The quirky and highly unusual Bugsnax made its premiere on November 12th, 2020. The game was developed by a company called Young Horses who drew inspiration from a myriad of different, popular games to create one mega game that included elements that gamers would likely be familiar with... along with a whole new twist in the form of strange bug-food hybrids and a group of people called Grumps.
With a pop-y, upbeat theme song, slightly creepy food and bug mashups that Pokémon gamers have prepared their entire lives to catch, and a bit of modern ingenuity, this game has made quite a name for itself since it's been available. But how can you really be sure you've discovered every Strabby and Bunger? And what else could have been missed?
10 Every Grumpus Is Identical In Design, Save For One Detail
Of course, the height of each Grumpus differs from one resident to the next but in short, they're all practically the same. The Grumps look completely different thanks to the clothing designs — whether they have fur, facial differences, ears, and things like that — along with the fact that each Bugsnak will alter their appearance once it's eaten. Once all of that is taken away, though, each Grump has the same character design, simply jazzed up to suit their personality.
9 The Total Number Of Bugsnax Is Far Higher Than Anyone Guessed
For such a short game (on average, eight hours is the playthrough time), it's quite surprising that there are a total of 100 Bugsnax on the island total.
This also adds a level of excitement to the game as each player goes through the necessary skill test in order to catch and fill their journal, and, of course, it's exciting just to see each slightly horrific bugsnak revealed as it creeps out of a hole or comes bounding from behind a shaking bush.
8 That Theme Song Wasn't Just Created For A Catchy Opening
The song itself was actually quite revealing in nature, and while it's presumed to be just as lighthearted as the foodie Bugsnax themselves, it's actually something far darker. The lyrics in the song echo what Clumbernut says in the opening of the game: 'you are what you eat.' This is also — spoiler alert — foreshadowing the ending of the game.
7 There Are Some Areas To Explore Without Cutscenes That Provide Backstory
Players will find out quickly that they're permitted to explore the character's homes once they've returned to Snaxburg. However, this also means that Elizabert's house is free to be explored and while the video projector is important for cutscenes, the second floor of her house includes additional backstory. By wandering upstairs, you'll find photos that provide insight into Elizabert's personal life with Eggabell, as well as plans detailing her findings on the island.
6 C. Clumby Clumbernut Does, Indeed, Have A First Name
Young Horses did reveal C. Clumby Clumbernut's first name, something that most players likely didn't even give a second thought upon seeing her name plaque on the desk. It turns out that her first name is actually Clum. That's right... Clum Clumby Clumbernut.
5 Every Bugsnax Is Missing One Vital Thing For Survival
There's one thing that's necessary to the survival of every living thing but is missing from the Bugsnax. It's not a nose, ears (although many don't even have those), or eyes.
Rather, they're all missing a mouth... which leaves one to wonder how they stay alive. Or eat. Or make all the strange noises that they do, including saying their own names out loud.Â
4 Many Missed This Latin Phrase From The Beginning Of The Game
Two Latin phrases, actually: 'Tu quid edas'Â and 'Omne vivum ex Bugsnax.' The former translates to 'you are what you eat' while the second one translates to 'all life is from Bugsnax.' The phrase is uttered by an unknown character on the other end of the phone line when Clumbernut is shown in the game's opening cutscene. The popular conspiracy theory is that she was talking to the 'Grumpinati,' as is shown on the bulletin board, along with an X-Files-like map, in the same cutscene.
3 There Were Inhabitants Long Before Elizabert
In keeping with the theme of Bugsnax being mystical, otherworldly creatures, there's further proof of this at the Flavor Falls' Waterfall. There, you'll find two statues of what are presumed to be ancient Bugsnax, furthering pointing to the fact that this civilization of strange bugs existed long before now.
2 The Bugsnax Aren't Entirely Unrealistic
While they're highly rooted in fantasy, Young Horses did say that they drew inspiration from actual bugs in order to create their insect-like Bugsnax. The intention was for it to feel relatable without feeling completely out of the realm of possibility.
1 Spoiler Alert: These Bugsnax Aren't What You Think They Are
The Bugsnax are not actually bugs or food... or even snacks. Rather, it's revealed at the end of the game by Lizbert that they're parasites, and after they take on a new host (as is evident by the fact that Bugsnax literally turn the Grumps into food), they'll eventually kill the Grump, which then becomes part of the island's terrain. Suddenly, Bugsnax aren't as cute and innocent as everyone thought.