge Lab and unlock Ropeway technology. Connecting two bases with ropes enables quick movement between them. A deeper explanation of this mechanic is covered in a separate guide.
What are pieces of knowledge for
Knowledge can be found while exploring the open world, examining resources in the analyzer, and as rewards for BURG.La quests. The same robot vendor offers different resources in exchange for bits of knowledge. To start trading, visit the lab under the old oak tree. For ongoing purchases, head to any field lab, access the library terminal, and open the science store.
Unlock new recipes in Grounded
To unlock a new drawing or recipe, players must locate one ingredient needed for the final tool or dish. Then bring it to the computer and analyze it. In the craft menu, assembly or cooking instructions appear, detailing the required resources.
In addition, a player has a power of mind stat representing a technology level that rises with item analysis. Even if a recipe is missed, it will unlock eventually as this mind power grows.
How to turn on the laser and access the lab under the oak in Grounded
Activating the laser requires following a precise sequence of steps:
- First, locate a mysterious device capable of controlling lasers, a white object with a glass roof.
- Click the Target button to suppress interference with the lasers.
- The beam of the first laser rests on a blade of grass. Remove it with an axe.
- Analyze the pebbles at the field station to obtain an axe blueprint and study vegetable fibers in the same place.
- Gather rocks and branches.
- Open the craft menu. Create three plant fibers into textile fiber, then craft an axe.
- Approach the obstructing blade of grass and strike it with the axe until it falls away.
- Examine the second laser which is not at full power. Pass by it to reach the transmitter and remove the insects gnawing the wires using an axe or spear.
- Follow the wire, eliminating pests along the way. Bring a torch before entering the cave, then clean the area of insects inside.
- Return to the mysterious machine and press the activation button.
After a cutscene, a blast erupts at the foot of the oak tree to the northeast. Enter the lab inside the tree by following the smoke column.
To open the door, press the top left button first, then the center button.
How to get clay in Grounded
Clay is essential for building and appears near large bodies of water. The map highlights the locations of clay deposits for easy navigation.
Clay is mined with a shovel and can be formed from twigs, braided fibers, and acorn shells. To crack an acorn, a hammer is required.
Opening Mutations in Grounded
Most mutations unlock as the corresponding actions are performed, similar to skill leveling in other games. Cutting blades of grass increases cutting speed; killing ants reduces damage. Some mutations require special conditions, such as finding a four leaf clover to raise critical damage or using a coin leaf to boost defenses. Health and stamina can be increased by purchasing specific mutations from BURG.La in exchange for bits of knowledge.
How to get mints in Grounded
Near the starting area, players will find mint containers. Navigate to the first lab and head northwest, using the map for guidance. When a container is found, unlock the lid to access its contents. Breaking a lollipop yields four coin shards, which requires an Insect Hammer blueprint that can be learned by examining the bombardier beetle’s gland. Peppermint provides resistance to gas and fire.
How to make a bomb in Grounded
Bombs require ant eggs, infected insect spores, and dry grass. Ant eggs can be located in anthills, with one marked on the map. If no eggs are visible, more ants must be eliminated as progress continues. Insect spores are found at the edge of the infested area; entering without a gas mask is risky. Lure insects to you and defeat them one by one. Return to base and gather dry grass along the route. Analyze all ingredients, then craft the bomb at the workbench. Bombs serve as a strong weapon against insects, blowing up obstacles and revealing hidden passages.
How not to die after a fall from a great height in Grounded
Carry dandelion bunches to soften landings. The plant grows in many locations. Cut it with an axe, take the flower, open the character menu, and equip the dandelion bunch in the glider. Press Shift for a soft landing. The effect lasts for a limited time, so keep reserves of dandelions handy.
How to defeat strong insects in Grounded
Bombs described above help against ants. Equipping strong armor provides protection from insect attacks. An alternate approach is to craft a bow with arrows and a rope to fix it, then attack from a high, safe position. Wolf spiders can jump and weaver spiders shoot webs, so constant pressure is needed to keep them from recovering health by leaving the fight.
Mosquitoes fly, but they can be lured with slurry made from ground spoiled meat. Use this trick to bring them down for easy hits with standard weapons or bombs.
How to unlock magic in Grounded
Magic is a new mechanic added in a recent update and is executed with staves. Minty slows enemies, spicy sets them on fire, and acid stuns. The termite den marks the starting point for this path. Termites are dangerous, so strong weapons and armor are essential. The Woodpile BURG.L chip is guarded by the Termite King. It is possible to grab this item quickly and retreat rather than fighting the king. The Woodpile should be taken to BURG.Lu, and in exchange for knowledge, drawings for all three staves become available. Advancing magic requires opening the relevant mutation and defeating enemies with a staff to build its potential.
Other guides
All content is intended to support players stepping into Grounded with practical tips for survival and progression.
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