As soon as you spawn in the new area of Grounded 2, you’ll realize how it has systems on top of systems. It may be overwhelming at first, but the truth is, some of them are quite easy to grasp. One of the first mechanics you’ll learn in Grounded 2 is that of upgrades tied to the Ranger Station. This little machine allows you to use your hard-earned Science to unlock new ideas and even some upgrades for your tools and base. Here are the five you should unlock first.
1. Hatchery
Let’s start with one that opens the stage for one of the new systems of this sequel: the Hatchery. This station allows you to ride Buggies after hatching their eggs. The process to obtain one is quite daunting, so you can use our guide here to see how to get your very own Red Ant Soldier. In any case, getting the Hatchery first is a must, and well, it is also part of the main quest, so you’ll have to do it anyway. However, some players prefer to spend their Science on things that aren’t too essential when starting their playthrough. For your first unlock, always go for the Hatchery. It will make exploring, building, and fighting much easier.
2. Multi-Story Bases
With the Hatchery out of the way, the next Ranger Station upgrade you should get in Grounded 2 is the Multi-Story Bases one. With it, you can start building a proper base with different floors, rooms, and structures. While there is nothing wrong with a normal 4×4 base, you’ll eventually want to relocate and build way above where the Buggies spawn. To do so, you’ll need some scaffolding, stairs, and other building pieces that come with this upgrade. Plus, who doesn’t like a good-looking base?
3. Cooking 101
We could argue that Cooking 101 should be unlocked before Multi-story Bases, but there’s plenty of food in the first areas that will keep your character fed. Once you get your base, you should consider building a Cookery, which you can only get by unlocking the Cooking 101 upgrade for 1,000 Science. This upgrade will unlock the aforementioned station, as well as many recipes that will grant you powerful effects. Some of these dishes require a lot of ingredients, but it is worth getting them for a “proper” meal.
4. Omni-Wrench Function
These next two upgrades are a bit different, especially since they pertain to your Omni-Tool. As you know, Grounded 2 finally made one tool to rule them all, so besides freeing inventory space, you have all functions in one object. The Omni-Tool can be upgraded with different modules, and the first one you should consider getting in the Ranger Station is the Wrench one, which becomes available once you get the Shovel and Hammer in Grounded 2. You’ll need 1,000 Science, 2 Red Ant Parts, and 2 Pieces of Clay to unlock it. Once you do, you’ll be able to repair anything around your base.
5. Omni-Axe II
Last, but certainly not least, we have the Omni-Axe II upgrade, which is also part of the abovementioned category. The Axe I module already comes with the Omni-Tool, so you don’t have to do anything to obtain it. However, you’ll need to obtain some rare resources to get the Tier II upgrade. It requires 2,000 Science, 2 Roach Chunks, and 2 Blueberry Leather. After you gather these materials, head to the station to unlock your Tier II Axe.
Remember that more Disks around the park will unlock Ranger Station upgrades in Grounded 2. However, consider getting these first and then focus on others based on your goals. If you miss any of these and spend your Science on others, don’t worry; you can always get more Science by completing challenges and exploring the park.
