How to Upgrade Weapon in Grounded 2

Upgrading your weapon in Grounded 2 is essential for taking on tougher bugs, bosses, and survival challenges. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you unlock the upgrade system, grab the materials you need, and enhance your weapon effectively!

Upgrading Your Weapon in Grounded 2

1. Unlock the Smithing Station from the Story

First things first: gear upgrades aren’t available from the start. You’ll need to progress until you complete the “Art of War” mission. Once that’s done, head to a Ranger Station (usually the Snackbar outpost) and:

1. Insert the relevant Optical Disc or complete the required story step.
2. Open the Science Shop terminal.
3. Buy the Smithing Station blueprint for 500 Raw Science.

That unlocks the construction recipe, letting you build this essential workstation back at your base. 

You’ll need these materials to build it:

• 1 Brittle Whetstone
• 1 Brittle Plating
• 4 Crude Rope
• 2 Sap

2. Gather Upgrade Materials: Whetstones & Plating

To upgrade weapons, you’ll need Brittle Whetstones, crafted from Brittle Quartzite Shards. Here’s how to get them:

• Break Quartzite deposits found in underground areas like:
  • The Toxic Anthill beneath the picnic table
  • Caves in the Scorpion Cave during “Art of War”
  • Near the large tree in the entrance area
  • The statue garden flowerbeds

Each Quartzite Shard becomes one Brittle Whetstone at the workbench:
1 Shard → 1 Whetstone 

3. Build Your Smithing Station

Once you’ve collected the materials:

1. Head back to your base and craft the Smithing Station using the parts above.
2. Place it where it’s easiest to access during your frequent upgrades. 

4. Upgrade Your Weapon for More Power

At the Smithing Station, place a weapon from your inventory. Here’s how upgrades work:

• Every weapon Tier requires a certain number of Brittle Whetstones.
• Upgrading adds +10% damage and +10% durability per level.
• Costs rise with each level: Tier I takes 5 whetstones, Tier II takes 10, and so on.
  

5. Example Upgrade Workflow

Let’s say you’re wielding a basic club you want to power up initially:

1. Complete the Art of War mission to unlock Smithing Station blueprint.
2. Visit Ranger Station, insert disc, buy blueprint for 500 Science.
3. Craft the station using required materials.
4. Gather at least 15 Brittle Quartzite Shards (for three upgrades).
5. Turn shards into whetstones at a Workbench.
6. Upgrade your club at the station for a stronger weapon.
   

Tips to Make This Easier

• Use an ant or spider mount to reach deposits quickly and safely.
• Bring torches to light up dark tunnels in anthills and caves.
• Remember: only weapons in your inventory can be upgraded. Stored items aren’t eligible.
  

Why It Matters

• Weapon upgrade pacing matches the game’s threat curve—bugs get stronger, so should your gear.
• Boosting damage and durability helps you survive longer and rely less on resource-heavy repairs.
• The system is fair and straightforward. No grindy crafting loops! Just find, craft, upgrade, repeat.
  

Upgrading your weapon in Grounded 2 might feel like one more thing to learn, but it pays off. Progressing through the story unlocks the Smithing Station. After that, it’s largely about exploring, gathering Wheeler and Marble shards, crafting whetstones, and tuning your gear. Follow these steps, power up smart, and you’ll be swinging harder and surviving longer in Brook Hollow Park.