Grounded is (in its current state) split fairly well into three parts. When players start their adventure, they'll spend time snagging Tier I materials from bugs and other sources to craft low-level armor and weapons. As they eventually reach the mid-game, they'll focus heavily on Tier II gear. The final push into the end game, where the most challenging and imposing creatures await, they'll need access to Tier III items.
Those looking to make the push to Tier III weaponry will likely need to get their hands on some Tough Gunk. The material is used in an array of Tier III recipes and is required to build some of the best upgradeable weapons in Grounded. Unfortunately, snagging Tough Gunk is easier said than done, especially for players that are just getting accustomed to the mid-game. The following guide will better help players find and collect Tough Gunk.
Where To Find Tough Gunk In Grounded
To find Tough Gunk, players are going to have to head to the Upper Yard. This area is located to the North of the map and encompasses all of the areas past the large stone wall. Players should be sure they are adequately geared up before heading into this zone as there are a wide array of creatures that are capable of one-shotting an unprepared adventurer. There is one "intended path" to the Upper Yard located near the overturned Charcoal Grill by the Picnic Table, but players can also use materials like Clay platforms and ramps, or even stairs, to build their own path up the wall (in any area they wish).
Once players make it to the Upper Yard, they'll want to search around specific areas and find the appropriate bugs that can drop Tough Gunk. Here's a look at all the bugs capable of dropping Tough Gunk when defeated:
- Termite
- Termite Soldier
- Termite King
- Black Ox Beetle
- Roly Poly
- Sickly Roly Poly
- Ladybird
- Ladybird Larva
- Green Shield Bug
Most of these bugs are rather difficult to contend with. Players should avoid tangling with creatures like the Black Ox Beetle, Termite Soldier, Termite King, Roly Poly, and Ladybird until they have some tough armor that's capable of soaking up quite a bit of damage. Unfortunately, most "great" armors require parts from these powerful bugs and players will need stronger weapons if they wish to contend with them. Thankfully, one bug on this list is a bit easier to down than the rest.
Players that are just starting to get their footing into the end game should consider targeting Ladybird Larva in order to collect Tough Gunk. These bugs are fairly easy to battle as they have a very similar attack pattern to regular Larva. The only difference is that they are capable of dodging by hopping backward, and can also stack a Sizzle effect with their attacks. Using Antlion Armor can help players mitigate this Sizzle effect, and it will make it easier to hunt the Ladybird Lava as they frequently patrol the area around the overturned Charcoal Grill. Once players have collected enough Tough Gunk from the Ladybird Larva, they can consider making a stronger weapon like the Mint Mace in order to dish out more damage to the many bugs found in the Upper Yard.
What Is Tough Gunk Used For?
Tough Gunk is primarily used for stronger weaponry, but it's also required to craft the Termite Axe, which is required to collect a lot of Tier III materials from the areas in the Upper Yard. Here's a look at all the items that can be crafted with Tough Gunk, as well as their recipes.
Item | Type | Recipe |
Spicy Coaltana | Weapon |
|
Mint Mace | Weapon |
|
Sour Battle Axe | Weapon |
|
Salt Morning Star | Weapon |
|
Spicy Staff | Weapon |
|
Mint Staff | Weapon |
|
Sour Staff | Weapon |
|
Termite Delight | Consumable |
|
Black Ox Burger | Consumable |
|
O.R.C. Disruption Bomb | Trap |
|
Waft Emitter | Utility |
|
Sara's Charm | Trinket |
|
Termite Axe | Tool |
|
EverCoal Torch | Tool |
|
