In the miniature world ofGrounded, survival is more than just gathering resources and avoiding deadly spiders. It’s also about building a life in the backyard, and one of the most charming ways to do that is by taming pets. These tiny companions add personality and utility to your gameplay, making your adventure feel more immersive. Taming pets in Grounded isn’t just about feeding bugs it involves crafting specific items, understanding their behavior, and building a safe environment. This guide explains exactly how to tame pets in Grounded, from start to finish, so you can enjoy their company as you explore the wild backyard.
Getting Started With Pet Taming
Why Tame Pets?
Taming pets in Grounded comes with several benefits that go beyond having a cute critter by your side. Tamed pets can follow you around, alert you to enemies, and even serve as companions that boost morale. While they don’t directly help in combat, they are valuable for exploration and base immersion.
List of Tameable Pets
Currently, Grounded allows you to tame a few specific insects:
- Aphid– A friendly green bug that’s easy to tame and makes a great first pet.
- Weevil– Known for its snorting sound, the weevil is another early-game pet option.
- Gnat– A flying insect that adds variety to your pet collection.
Each pet has different cosmetics and can wear small accessories once tamed, which allows for a bit of personalization.
Unlocking the Grinder and Taming Treats
Crafting the Right Items
To tame any pet in Grounded, you need to create the correct food item using a Grinder. The Grinder is an important tool that allows you to make Pet Slurry special treats that bugs love. Here’s how to get started:
How to Craft the Grinder
The Grinder becomes available after you analyze certain materials like Crow Feather Pieces or Acorn Shells. Once unlocked, the recipe includes:
- 2 Crow Feather Pieces
- 2 Acorn Shells
- 3 Flower Petals
- 5 Bombardier Parts
Place the Grinder at your base and start crafting Pet Slurry for your intended pet.
Types of Pet Slurry
Each bug has a preferred treat. Feeding them the correct slurry is key to taming:
- Plant Slurry– Used to tame Aphids. Made by grinding Plant Fibers.
- Mushroom Slurry– Used to tame Weevils. Made from regular mushrooms.
- Spoiled Meat Slurry– Used to tame Gnats. Made by grinding Spoiled Meat.
Make sure you craft enough of the desired slurry so you don’t run out while attempting to tame.
Finding and Approaching Bugs
Where to Find Each Pet
Knowing where to look is crucial if you want to tame a specific insect:
- Aphids– Commonly found on grass blades, especially near the Oak Tree and central areas of the yard.
- Weevils– Usually roam on the ground near mushrooms and around the starting area.
- Gnats– Appear at dusk and nighttime, often hovering near light sources like the Flooded Zone lamp.
Bring your slurry with you and approach the bug slowly. Dropping the slurry in front of them will begin the taming process.
Feeding and Taming Process
Once the insect notices the slurry, it will approach and eat. You’ll know taming is successful when a heart icon appears above the bug. After this, the insect will follow you and can be named, customized, and brought back to your base.
Building a Pet House
Keeping Your Pet Safe
After taming, pets require a designated home. This is where the Pet House comes into play. It allows your pet to rest, remain safe from enemy attacks, and wear cosmetic accessories.
Crafting the Pet House
To build the Pet House, you need to unlock the recipe via BURG.L’s Science Shop. The requirements include:
- 2 Weed Stems
- 1 Acorn Shell
- 4 Mushroom Bricks
- 2 Crow Feather Pieces
Once constructed, you can assign a tamed pet to the house, which will become its home base.
Pet Customization and Maintenance
Changing Pet Appearance
Pets can wear tiny hats that are crafted or found throughout the game. These hats don’t offer gameplay advantages but are great for visual flair. Some available options include:
- Top Hat
- Bee Cap
- Ladybug Hat
These can be equipped through the Pet House interface.
Feeding and Caring for Pets
Pets don’t need frequent feeding, but they will leave if neglected. Make sure to occasionally feed them their favorite slurry and ensure their Pet House remains safe from enemy attacks. If a pet dies or leaves, a gravestone icon appears at its last known location.
Benefits of Having Pets
Passive Bonuses
Although pets don’t fight, they provide several useful bonuses:
- Enemy Detection– Some pets alert you to nearby threats.
- Backpack Location– If you die while a pet is following you, it helps mark your dropped backpack.
- Morale Boost– Pets bring a bit of joy to your base, breaking the tension of constant survival.
These small advantages make them more than just a novelty they’re functional companions in your journey.
Advanced Tips for Pet Owners
Protecting Your Pet
If you’re exploring dangerous areas, it’s sometimes better to leave your pet at home. They can be vulnerable to enemy attacks, especially during raids or while traveling through hazardous zones like the Hedge Lab or Sandbox.
Handling Multiple Pets
Currently, you can only have one pet following you at a time. However, you can tame and house multiple pets across your base. Use multiple Pet Houses to keep them organized and safe.
Taming pets in Grounded is a rewarding experience that adds depth, charm, and utility to your survival adventure. By crafting the right items, understanding each insect’s preferences, and providing a safe home, you can build a thriving collection of loyal companions. Whether it’s an Aphid scurrying at your feet or a Weevil donning a tiny hat, these little creatures bring life and character to the backyard. With time and care, your pets will become an unforgettable part of your Grounded journey.