Taming pets in Grounded can significantly enhance your gameplay experience, offering various benefits and companionship. PETS.EDU.VN offers a deep dive into this captivating feature, providing you with all the knowledge required to befriend these tiny creatures. Learn the intricacies of pet taming, from preparing the right slurries to maintaining your pet’s happiness, and discover how these loyal companions can aid you in your backyard survival journey.
1. Understanding Pets in Grounded
Pets in Grounded are essentially bugs that can be tamed by providing them with their preferred food slurry and ensuring their happiness. These pets range from the humble Aphids to the buzzing Gnats and the industrious Weevils. While you won’t be riding into battle on a spider, these critters offer unique perks and companionship. Let’s delve into the specifics of taming and caring for these miniature allies.
1.1. Available Pets and Their Uses
Currently, Grounded features three tameable pets, each providing distinct advantages:
- Aphids: These tiny creatures reduce stamina drain while sprinting, allowing you to traverse the backyard more efficiently.
- Weevils: Weevils help conserve your precious hydration by reducing thirst drain.
- Gnats: These flying insects increase your glide speed when using a Dandelion Tuft, enabling you to cover greater distances in the air.
1.2. Future Pets
Obsidian Entertainment has indicated the potential for new creatures to be introduced, some of which may be tameable. Features like “Ant Pheromone control” suggest the possibility of influencing insect behavior, potentially leading to new ways of interacting with and even taming different bugs.
2. Taming Your First Pet
The core mechanic for taming pets in Grounded involves preparing specific slurries that appeal to each bug. These slurries are crafted using a Grinder, a base building structure.
2.1. Preparing the Right Slurry
Each pet has a preferred slurry type:
- Aphids: Plant Slurry (made from grinding Plant Fibres)
- Weevils: Mushroom Slurry (made from grinding Mushrooms, Mushroom Chunks, or Toadstool Chunks)
- Gnats: Spoiled Meat Slurry (made from grinding any kind of Spoiled Meat)
2.2. The Taming Process: Step-by-Step
- Gather Resources: Collect the necessary resources to craft the appropriate slurry for your desired pet.
- Craft the Slurry: Use a Grinder to convert the resources into the slurry.
- Locate the Bug: Find a wild version of the bug you wish to tame.
- Drop the Slurry: Place the slurry on the ground in front of the bug from your inventory.
- Wait and Befriend: The bug should notice the slurry and eat it. Once consumed, the bug will be tamed and become your loyal pet!
3. Pet Benefits and Responsibilities
Having a pet in Grounded comes with both advantages and responsibilities. Understanding these aspects is crucial for ensuring a happy and beneficial companionship.
3.1. Passive Buffs
Each pet provides a unique passive buff that enhances your gameplay:
- Aphids: Reduces stamina drain rate while sprinting
- Weevils: Reduces thirst drain rate
- Gnats: Increases glide speed with a Dandelion Tuft
These buffs can significantly improve your exploration and survival capabilities, especially in the early to mid-game.
3.2. Inventory Slots
Pets offer a valuable 10 inventory slots, allowing you to store extra resources or items on your companion. This is particularly useful when venturing far from your base or during resource-gathering expeditions.
3.3. Pet Attire
You can craft and equip your pets with special “Pet Attire,” which includes pet-specific clothes and armor. This attire increases their durability and provides additional protection against environmental hazards and enemy attacks. Note that standard human armor is not compatible with pets; you must craft specific mini-helmets and goggles for them.
4. Maintaining Pet Happiness
A happy pet is a loyal and beneficial pet. Neglecting your pet’s happiness can lead to them abandoning you. Monitoring and maintaining their happiness is a key aspect of pet ownership in Grounded.
4.1. Happiness Factors
Several factors contribute to a pet’s happiness:
- Attire: Equipping your pet with attire increases their happiness.
- Petting: Interacting with your pet by petting them regularly.
- Feeding: Feeding your pet the same slurry you used to tame them.
- Companionship: Spending quality time with your pet and taking them with you on your adventures.
- Safety: Protecting your pet from injuries and attacks.
4.2. Monitoring Happiness
You can check your pet’s happiness level in the Pet House menu. Additionally, your pet’s animations will change to reflect their mood, becoming more dejected as their happiness decreases.
5. Pet Mortality and Protection
Pets in Grounded are vulnerable to the dangers of the backyard. Understanding their mortality and how to protect them is essential for responsible pet ownership.
5.1. Pet Death
Unless disabled in the game settings, pets can die from attacks by predatory bugs. Pets cannot defend themselves effectively and will primarily try to escape threats.
5.2. Consequences of Death
If a pet dies, it is permanently gone. A “Pet Memorial” will be left behind, functioning similarly to a dropped backpack from a deceased player, marking their passing.
5.3. Protection Strategies
- Equip Attire: Equipping Pet Attire significantly increases their armor, health, and overall durability.
- Avoid Dangerous Areas: Be mindful of the areas you explore with your pet and avoid locations known to be populated by aggressive creatures.
- Defensive Measures: Prioritize your pet’s safety during combat encounters, drawing enemy aggro and providing cover.
6. The Pet House
The Pet House is a valuable structure for managing and caring for your pets. While not strictly essential, it offers several benefits that enhance your pet ownership experience.
6.1. Unlocking and Building
The Pet House is unlocked by analyzing Mushroom Bricks. Once unlocked, it can be built at your base using the following recipe:
- Weed Stem x2
- Acorn Shell x1
- Mushroom Brick x4
- Crow Feather Piece x2
6.2. Pet House Functions
- Assignment: You can assign a pet to a Pet House, which can only hold one pet at a time.
