Grounded: New Game Plus Mode - A Survival Guide

Hey everyone! Are you ready to dive back into the amazing world of Grounded? Well, if you're anything like me, you've probably already sunk countless hours into this incredible survival game. And guess what? The developers have gifted us with something truly special: New Game Plus! That's right, it's time to experience Grounded all over again, but this time, with a twist. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about New Game Plus in Grounded, offering tips, tricks, and strategies to make your next playthrough even more epic. So, grab your insect-repellent, sharpen your weapons, and let's get started!

Unveiling the Magic of Grounded's New Game Plus

Alright, so what exactly is New Game Plus (NG+) in Grounded? For those unfamiliar, NG+ lets you restart the game after completing the main story, carrying over certain progress. Think of it as a fresh start with a seasoned character! In Grounded, this means you get to retain some of your hard-earned progress, like your mutations, blueprints, and crafting recipes. It’s like being a super-powered tiny human ready to face the backyard all over again. The beauty of NG+ is that it allows you to experience the game with a different perspective, experiment with different builds, and tackle challenges you might have missed the first time around. It's also a great way to refine your skills, test out new weapon combinations, and explore areas you may have previously overlooked. Plus, it gives you a chance to appreciate the fantastic story and world-building of Grounded all over again, with the added benefit of knowing what's coming. This means you can strategize and plan for upcoming challenges, making your survival experience even more rewarding. It's essentially a love letter to the players who have conquered the backyard and are eager for more.

But that’s not all! The NG+ mode in Grounded isn't just a simple restart; it's a chance to build upon your previous experience and truly become the ultimate backyard survivor. You get to carry over some of the most useful and time-consuming progress from your first playthrough, which includes your mutations! Having access to all your favorite mutations right from the start gives you a significant edge, allowing you to dominate the early game and quickly adapt to different situations. Imagine starting with the ability to sprint longer, carry more, or deal extra damage – it completely changes the game. This also means you can focus on experimenting with builds you might not have considered the first time around. Are you curious about being a melee specialist, a ranged expert, or a master of traps? NG+ gives you the freedom to explore different playstyles without the initial grind. The ability to craft advanced weapons and armor early on also lets you take on tougher challenges sooner, allowing you to experience the full scope of the game's combat and survival mechanics. In addition to your mutations, blueprints and crafting recipes are also carried over. That means you can immediately start building your base with all the best tools and structures. Think of the possibilities! You can set up elaborate traps, create massive defenses, and build the ultimate backyard fortress from the get-go. With a head start on crafting, you can focus on gathering resources, exploring new areas, and uncovering all the secrets Grounded has to offer. For those who love the base-building aspect of the game, this is a dream come true.

Getting Started: Preparing for Your New Game Plus Journey

Before you jump into Grounded's New Game Plus, there are a few things you should know. First and foremost, you need to have completed the main story. That means defeating the final boss and watching the credits roll. Once you've done that, the option for NG+ will become available. This is your reward for surviving the backyard’s initial challenges. Now that you've finished the game, the NG+ option will appear, allowing you to restart with your existing progress. Before starting, it is crucial to understand what carries over and what doesn't. You will retain your mutations, blueprints, and crafting recipes. This will significantly impact your gameplay from the start. On the other hand, story progression, quest items, and the locations of resources and creatures are reset. The world will be fresh again, with all the surprises and challenges intact. Your character's level, equipment, and inventory will also be reset. Therefore, it is important to choose wisely what you want to bring into the next game, or what you should prepare before your next journey.

