Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Pets in Grounded and Unlock Their Benefits

Introduction: Why Get Pets in Grounded?

Pets in Grounded are more than adorable companions-they bring meaningful utility to your gameplay. From helping you manage inventory to providing special buffs, pets like the Aphid , Weevil , and Gnat offer unique advantages. This guide delivers a comprehensive, actionable pathway for players to unlock, tame, and maximize the benefits of pets in Grounded, based on current, verified information.

Understanding Pet Mechanics in Grounded

Pets in Grounded are friendly versions of common bugs that follow you, help manage inventory, and offer exclusive buffs. Once tamed, a pet will accompany you, carry up to 10 additional inventory slots, and can provide specific gameplay bonuses depending on its type. These pets include:

  • Aphid : Grants the ‘Aphid Friend’ buff, reducing stamina drain while sprinting.
  • Weevil : Offers unique item production and potential utility for food or crafting.
  • Gnat : Provides access to special buffs and can help in late-game resource gathering.

Each pet requires a specific taming process and maintenance routine, which will be detailed below.

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Step 1: Building the Pet House

Before you can tame a pet in Grounded, you must first build a Pet House . This structure enables you to officially claim, store, and interact with your pets. To craft a Pet House, gather the following resources:

  • 2 Weed Stems
  • 1 Acorn Shell
  • 4 Mushroom Pieces
  • 2 Crow Feathers

Once you have these materials, open your crafting menu and select the Pet House blueprint. Place it in a secure location within your base. After building, the Pet House allows you to assign pets and equip them with armor for additional protection and features [1] .

Step 2: Acquiring a Grinder for Slurry Production

The Grinder is essential for creating the special ‘slurries’ needed to tame pets. To craft a Grinder, gather basic resources and unlock the blueprint as you progress through the game. Once built, utilize these specific recipes:

  • Plant Slurry : Requires Plant Fiber, used for taming Aphids
  • Mushroom Slurry : Requires Mushrooms or Mushroom Chunks, used for taming Weevils
  • Spoiled Meat Slurry : Requires any Spoiled Meat, used for taming Gnats

Place the necessary ingredients in the Grinder and collect the slurry once it’s processed. The right slurry for each pet is crucial for successful taming [1] .

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Step 3: Locating and Taming Pets

With your Pet House constructed and the appropriate slurry prepared, venture out to locate wild Aphids, Weevils, or Gnats. The taming process involves:

  1. Approach the target bug in its natural habitat.
  2. Drop the correct slurry on the ground directly in front of the bug.
  3. Wait for the bug to eat the slurry; it may take several servings (between 2 and 8) before the creature is tamed [2] .
  4. Once tamed, the pet will follow you and can be assigned to your Pet House for management and upgrades [3] .

Real-world gameplay examples show that Aphids typically respond after eating two to three servings, while Weevils and Gnats may require more. Patience and repeated feedings are key to success [4] .

Step 4: Managing and Upgrading Your Pets

Once tamed, pets can be managed through the Pet House interface. Here, you can:

  • Assign Armor : Equip your pet with protective gear for added survivability.
  • Access Inventory : Use the pet’s extra inventory slots for resource management.
  • Monitor Buffs : Check which buffs your pet provides and plan your strategy accordingly.

Pets can also be healed with treats if injured, and you may customize their appearance with accessories found throughout the game. Remember, pets can be lost in battle or through neglect, so regular care is crucial [5] .

Benefits and Use Cases for Pets

The practical advantages of pets in Grounded extend beyond companionship:

  • Inventory Expansion : Each pet offers up to 10 extra slots, ideal for long expeditions and resource gathering.
  • Buffs and Bonuses : Unique buffs like reduced stamina drain (Aphid) or access to rare resources (Weevil) can significantly improve your survival odds and efficiency.
  • Pet Armor and Upgrades : Equipping pets with armor not only protects them but can unlock new abilities and visual customization.

Case studies from real players highlight the strategic advantage of having a pet during combat or exploration, as well as the additional joy and engagement pets bring to the gameplay experience [1] .

Alternative Methods and Future Updates

Currently, the only way to obtain pets is through the taming process described above. However, the developers have hinted at possible future additions, such as new tameable creatures and advanced control mechanics. Players interested in upcoming features should monitor official developer channels and community forums for news and updates.

If you encounter challenges, such as failing to tame a pet or losing one in battle, consider the following solutions:

  • Retry with More Slurry : Sometimes bugs require more servings to tame-persist and increase the amount.
  • Rebuild Pet House : If your Pet House is destroyed, rebuild promptly to retain access to pet features.
  • Check for Game Updates : New content may introduce different pets or taming methods.

Expert Tips for Successful Pet Acquisition

For best results, follow these expert recommendations:

  • Always have extra slurry prepared for multiple attempts.
  • Build your Pet House in a safe, central location to prevent accidental loss.
  • Regularly equip and upgrade pet armor for survival advantage.
  • Use pets strategically during resource runs and combat scenarios.

How to Get Started: Actionable Steps

To unlock pets in Grounded, you can:

  • Progress through the main storyline to access the Grinder and Pet House blueprints.
  • Gather required resources for crafting and slurry production.
  • Identify which pet best fits your playstyle and needs.
  • Monitor official Grounded news and patch notes for future updates and new pet options.

If you need additional support or community advice, search for Grounded forums, guides, or video tutorials using terms like ‘Grounded pet taming guide’ or ‘Grounded pet house tips.’ Engage with reputable gaming communities on platforms such as Reddit, Discord, or official developer channels for real-time help.

Summary and Key Takeaways

Getting pets in Grounded is a rewarding, multifaceted process that enhances gameplay through expanded inventory, buffs, and customization. By following the outlined steps-building a Pet House, crafting the necessary slurry, and patiently taming your chosen bug-you can unlock all available pet benefits. Stay informed on future updates, and use community resources for troubleshooting and advanced strategies.

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