New to Grounded and wondering how to get your footing? While advanced guides rush to the late game, this one focuses on the early moments that can make or break your experience. As a fellow beginner, here are the insights that helped me most. Let’s jump in!

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1. Diversify Your Weapons

Unlike many survival games, Grounded doesn’t use skill trees or class-based weapon systems. Instead, bugs have distinct weaknesses and resistances, making weapon variety essential:

• Slashing – Axes
• Piercing – Spears
• Busting – Hammers
• Chopping – Blades

In the early game, keep at least one tool for each damage type. Later on, upgrades will allow you to specialize, but variety is key at the start.

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2. Peep Every Creature

Peeping bugs reveals their strengths and weaknesses—crucial for survival:

• Use the peep feature from a distance to stay safe.
• Check your notes tab to review each creature’s info.

From ants to spiders, peep everything. It’s not creepy—it’s smart.

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3. Master Perfect Blocking

Blocking is good. Perfect blocking is game-changing:

• A perfect block (marked by sparks and a distinct sound) negates all damage and tires the enemy.
• A dizzy bug becomes vulnerable, giving you a clean opening to strike.

Focus on learning enemy attack patterns to perfect your timing. Holding block too long without timing it well can backfire.

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4. Use and Organize Quick Slots

Your quick slots are your lifeline in fast-paced moments:

• Use one row for essentials like food, healing items, and water.
• Use another for weapons and tools.
• Reserve a third for situational gear like gliders, gas masks, or badges.

Prepping your loadout this way saves precious seconds in battle.

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5. Place Lean-Tos Often

Lean-tos let you:

• Sleep through dangerous nights.
• Set a respawn point closer to your current objective.

Always bring materials (like clover leaves) to build them on the go—it’s a small price for a big safety net.

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6. Mark with Trail Markers

It’s easy to get turned around in the backyard. Trail markers help you:

• Remember key resource zones.
• Navigate back to landmarks like the Red Ant Hill.

Name markers clearly so you’re never lost or wondering, “Why did I mark this?”

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7. Keep a Gas Mask Ready

Some areas and enemies release harmful gases:

• Stinkbugs and hazard zones can do serious damage.
• A gas mask provides protection and allows safe passage.

Keep it repaired and assign it to a quick slot so you’re never caught off guard.

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8. Stockpile Acorns and Grubs

These two resources are deceptively limited:

• Acorns (near the Oak Tree) are used for storage, armor, and smoothies.
• Grubs (often burrowed underground near the Oak Tree) are needed for gear and upgrades.

Collect them whenever you’re nearby to avoid shortages later.

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9. Pre-Heal with Bandages

Bandages heal over time—not instantly. To use them effectively:

• Apply one before heading into battle.
• Pair with smoothies or healing food for mid-fight recovery.

That early heal buffer can mean the difference between victory and defeat.

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10. Monitor and Swap Mutations

Mutations are passive buffs that improve with use:

• Some help with specific actions, like chopping or fighting.
• Others offer resistance to poison or gas after repeated exposure.

Check your mutation list regularly and swap them based on what you’re doing—exploring, building, or fighting.

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These tips should ease your first few hours in Grounded and help you build confidence as you explore the backyard. If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it—and if you’ve got your own beginner tips, drop them in the comments. Good luck, and enjoy the adventure!