Now, here’s a pro tip: Before you start NG+, it's a good idea to tidy up your base and storage. Clear out any unnecessary items, stock up on essential resources, and maybe even craft some of your favorite weapons and armor. Think of it as prepping for your first day back at school. Also, consider the difficulty settings. NG+ is a great opportunity to adjust the difficulty to match your skills. If you found the game too easy the first time, crank up the difficulty. If you want a more relaxed experience, tone it down. This ensures that your next playthrough is challenging and enjoyable. Playing on a higher difficulty will also reward you with more resources and offer you greater challenges. Don't be afraid to experiment with different settings to find the sweet spot that perfectly matches your playstyle. Moreover, if you want a true challenge, consider a solo run. With NG+, you will start with all of your learned abilities and a deep understanding of the environment and the enemies that inhabit the backyard. Having a good grasp of the terrain and the enemies' behaviors will make your journey in the backyard more manageable. You will also get the chance to discover new strategies and perfect your combat skills. However, if you prefer, play with friends. This is a great way to experience Grounded with people you know, and to share and discover new strategies and challenges.

Mastering the Gameplay: Tips, Tricks, and Strategies

Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty of Grounded's gameplay in NG+. One of the first things you'll notice is that you're starting with a significant advantage, thanks to your retained mutations. Use them wisely! Prioritize mutations that enhance your combat effectiveness, such as increased damage, stamina regeneration, or health buffs. These will be your best friends in the early game. With the advantage of having blueprints and crafting recipes, you can go ahead and establish your base. Choose a strategic location that is close to essential resources such as food, water, and building materials. A well-placed base can be your lifeline in the backyard. Consider building defensive structures like walls, traps, and turrets to protect your base from insect attacks. Plan ahead and consider the location of enemy spawn points. Additionally, in NG+, you can experiment with different weapons and armor combinations. Since you have access to a wider range of crafting recipes, you can create powerful weapons and armor from the start. This allows you to tackle more challenging encounters early on. Try different weapon types and experiment with armor sets to find the perfect combination that suits your playstyle.

Another crucial aspect of NG+ is resource management. While you retain your crafting recipes, you still need to gather resources. Since the world is reset, the locations of resources, such as grass, stems, and sap, will be the same, giving you the upper hand in knowing where to find them. However, remember to keep an eye on your hunger and thirst meters. Consuming the right food and drinks will keep you alive. Also, consider crafting tools such as the insect axe and the hammer. These tools will enable you to efficiently gather resources. Another strategic advantage in NG+ is your knowledge of enemy behaviors and attack patterns. Having played the game before, you're familiar with the various insects and creatures in the backyard. With that knowledge, you can use the environment to your advantage. Learn the weaknesses of each enemy type and exploit them. Learn how to parry and dodge attacks effectively. Also, don't forget to use the environment to your advantage. Traps, high ground, and chokepoints can give you the upper hand in combat. Lastly, take advantage of the ability to replay the story missions. You have an advantage with your knowledge of the story. You can make more informed decisions and prepare for upcoming challenges. Take advantage of this to refine your strategies, discover hidden areas, and uncover all the secrets of the game.

Surviving the Backyard: Enemies and Combat in New Game Plus

Alright, let's talk about the backyard's inhabitants and how to handle them in NG+. Since you’ve played through the game before, you’ll have a better understanding of the enemies and their attack patterns. In NG+, the difficulty may be increased, so you will need to adapt your strategies. Remember that some enemies are more aggressive and deal more damage in NG+. This is your chance to really hone your combat skills. Understanding enemy weaknesses is key. For example, some insects are vulnerable to specific weapons or elemental damage. Knowing this, you can choose the best weapon for each encounter. The best strategy is to learn how to parry and dodge effectively. Timing is crucial when it comes to parrying and dodging enemy attacks. Practicing these skills can significantly improve your survival rate, giving you an edge. In Grounded, the combat is often about more than just brute force. Using the environment to your advantage is crucial. Use the terrain to your advantage, whether it is high ground or narrow passages. This will allow you to control the battlefield. Traps and gadgets can turn the tide of battle. Setting up traps or using gadgets can help you to control the battlefield, giving you an edge in combat.

Another important aspect of combat is teamwork. Playing with friends can make the combat much easier, as you can coordinate your attacks and strategies. Playing with friends also allows you to experiment with different builds and approaches. Grounded has several types of enemies, such as insects, spiders, and larva. Each has different behaviors and attack patterns. Having an understanding of these creatures’ behaviors is essential to survival. When exploring, keep an eye out for potential threats. Always be aware of your surroundings, and be prepared for ambushes. If you have trouble defeating a certain enemy, take a moment to analyze its attack patterns and weaknesses. Consider what weapons and armor would be effective, and adjust your approach.

