Obsidian Entertainment’s hit survival exploration gameGroundedsees players shrunken down to the size of insects as they attempt to survive in what is, at times, a very inhospitable backyard. With plenty of RPG mechanics, there are many different ways in which players can approach the game. A wide variety of weapons, armor, and mutationsenable deep customizationand can vary playstyles dramatically.
From powerful melee classes to light and dextrous archer builds, players have sought all kinds of combinations of tools in order to craft the most effective “builds.” While it is up to each player which style or build they would prefer, some do carry advantages that are hard to compete with in terms of sheer power within the game. These are some examples of the most fun and experimental builds inGrounded.
Updated June 15, 2025 by Andrew McLarney:Grounded has recieved several updates over the course of its lifespan so far, with some introducing new weapons and mutations, while others have nerfed certain overpowered weapons and given players more of a challenge again. Each build focuses on a different combination of weapons and mutations, and all are relevant as of Patch 1.4.5.
9Stun Prodder
A Unique Build Making Use of the Stun Effect
The Stun Prodder is one of the more eccentric and interesting builds to play and represents a fun challenge for players who may be looking for an alternative approach to the game. While it is still relatively overpowered, the Stun Prodder build focuses on stunning enemies and bludgeoning them once they are in their stunned state. This works either against single or multiple enemies since the upgraded Prod Smacker has an Area-of-Effect ability.
As a primary weapon, the maxed-out Stun Prodder will provide a powerful charge and will be capable of causing great damage to enemies too. The Entomologist Badge accessory will further this damage output, andBlack Ox Armor will provide adequate protection. Meat Shield, Coup De Gras, Cardio Fan, and Trapper Peep.r make for the best mutations with this build.
8SpiderBard
A Powerful Combination of Summoning and Archery
This interesting summoner build focuses on maintaining a distance from enemies and gettinga legion of small spiderlingsto do all the work instead. It is a diverse build, enabling players to utilize many different weapons and experiment with different playstyles all the while grounded in a summoner build. The aim is to cause chaos and overwhelm enemies with a variety of attacks from different sides, all the while debuffing enemies and gaining extra reinforcement throughout.
Using the Bard’s Bow and Whittle Widowling Charm in combination with the Bard’s Tudor, Moth Armor and a combination of the Sharpshooter, Mom Genes, and Bardic Inspirationsmutations are the basis for this build, though players can also use Apex Predator to summon wasps or Mansterious Stranger to summon Mants.
7Corrosive Spear
A Fun And Easy Build For Less Experienced Players
This build centers around the use of spears and corrosive damage to wear away enemies' defenses as well as mitigate any incoming damage - it is also especially useful when dealing with termites, particularly with salty damage. Many of the elements required to craft the items in this build are relatively easy to acquire, making it an interesting andfun build for newer playerslooking to experiment with varied builds.
The build uses any spear, though the Rusty Spear packs decent enough damage, combined with Fire Ant Armor and a Fire Ant Shield for that extra corrosive bonus. In addition to this,the Thor’s Pendant trinketwill provide a 10% bonus to almost all the player’s stats. As for mutations, Javellineer will provide extra spear damage, along with Trapper Peep.r which can provide bonus critical chances. Meat Shield is also recommended as this build is focused on being up close with enemies.
6Scarlet Lifesteal
A Powerful Mystical Build Making Use Of Combined Effects
The Scarlet Lifesteal build is one of the most overpowered builds in the game, and centers around constantly healing while stealing lifeforce from opponents. While it may be difficult to use against some of the more powerful bosses with strong attacks, it is generally a very solid build which should deal with the vast majority of enemies in the game.
The Tick Macuahuitl applies the lifesteal effect to all attacks, regenerating the player’s health at a rate of 6% of damage dealt when upgraded. The FIre Ant Shield provided good protection against Corrosive attacks, which are a weak point for this build. The Ladybug armor set willimprove the rate of healing, and is fundamental when combined with the Tick Macuahuitl to making this build so powerful. The Meat Shield and Parry Master mutations also combine will to increase defence and health overall.
