Surviving the miniature dangers of the backyard in Grounded requires players to uncover secrets left behind by the brilliant but eccentric scientist Dr. Wendell Tully. Scattered throughout the environment are high-tech research facilities that hold essential story progress, valuable resources, and unique upgrades. Understanding the layout and total number of these research structures is critical for any player trying to find a permanent way back to their normal human size.
The Core Primary Story Labs
There are six primary main story labs located in distinct biomes across the backyard map that players must access to finish the campaign. The Oak Lab serves as the central hub where you first meet BURG.L and begin your journey into advanced science. Players will also need to navigate the treacherous depths of the Pond Lab, brave the explosive hazards of the Haze Lab, and scale the heights of the Hedge Lab.
As you progress into the later stages of the game, your journey will take you to the highly advanced Black Ant Lab buried deep beneath the sandbox. Finally, the mysterious Undershed Lab hidden beneath the porch contains the final pieces of the puzzle regarding the shrinking experiment. Each of these locations features unique environmental puzzles and boss encounters that test your combat capabilities.
Discovering Hidden Minor Laboratories
Beyond the primary story milestones, the backyard contains several smaller field stations and auxiliary research outposts. These mini-labs do not host major boss battles but are crucial for scanning materials and purchasing new crafting blueprints. Explorers can find these tiny outposts hidden inside hollow logs, tucked away behind flower beds, and positioned along rocky ledges.
Tracking down every single minor outpost provides a massive advantage for resource gathering and character progression. They often contain precious nutrient bars, science points, and computer terminals that expand your understanding of the game world. Mapping out these safe zones allows you to easily plan long-distance scavenging runs without running out of essential supplies.
Strategic Preparation for Lab Exploration
Entering any major research facility requires thorough tactical planning and the proper equipment to handle specific environmental hazards. For example, exploring the sunken corridors of the Pond Lab demands specialized diving gear like flippers and a rebreather to prevent drowning. Conversely, entering the toxic fumes surrounding the Haze Lab necessitates a sturdy gas mask to avoid rapid health degradation.
It is highly recommended to secure upgraded weapons and strong armor sets before attempting the trials within the Black Ant or Undershed facilities. Bringing along plenty of healing items and status-boosting meals ensures you can survive sudden insect ambushes in the dark corridors. Taking the time to build structural outposts near these entrances will also give you a reliable respawn point if things go wrong.