Crafting and Resource Management: Building Your Fortress in NG+

Crafting and resource management are at the heart of the Grounded experience, and in NG+, you'll be able to build your dream base much faster. Since you're carrying over your blueprints and crafting recipes, you'll be able to create advanced weapons, armor, and base structures right from the start. That means you can build that epic base you've always dreamed of. First, choose a strategic location for your base, considering resource availability, defensive capabilities, and access to key areas. Consider factors such as accessibility to water, food, and building materials. Building a secure and efficient base is essential for long-term survival. Since you have your blueprints from the beginning, you can begin constructing advanced structures. Structures such as walls, traps, and turrets are perfect for defense against hostile creatures. Having your crafting recipes available allows you to focus on gathering and organizing resources. Always look for efficient gathering methods. Use tools such as the insect axe and hammer to gather resources quickly. Establish a system for organizing your storage, ensuring that your base remains organized. Having a well-organized storage system will keep you prepared for anything.

When it comes to crafting, prioritize essential items. Ensure you have the tools, weapons, and armor that match your play style. Remember to take advantage of the research stations in the backyard. Utilize the research stations to discover new crafting recipes and upgrade your gear. Consider the different types of armor available, and create sets based on the situation. For example, if you're exploring a spider-infested area, prioritize armor with high defense. Use the crafting recipes from the start to create advanced weapons and armor. Experiment with different combinations to find the best gear.

Exploring the Backyard: Uncovering Secrets and Hidden Gems

One of the most exciting aspects of Grounded, especially in NG+, is the opportunity to revisit the backyard and uncover secrets. With your knowledge of the game world, you'll have a unique advantage. Since you've played the game before, you'll remember the locations of hidden areas, quests, and valuable resources. Take this chance to fully explore the map. One of the best strategies for exploring the backyard is to start by revisiting familiar areas. With NG+, you can prioritize the discovery of new areas. Try to explore areas you may have overlooked during your first playthrough. Look for hidden caves, underground passages, and secret chambers. These areas often contain valuable resources, rare blueprints, and unique challenges. During your explorations, pay close attention to environmental clues. Look for markings, unusual rock formations, and other visual cues. You never know what secrets the backyard may contain. Some areas may require specific tools or gear. Before starting your exploration, make sure you have the appropriate tools for the job. Another strategy is to follow the main story quests and side quests. Completing these quests will reveal new areas and provide essential information about the backyard. With your retained knowledge, you'll also be able to make better decisions.

Don't hesitate to take your time and enjoy the experience. Stop and admire the scenery, discover hidden nooks, and interact with the environment. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about the world of Grounded. Take the time to discover hidden locations, complete side quests, and uncover secrets. Another important strategy is to use the environment to your advantage. Take the time to study the terrain and the enemy behaviors. By using the high ground or narrow passages, you can gain a tactical advantage during combat. By using the environment, you can control the pace of the battle. Utilize traps, gadgets, and the environment to your advantage. Setting traps and using gadgets can give you an edge in combat, while using the environment will help you to control the battlefield. Most importantly, have fun! Enjoy the journey, the exploration, and the discovery.

Mutate Your Grounded Experience: Leveraging Mutations in NG+

Mutations are a game-changer in Grounded, and in NG+, they're even more valuable. Since you carry over all your mutations, you'll have a leg up on your early game progression. As soon as you start NG+, you’ll have access to all your previous mutations. This means you can tailor your character to fit your desired playstyle. In NG+, you can focus on specializing in particular mutations, and this will maximize the efficiency. For example, if you prefer melee combat, then focus on mutations that increase damage, such as Barbarian and Cardio. If you prefer a ranged style, then prioritize mutations that increase your damage from range. Moreover, if you want a more defensive build, prioritize mutations such as Natural Explorer and Mithridatism. Experimenting with different builds is one of the joys of NG+. Another mutation is known as the