5Ultimate Archer
A Supremely Powerful Build For Maximizing Ranged Attacks
While much ofGrounded’s gameplay and mechanics may lead players to prefer a melee build, there are still many interesting ways in which players can construct highly effective ranged builds. The Ultimate Archer seeks to utilize all of the game’s best weapons and perks for ranged builds, leading a deadly, assassin/hunter-like build that will enable fans to pick enemies off from afarwithout ever putting themselves in real danger.
Using the Insect Bow along with Feather Arrows will be extremely effective in combination with a maxed-out Sharpshooter mutation. The Marksman’s Cap will also provide additional bow damage, and the Aphid Slippers will provide a bonus to movement speed, allowing for the Ultimate Archer to traverse the surrounding environment quickly, while simultaneously unleashing a hail of devastating ranged attacks.
4Punch-Out
A Strong Unarmed Melee Build With Summoning Capabilities
The Punch-Out build is designed to maximize the potential of an unarmed build, whichinvolves various powerful mutationsas well as some strong armour. It is a good build for fighting against bosses and enemies who take a lot of hits, since there are some nice stackable effects which can be enhanced through repeated hits.
First, players will want to ensure that they have thestrongest armor possible, so the Mother Demon armor set along with the Fire Ant Shield is a good way to go. No primary weapon is needed, since the build focuses on using raw punching power. For mutations, Little Fist is the most important as it will double punch damage and increase with consecutive hits. Parry Master and Coup De Gras are also important mutations for this build as they focus on melee attacks. Mom Genes and Mansterious Stranger can also help by generating minions during combat.
A Melee Build With A Focus On Damage Output
The Mad Whacker build focuses on maximizing the potential of one ofthe game’s strongest weapons, the Pinch Whacker. When fully upgraded, this weapon combines a steady swing speed with high amounts of damage. Despite being slightly nerfed over several updates, players can still get a lot out of this weapon by combining it with the right mutations.
The Mad Scientist mutation is a must-have as it will increase the attack speed and damage of the Pinch Whacker with each consecutive hit. The mutation will also provide a random buff until combat ends when using this weapon. Parry Master is another important one for all melee builds, and players can choose either Meat Shield or Trapper PEEP.R depending on their personal preferences. Coup De Gras and Spicy Safety are also worth considering for their powerful melee enhancements.
2Ox Wizard
A Great Build For Virtually All Scenarios And Opponents
The Ox Wizard is a versatile build making use of staffs and strong armor, resulting in a great balance of both offensive and defensive capabilities. Utilizing the ability to freeze, burn and shock enemies, this build is capable of taking on most enemies in the game. For flying enemies, the Sour Staff can shock them out of the sky, while the Spicy Staff and Mint Staff will also deal with various enemies vulnerable to their respective damage types.
The Ox Wizard utilizes all three Staffs and switches between them, while also equipping the Entomologist Badge accessorywill provide a bonus to damage output. The Ox Wizard, perhaps unsurprisingly wears Black Ox Armor from head to toe, and for mutations, Meat Shield and Spicy Safety will increase survivability, while Cardio Fan and Buff Lungs will increase stamina. Finally, Whittle Wizard is essential for this build as it will increase the power of all staffs.
1Poison Widow
A Poison-Heavy Build With Unparalleled Damage Output
As many players will know, poison can be one of the most effective damage types to use in the game as it will affect the majority of enemies and can stack up on a single target. Even after the latest patch in which poisons were nerfed slightly, it is still the best overall damage type around which to arrange a character build.
This build centers around using the Widow Dagger with a shield. Sarah’s Charm can beequipped to make this melee build easier to maintain. The Mask of The Mother Demon will provide bonuses to poison, as will the Widow Spaulder and Widow Leggings. In addition to this, the Assassin, Meat Shield, and Coup De Gras mutations will also accentuate the strengths of this particular build.
Groundedis currently available on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
