Survival · Official
Grounded Survival Basics: Start Strong in the Backyard
Shrunk to the size of an ant, the backyard is a deadly wilderness. This guide walks you through your first week in Grounded — from crafting your first spear to securing a safe base before nightfall.
Crafting your first tools and weapons
Start by analyzing plant fibers and pebblets at a field station. The pebblet spear is your first real weapon — craft it immediately. Sap and acorn shells become armor pieces that dramatically reduce damage from worker ants and lawn mites.
Prioritize the axe and hammer early. Chopping grass stems unlocks base-building materials, while the hammer lets you construct floors and walls for your first shelter.
Choosing a base location
Build near a field station but away from ant hills and spider territories. The area between the mysterious machine and the first oak tree is popular for beginners because it offers water, resources, and relative safety.
Elevated bases on clover roofs or mushroom platforms reduce ground-level insect patrols. Always build a lean-to for respawn points before exploring far from home.
Managing hunger, thirst, and stamina
Mushrooms and aphid honey solve early hunger. Clean water from juice boxes or dew collectors prevents thirst debuffs that drain stamina. Cooked meat from weevil or larva provides the best nutrition-to-effort ratio.
Stamina management matters in combat — never engage a spider when your stamina bar is below half. Sprint away, recover, and re-engage with full stamina for dodge rolls.