When diving into the world of Grounded, the latest survival game from Obsidian Entertainment, choosing the right weapon can be a matter of life and death, especially in the early stages of the game. Grounded drops players into a suburban backyard, but not as they know it - everything is gigantic, and you’re tiny. The environment, while familiar, becomes a treacherous landscape filled with monstrous insects, scarce resources, and the ever-present threat of dehydration and starvation.
Understanding Your Needs
In the early game, your primary concerns are survival and exploration. You need a weapon that can protect you from the smaller, yet still deadly, creatures like aphids and ants, while also helping you gather resources efficiently. The best weapon for you will depend on your playstyle and what materials you have access to, but generally, you want something that offers a good balance between damage output, stamina cost, and versatility.
Early Game Weapon Options
Pebble Axe: One of the first weapons you can craft, the Pebble Axe is a good all-around tool for chopping down small plants and defending against minor threats. It’s not the strongest, but it’s easy to make and gets the job done.
Spear: The Spear is excellent for keeping enemies at a distance. It has a long reach, which is beneficial for taking out enemies without them getting too close. Plus, it’s relatively easy to craft and can be used for hunting larger prey as you progress.
Grub Dagger: If you can manage to take down a grub (which might require some strategy and caution early on), you can craft the Grub Dagger. It’s more powerful than the Pebble Axe and has a quicker attack speed, making it ideal for taking on small to medium-sized enemies.
Tips for Survival
- Explore Cautiously: Don’t rush into areas you’re not prepared for. Take your time to explore and get familiar with your surroundings and the creatures in them.
- Craft Wisely: Manage your resources wisely and prioritize crafting tools and weapons that will give you the most benefit in the short term.
- Upgrade Your Equipment: As soon as possible, upgrade your weapons and tools. Better equipment means better resource gathering and better defense against enemies.
- Build a Base: Having a base provides a safe space to store your items and regenerate health. Start with a simple structure and expand as you gather more materials.
- Keep Moving: Don’t stay in one spot for too long, especially in areas with high enemy traffic. This will help you avoid unnecessary fights and give you time to explore and gather resources.
Resource Management
Resource management is key in Grounded. Focus on gathering basic resources like blades of grass, twigs, and sap. These can be used to craft essential items and tools, including better weapons.
- Gather Materials Efficiently: Use your weapons to gather materials. For example, the Pebble Axe is great for chopping down plants for fiber and the Spear can be used to hunt for food.
- Explore for Rare Resources: Keep an eye out for rarer materials that can be used to craft more advanced tools and weapons.
Conclusion
In the early game of Grounded, versatility and efficiency are key. The best weapon for you will depend on your current situation and the resources available. However, weapons like the Pebble Axe and the Spear offer a good balance for the early stages, providing both offensive capabilities and utility for resource gathering. Remember, survival is about adapting to your environment and the threats within it, so stay alert, craft smart, and explore with caution.