- Stat Monitoring: The Pet House allows you to check your pet’s stats, including happiness and health.
- Customization: You can rename your pet and equip them with crafted attire.
- Relocation: Move a pet to another base you have.
7. Optimizing Your Pet Ownership Experience
To maximize the benefits and enjoyment of having pets in Grounded, consider the following tips and strategies.
7.1. Strategic Pet Selection
Choose pets based on your playstyle and needs. If you prioritize exploration, an Aphid or Gnat might be more beneficial. If you focus on resource gathering, a Weevil could be a better choice.
7.2. Resource Management
Efficiently manage your resources to ensure you can consistently produce the necessary slurries and attire for your pets. Establish sustainable sources of Plant Fibres, Mushrooms, and Spoiled Meat.
7.3. Base Defense
Reinforce your base defenses to protect your pets from potential attacks. Build walls, traps, and defensive structures to deter aggressive creatures.
7.4. Pet Happiness Routine
Establish a daily routine to maintain your pet’s happiness. Regularly pet them, provide them with slurry, and take them on adventures.
8. Grounded Upper Yard
Discover how to reach the Grounded Upper Yard and the late-game areas here!
9. Advanced Taming Techniques
As you progress further into Grounded, you can explore more advanced techniques to enhance your pet-taming abilities and optimize their utility.
9.1. Pet Breeding (Hypothetical)
While not currently implemented in Grounded, the potential for pet breeding could introduce new mechanics and possibilities. Imagine breeding pets with specific traits or combining different species to create unique companions.
9.2. Pet Specialization
Specializing your pets for specific tasks could further enhance their utility. For example, training a Weevil to locate specific resources or an Aphid to provide increased stamina regeneration.
9.3. Pet Combat
While pets are not primarily designed for combat, future updates could introduce mechanics that allow them to assist in battles. This could involve equipping them with offensive attire or training them to perform specific attacks.
10. Community Insights and Tips
The Grounded community is a valuable resource for discovering new strategies and insights related to pet taming.
10.1. Forums and Discussions
Engage with other players on forums and discussion boards to share tips, ask questions, and learn from their experiences.
10.2. Video Guides and Tutorials
Explore video guides and tutorials created by experienced players to gain visual insights into pet taming techniques and strategies.
10.3. Experimentation and Discovery
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different approaches and discover new ways to interact with your pets. The Grounded backyard is full of surprises, and you might stumble upon unique interactions or behaviors.
11. Addressing Common Challenges
Taming and caring for pets in Grounded can present certain challenges. Understanding these challenges and how to overcome them can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
11.1. Resource Scarcity
Consistently obtaining the resources required for slurries and attire can be challenging, especially in the early game. Prioritize establishing sustainable resource sources and explore efficient gathering techniques.
11.2. Pet Loss
Losing a pet to enemy attacks can be disheartening. Implement protective measures, such as equipping attire and avoiding dangerous areas, to minimize the risk of pet death.
11.3. Happiness Management
Maintaining pet happiness can be demanding, especially if you are focused on other tasks. Establish a routine and prioritize regular interaction with your pets to ensure their well-being.
12. Future of Pets in Grounded
The future of pets in Grounded holds exciting possibilities, with potential updates and additions that could further enhance their functionality and integration into the game.
12.1. New Pet Species
The introduction of new tameable species could offer unique buffs, abilities, and customization options.
12.2. Enhanced Interactions
Deeper interactions with pets, such as training, playing, and communicating, could foster a stronger bond and enhance their utility.
12.3. Pet-Specific Quests
The addition of quests or tasks specifically designed for pets could provide new challenges and rewards, further integrating them into the game’s progression system.
13. Conclusion: A Rewarding Companion
Taming pets in Grounded is a rewarding experience that adds depth and enjoyment to the game. From the practical benefits of increased inventory space and passive buffs to the emotional connection of having a loyal companion, pets can significantly enhance your backyard survival journey. By understanding the mechanics of taming, caring for their needs, and optimizing their utility, you can forge a strong bond with your miniature allies and conquer the challenges of the Grounded world together.
14. FAQ: Your Questions About Grounded Pets Answered
14.1. What is the easiest pet to tame in Grounded?
Aphids are generally considered the easiest pets to tame, as Plant Fibres, the resource needed for their slurry, are readily available early in the game.
14.2. Can I have more than one pet in Grounded?
Yes, you can have multiple pets in Grounded, but each pet house can only hold one pet at a time.
14.3. How do I equip my pet with attire?
You can equip your pet with attire by interacting with them in the Pet House menu or directly in the world if they are following you.
14.4. What happens if my pet’s happiness reaches zero?
If your pet’s happiness reaches zero, they will run away and no longer be your pet.
14.5. Can pets be healed in Grounded?
Pets cannot be directly healed, but equipping them with attire will increase their health and durability.
14.6. Do pets attract more enemies?
Having pets may attract more attention from predatory bugs, so it’s important to take precautions to protect them.
14.7. Can I rename my pet?
Yes, you can rename your pet in the Pet House menu.
14.8. What is the purpose of the Pet Memorial?
The Pet Memorial serves as a reminder of your deceased pet and functions similarly to a dropped backpack, allowing you to retrieve any items they were carrying.
14.9. Can my friends interact with my pet in multiplayer?
Yes, friends can interact with your pet in multiplayer, including petting them and viewing their stats.
14.10. Are there any plans to add more pet types in the future?
While not officially confirmed, Obsidian Entertainment has hinted at the possibility of adding more pet types in future updates.
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