In the expansive, perilous world of Grounded 2, where every blade of grass is a towering forest and a puddle a vast lake, the concept of efficient travel is not merely a convenience—it`s a matter of survival. Players accustomed to the grueling treks across the overgrown backyard will find themselves yearning for a swifter mode of transport. Fortunately, the latest iteration of this shrinking survival saga introduces a groundbreaking solution: the ability to befriend and ride certain insects. Chief among these is the formidable, yet surprisingly amiable, Red Soldier Ant. This isn`t just a new feature; it`s a paradigm shift for exploration and resource management.
The Call of the Wild: Unlocking a New Horizon
Before you can gallop across the dew-kissed lawns atop your six-legged steed, there`s a journey of discovery and progression. The initial steps toward acquiring this unique “buggy” are deeply interwoven with the game`s narrative. Your adventure will truly accelerate upon the successful completion of the “Missed Connection” questline. This pivotal mission, which sends you deep into an ant colony to investigate the unfortunate demise of an Ominent employee, isn`t just a grim scavenger hunt; it`s your gateway to advanced entomological engineering. Upon its completion, the blueprints for a vital structure, the Hatchery, become available for purchase.
Scientific Progress: Acquiring the Hatchery Blueprint
With the “Missed Connection” quest behind you, your next destination is the Ranger Station`s Science Shop. Here, for a modest investment of 500 Science Points, you can acquire the coveted Hatchery blueprint. If your scientific coffers are looking a bit sparse, a quick glance at your challenge tab might reveal some easily completable tasks that offer a quick infusion of points. While seeking out the elusive pink glowing orbs scattered across the backyard is a reliable method, strategic challenge completion often proves a faster route to unlocking this essential technology.
The Hatchery blueprint isn`t a one-trick pony. It grants access to three new crafting recipes:
- The Hatchery itself, the heart of your insect-rearing operation.
- The Red Soldier Ant buggy saddle, crucial for transforming a wild ant into a loyal mount.
- The Ant Nest, a useful utility for attracting more of your new companions, though less directly tied to the primary goal of acquiring your mount.
Architecting Nature: Building Your Hatchery
Once the blueprint is secured, the real construction begins. To establish your insect nursery, you`ll need to gather a specific array of materials. These components, while seemingly simple, represent significant finds in your miniature world:
- 6 Weed stems: The structural backbone, often harvested from dandelions, requiring a discerning eye for the towering flora.
- 1 Acorn top: A sturdy cap, frequently found near the colossal oak trees, a testament to the backyard`s scale.
- 5 Acorn shells: The durable outer casing, providing robust protection for your future incubator.
- 5 Mite Fuzz: A softer, insulating material, perhaps the most ironic component, given the often-antagonistic nature of its origin.
With these resources in hand, constructing the Hatchery at your base transforms a mere patch of dirt into a cradle of potential, a testament to miniature engineering.
The Perilous Harvest: Securing a Red Soldier Ant Egg
Your ultimate goal, the Red Soldier Ant buggy, demands one critical component: a Red Soldier Ant egg. This isn`t a simple foraging task; it`s an expedition into the very heart of enemy territory. You`ll need to venture deep into another ant hill, a labyrinthine warren teeming with Red Soldier Ants. These aren`t the docile worker ants you might casually swat away; these are larger, more aggressive specimens that demand respect and preparation.
Navigate the treacherous passages, dispatching any threats with a sturdy weapon, reliable armor, and a good stock of bandages. Deep within the ant hill, you`ll eventually stumble upon a lab room. Here, a reddish-brown egg might be spotted within a test chamber, tantalizingly out of reach. Do not despair; continue your careful progression. Further into the network, you will discover areas where harvestable Red Soldier Ant eggs are present. Remember, these precious cargo items cannot be stored in your inventory; you can carry only one at a time. This necessitates a careful, often tense, journey back to the surface, frequently dropping your valuable payload to engage in combat when unavoidable. The sheer absurdity of fighting off enraged insects while meticulously safeguarding a giant egg adds a certain dramatic flair to the whole endeavor.
The Genesis: Hatching Your Companion
With the precious egg safely transported back to your base, the final step is to place it within the Hatchery. Patience, however, is key. A Red Soldier Ant egg requires 12 hours of in-game time to hatch, which conveniently translates to approximately 25 minutes of real-world waiting. It`s just long enough to build anticipation, but not so long that you consider setting up a dedicated “egg-watching” station in your living room.
Once the incubation period is complete, a simple interaction with the Hatchery will reveal your new companion. Congratulations! You now possess your very own, fully loyal, Red Soldier Ant mount. This isn`t just a beast of burden; it`s a multi-purpose tool and, dare one say, a friend. This magnificent creature offers:
- Unparalleled Traversal Speed: Covering ground that once took minutes will now take mere seconds, opening up vast new areas of the backyard for rapid exploration.
- Integrated Storage Space: No longer will you be forced to leave valuable resources behind. Your ant companion provides additional carrying capacity, streamlining your gathering efforts.
- Combat Support: While not a tank, your ant will actively engage smaller threats, providing invaluable assistance during skirmishes.
- Material Gathering: Certain resources can even be collected more efficiently with your ant`s assistance.
- Emotional Support (and Petting!): Yes, you can pet your giant insect. Because even in the most perilous backyard, a little affection goes a long way.
A New Era of Backyard Dominance
The acquisition of a Red Soldier Ant mount in Grounded 2 is more than just unlocking a new item; it fundamentally alters the rhythm and strategy of your survival. What was once a daunting expanse becomes a manageable playground. The constant threat of being ambushed by lurking arachnids or dive-bombing mosquitos feels less oppressive when you have a loyal, six-legged beast at your command. This evolution from struggling survivor to confident backyard explorer epitomizes the ingenuity and charm of Grounded 2, turning once-impossible feats into daily routines. Prepare to see the world from a new, faster, and distinctly more ant-centric perspective.
Callum Darby