Complete Gear & Weapon Comparison for Grounded 2 – Best Loadouts for Every Playstyle
Master your adventure in Grounded 2 with this comprehensive guide to all the latest weapons and armor sets, including elemental and boss gear. Compare stats, discover the best builds for every playstyle, and find winning tips for early to late game—perfect for both new and veteran players!
The world of Grounded 2 is packed with danger, from lurking bugs to towering bosses. To survive (and thrive), the right weapons and armor make all the difference. With the September 2025 updates, the game features more gear variety than ever, from classic axes and daggers to new elemental and boss-exclusive items. This guide covers major categories, highlights must-have options for different playstyles, and offers practical advice for getting the most out of your equipment.
1. Weapon Types – Core, Elemental, and Unique
Core Weapons
Grounded 2 begins with familiar tools, but quickly branches out:
| Weapon | Base Damage | Speed | Effect | Materials | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insect Axe | 34 | Medium | None | Common | Starter, Versatile |
| Spider Fang Dagger | 28 | Fast | Poison | Uncommon | Aggro, Speed |
| Ladybug Hammer | 40 | Medium | Stun | Uncommon | Defense, Bosses |
Elemental & Late-game Weapons
Recent updates introduced powerful new elementals, essential for advanced fights:
| Weapon | Element | Damage | Special Effect | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salty Morning Star | Salt | High | Breaks armor, counters shells | High-lvl crafting |
| Spicy Coaltana | Fire | Very High | DOT burn on hit, boss killer | Rare drop |
| Sour Battle-Staff | Acid | Moderate/Quick | Reduces enemy resistance | Secret quest |
Tip: Elemental weapons are critical for boss fights and late-game zones—unlock recipes as early as possible.
Unique/Featured Weapons
Some weapons come from special bosses or hidden events, unique in design and effect (e.g., “Hamburglar’s Paddle,” “Fold Hammer,” rare seasonal blades).
2. Armor Sets – From Early-game to Endgame
Starter & Utility Sets
| Set Name | Defense | Bonus | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ant Set | Low | Carry Capacity | Farming, Building |
| Clover Set | Very Low | Thirst Resistance | Early Survival/Exploring |
Popular Mid/Late-Game Sets
| Set Name | Defense | Special Bonus | Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ladybug Set | High | Block Strength | Solo, Boss Fights |
| Spider Set | Medium | Extra Stamina | Running, Hit & Run builds |
| Bee Set | Medium | Bow Damage | Ranged, Archer playstyle |
| Black Ox Beetle | Very High | Charged Boost | Late-game, Tanky builds |
| Orchid Mantis | High | Multi-hit Crit Bleed | Endgame, Crit builds |
| Fire Ant Set | High | Corrosion | Damage Over Time builds |
Special Mention:
- Orchid Mantis Set: The community favorite for multi-hit crit builds—combines well with fast, elemental weapons.
- Black Ox Beetle Set: For players who prefer taking (and surviving) straight-on boss attacks.
- Bee Set: Best for those who love ranged combat with bows.
3. Trinkets & Accessories
- There are a wide variety of trinkets and accessories now: some boost attack, others grant resistance to poison, shock, or even make farming easier.
- Hot items include: “Toxic Pearl” (poison resist), “Sprinter’s Anklet” (run speed), and “Lucky Charm” (boost loot chance).
4. Recommended Loadouts by Playstyle
Solo Survivor / Tank
- Weapons: Ladybug Hammer or Salty Morning Star
- Armor: Ladybug Set, Black Ox Beetle Set
- Trinket: Lucky Charm or Shellpiece
Speedrunner / Poison DPS
- Weapons: Spider Fang Dagger + Elemental support (Sour Battle-Staff)
- Armor: Spider Set, Orchid Mantis Set
- Trinket: Sprinter’s Anklet
Ranged Specialist
- Weapons: Bow (Bee or Black Ant Bow) + Spicy Coaltana (backup)
- Armor: Bee Set, Fire Ant Set
- Trinket: Arrow Quiver
Builder / Resource Farmer
- Weapons: Insect Axe, basic hammer
- Armor: Ant Set for carry capacity
- Trinket: Worker’s Badge
Tips and Final Thoughts
- Don’t rush epic gear: Well-upgraded mid-tier sets often outperform poorly-built late-game ones.
- Elemental weapons are a must for boss and endgame content—start collecting needed materials early.
- Armor synergy matters: Pick sets that enhance your main weapon’s bonuses and fit your favorite route (tank, DPS, speed, ranged).
- Mix and match: Some of the best results come from combining different set pieces or weapons for situational advantage.
The equipment landscape in Grounded 2 grows with each update—staying adaptable, informed, and willing to try new combinations is the surest way to excel.
Have your own favorite combos or want to see more detailed breakdowns? Share in the comments—community input takes us all further!