GET YOUR BEARINGS
About Grounded
Grounded drops you into a backyard where you are the size of an ant. In first‑person view you must explore, gather resources, build shelters and fend off giant insects while following a story that explains how you became so small.
The game works solo or with up to three friends online. Its Shared Worlds system keeps the backyard alive and saves progress even when the original host disconnects, so friends can return to the same world later.
02 / THE GUIDE
Backyard Creature Zones
The yard contains several distinct habitats: the deep pond, the termite‑den caverns and a scorching sandbox. Each area hosts its own set of insects that pose different threats to explorers.
Players can activate MIX.R devices to draw insects toward a chosen spot, but doing so raises the chance those creatures will later attack the player’s own shelter.
- Map each zone before venturing far so you can plan safe routes and retreat points.
- Use MIX.R devices sparingly; attracting too many insects can overwhelm your base.

03 / THE GUIDE
Mutations and Milk Molars
Grounded provides two character‑customisation systems: Mutations and Milk Molars. Both let you select bonuses and perks that modify your stats, letting you tailor the character to your preferred approach.
These perks are optional and can be mixed and matched, giving players the freedom to focus on combat, resource gathering, or exploration without changing core gameplay mechanics.
- Try different Mutation combos early to see which bonuses suit your role in the team.
- Collect Milk Molars whenever you find them; they unlock additional perk options.
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Armor and Weapon Crafting
Materials gathered from the environment and defeated insects can be used to craft armor and weapons. Upgrading these items raises their stats, helping you survive the backyard’s hazards.
Upgraded gear directly improves your ability to withstand attacks and explore riskier zones, making progression feel tangible as you expand your base and venture farther.
- Prioritise armor upgrades before entering high‑risk zones like the termite den.
- Keep a small stockpile of basic materials for quick repairs during long expeditions.
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Co‑op and Controller Support
Grounded supports solo play, online co‑op with up to three friends, and full controller compatibility on Windows. Steam Cloud, Remote Play on Tablet and Family Sharing are also available.
Steam Trading Cards and other Steam features add community interaction, while the game’s online mode lets you face the backyard together or alone at any time.
- Enable Steam Cloud before your first session to keep saves synced across devices.
- Test controller settings with your teammates ahead of a co‑op run to avoid input issues.





COMMUNITY
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