TL;DR
- The Insect Axe unlocks essential mid-game resources that the Pebblet Axe cannot harvest
- Requires 3 Bombardier Beetle parts, 1 Ladybug head, and 4 Silk Rope strands
- Ladybugs require armor and coordinated attacks, while Bombardiers need projectile dodging
- Spider webs can be safely harvested during spider patrol cycles
- Proper preparation reduces collection time from hours to under 30 minutes
Without acquiring the Insect Axe, your crafting progression hits a hard ceiling, preventing access to numerous essential resources and upgrades.
The Grounded Insect Axe represents a pivotal milestone in your survival journey, serving as the gateway to advanced crafting capabilities. Unlike the basic Pebblet Axe starter tool, this upgraded implement enables harvesting of tougher botanical materials including dense husky weeds, fallen apples, mature toadstools, and various fungal growths. The Pebblet Axe’s limitations become apparent quickly, restricting you to only the most basic plant materials. This comprehensive guide details efficient methods to gather the necessary components and construct your Insect Axe efficiently.
The Insect Axe blueprint demands eight individual components distributed across three distinct material categories. These include:
While theoretically obtainable during early gameplay phases, each component requires either combat proficiency or stealth mastery. Silk rope originates from processed spider webs, typically located in arachnid territories such as the wooden decay areas bordering the Koi Pond’s southern edge. These silken structures can be dismantled using any melee weapon, instantly yielding web fiber, but optimal harvesting occurs during spider absence periods, even if these windows prove brief.
Ladybugs patrol extensively throughout the game world, including regions near your initial spawn point, though they present significant combat challenges for solo players. Cooperative engagements with allies or, minimally, equipping upgraded melee weapons and protective armor dramatically improves success rates. The most accessible protective gear remains the Clover armor configuration, requiring 13 clover leaves, six plant fiber ropes (crafted from ubiquitous plant fibers scattered across The Backyard), and two sturdy sprigs.
After successfully defeating a ladybug, your attention should shift to acquiring Bombardier beetle components. These distinctive green and black-patterned insects predominantly inhabit the map’s southeastern quadrant.
The Insect Axe’s enhanced chopping capacity grants access to previously unobtainable crafting materials that enable significant gameplay advancement.
Bombardiers exhibit unique combat mechanics involving acidic projectile volleys. While they don’t demand precise party timing like spider encounters, you must consistently evade their corrosive globs and avoid standing in the lingering acid pools formed upon impact with terrain surfaces.
Remember that insect migration patterns mean you might encounter these creatures far from their typical spawning grounds occasionally, making the described locations your most reliable hunting areas.
The Insect Axe’s enhanced chopping capacity grants access to previously unobtainable crafting materials that enable significant gameplay advancement.
Once you’ve assembled all required components, proceed to any workbench and fabricate your Insect Axe. You’re now prepared to tackle a substantial, potentially daunting segment of Grounded’s content. For additional insights into Obsidian’s family-friendly survival adventure, explore our illuminating Complete Guide to mastering game mechanics.
Pro Tip: Begin your material collection during daylight hours when spider activity decreases and visibility improves target acquisition. Equip the Weapons Unlock strategies can provide parallel insights into weapon progression systems. Additionally, coordinate your armor upgrades with strategic Class Guide principles for optimal loadout configuration.
Avoid This Mistake: Many players underestimate Bombardier projectile range, assuming safe distances that prove fatal. Maintain at least 15 game units distance during engagements and utilize terrain obstacles for cover.
Time Optimization: With proper preparation, the entire collection process can be completed in under 30 minutes versus hours of frustrated attempts. Pre-craft all armor components before engaging hostile insects and organize your inventory for efficient resource management.
Action Checklist
- Craft Clover Armor (13 clovers, 6 crude rope, 2 sprigs)
- Harvest spider webs during patrol gaps (wooden stump areas)
- Engage Ladybugs with armor and weapons (solo or co-op)
- Hunt Bombardier Beetles in SE map region with dodging tactics
- Craft Insect Axe at workbench and test on husky weeds
No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » Grounded Insect Axe: How To Upgrade Your Axe Quickly Master the essential Insect Axe crafting process in Grounded with expert strategies and combat tips
