Grounded: 10 Pro Tips for Building the Ultimate Defensive Base

In the sprawling backyard of Grounded, building a secure base is crucial for survival. From spider patrols to ant raids, your base must withstand constant threats. Here are 10 tips to fortify your sanctuary.

1. Choose the Right Location

Start by scouting for a location near water and resources like grass and stems. Avoid open areas where wolf spiders roam. The pond edge near the mysterious machine is ideal—it offers water, clover cover, and proximity to the oak tree's resources.

2. Use Stem Scaffolding for Elevated Bases

Build your base on high ground using stem scaffolds. This prevents ground-level insects from attacking your walls. Elevate your first floor at least two walls high and ensure you have a ramp or jump pad for access.

3. Fortify with Mushroom Bricks

Once you unlock the fungal charm, use mushroom bricks for your outer walls. They have the highest durability in the game and resist insect attacks better than grass or stem. Harvest mushrooms near the pond or in the haze.

4. Build a Perimeter Wall with Traps

Surround your base with a perimeter wall at least two layers thick. Place spike traps between the walls to damage enemies that break through. Use a mix of stone and mushroom brick walls for maximum protection.

5. Install Multiple Doors

Never rely on a single entrance. Install at least two doors on opposite sides of your base, and consider a third for emergency exits. Use palisade gates for entrances—they're tougher than standard doors.

6. Create a Murder Hole

Design a small, elevated platform with a grinder or other weapon where you can stand and shoot down at enemies below. This allows you to deal damage safely from above. Build it near your main gate to repel large raids.

7. Use Lanterns and Torches to Deter Night Creatures

Wolf spiders and other nocturnal insects are attracted to dark areas. Place lanterns along your perimeter and inside your base to keep them at bay. The light also reduces the chance of stray spiders spawning nearby.

8. Build a Zipline Network

Connect your base to key resource nodes with ziplines. This saves travel time and allows you to quickly escape if your base is overwhelmed. Use the zipline anchor at the top of your stem tower to launch from your roof.

9. Design Anti-Insect Funnels

Create narrow, L-shaped corridors leading to your base entrance. Insects often struggle to navigate tight turns. Line these corridors with spike traps and place a temporary wall at the dead end to redirect enemies into kill zones.

10. Upgrade Your Workshop Regularly

A strong base means nothing if you can't repair or upgrade it. Keep your workbench upgraded and stockpile repair materials like repair glue and planks. Use the Waft Emitter to trigger controlled insect attacks to stress-test your defenses.

By following these tips, you'll build a stronghold that can withstand even the most formidable backyard creatures. Remember, in Grounded, any base can be improved—always plan for expansion and new threats.