When facing the array of menacing creatures in the backyard of Grounded, having a reliable set of weapons is paramount for survival. The Smithing Station becomes a crucial asset for players, enabling the enhancement of weapons through various upgrade paths. Players must choose wisely among five upgrade options: Mighty, Fresh, Salty, Sour, and Spicy, each requiring specific Globs crafted from yard resources.
Each upgrade path imbues the weapon with a unique elemental damage type, enhancing overall damage and durability. Understanding creature resistances and weaknesses is vital, as different adversaries react differently to each damage type, influencing combat strategies.
5 Mighty
Enhancing Strength
- Requirements: Level 5 Weapon, 5 Mighty Glob
The Mighty upgrade path focuses on increasing weapon strength without altering its damage type. Weapons with existing elemental damage, like the Spicy Coaltana or Mint Mace, can only follow this path. However, non-elemental weapons benefit from a straightforward damage boost. Mighty Globs, needed for these upgrades, are more accessible compared to other paths.
The effectiveness of this upgrade hinges on the weapon type used. With various basic damage types available, such as Busting, Chopping, Stabbing, and Slashing, players must consider creature resistances and weaknesses before deciding to stick with Mighty upgrades or diversify.
4 Spicy
Intensifying Heat
- Requirements: Level 5 Weapon, 5 Spicy Glob
Spicy damage, akin to fire damage, offers the unique advantage of pre-cooking slain food animals' meat. This upgrade path requires Spicy Shards, found sporadically in the yard. While effective against creatures like orb weaver spiders and ants, Spicy damage faces resistance from black widows, antlions, and most Infected creatures.
3 Salty
Crystalline Impact
- Requirements: Level 5 Weapon, 5 Salt Glob
Salty damage transforms slain creatures' meat into jerky automatically. Effective against foes like wasps and termites, Salty damage encounters resistance from black widows, Infected bugs, and valuable ladybugs. Despite some resistances, Salty damage proves efficient against many yard bugs.
2 Sour
Penetrating Defenses
- Requirements: Level 5 Weapon, 5 Sour Glob
The Sour upgrade path, requiring rare sour candies, offers a versatile damage type effective against most yard creatures. While few enemies are weak to Sour damage, no creatures demonstrate resistance to it, making it a valuable all-purpose option against diverse threats.
1 Fresh
Chilling Precision
- Requirements: Level 5 Weapon, 5 Mint Glob
Fresh damage stands out as a prevalent elemental type with broad creature interactions. While effective against common foes like fire ants and ladybugs, Fresh damage faces challenges against black ants and specific bosses. Its ease of acquisition and versatile combat applications make Fresh damage a reliable choice in the diverse world of Grounded.