Choosing where to build your base in Grounded 2 is one of the biggest early-game decisions—and with a bigger, riskier map than the first game, picking the right spot matters more than ever. I’ve spent hours exploring, building, and dodging bugs to find base locations that aren’t just safe or resource-rich, but actually fun and satisfying to build on. So whether you’re into treehouse bases, elevated fortresses, or just want a peaceful garden away from the chaos, Whether you want a treehouse, fortress, or a quiet garden escape, this guide highlights the best base locations, complete with tips, notes, and personal thoughts from the field.
Best Base Locations (Early to Late Game)
I rated each location using three core criteria:
- Safety – Can you build in peace, or will scorpions be knocking at your door?
- Resources – Are essentials like sap, stems, food, and clay close by?
- Build Space – Is there enough flat area or scalable terrain to make something cool?
One early-game spot I really liked is right outside the starting lab—on the stack of wood to the right, behind the broken pipe with the clay in it. Me and my friend built right in front of where you get the Omni Tool, and it actually held up great. It’s a chill, compact place with just enough room for the basics. Definitely a solid pick for a minimalist base, especially while the game’s still in early access and things are bound to change.
Most spots on this list score well in at least two categories—and many hit all three. Whether you’re building a cozy home, a towering fortress, or a nature-inspired hangout, there’s something here for every playstyle.
1. Snack Bar Front – Plate Corner Porch
Location: Corner of the small porch by the snack bar
A fantastic first base. Minimal threats (just one Bombardier Beetle nearby), easy to defend, and surrounded by beginner-friendly resources like dandelions, berries, and acorns. Great for your first few in-game days and still viable long-term.
2. Ceremony Statue Cliff
Location: Above the headless BURG.L statue
Only two access points (a pipe and a spider bridge), and neither is busy. You’ll need some scaffolding to build flat, but the view is worth it. It’s central, scenic, and surprisingly safe.
3. Under the Frisbee – Oak Tree Roots
Location: Near the base of the oak tree
One entrance. Tons of resources—sap, thistles, acorns, dandelions. Perfect for early-to-mid game. Just don’t wander too far behind the tree unless you want to meet scorpions early.
4. TMNT Shell – Picnic Table Left
Location: Inside the turtle shell near the picnic table
Cozy and well-shielded by natural rock. Avoid building too deep inside—there are some unwanted guests (a mosquito and spiderlings) tucked away in the back. Creative, compact, and defendable.
5. Giant Rock Near the Oak Tree
Location: South of the oak, overlooking a snail
Super chill spot. Elevated and untouched by bugs. It’s great for an outpost or a calm main base. Clay and aphids abound nearby, and sap collectors on the branches are a bonus.
6. Ceremony Edge Rock
Location: On the edge of the Ceremony biome
You’ll need to scaffold up, but once you’re there, it’s flat and peaceful. Crow feathers and sap are close by. There’s a single Bombardier Beetle below, but it’s easy to manage. Great forward base if the devs expand the map in this direction.
7. Left of the Picnic Table
Location: Raised ledge beside the table
Two red soldier ants patrol nearby, but they leave you alone unless provoked. Tons of dandelions, grass types, and even grass seeds around you. Perfect for a medium-sized, expandable base.
8. Giant Rock Near the Snack Bar Front
Location: Flat rock near the porch
No bug pathing = total peace. You climb up a small ledge at the back, and you’re set. It’s Grounded 2’s version of the original game’s baseball. Safe, accessible, and reliable.
9. Mushroom Ledge Near Research Station
Location: High corner of the map above a research station
Resource-rich, scenic, and close to a lab. Be cautious though—orb weavers and baby spiders patrol nearby. Getting up there requires precision jumps on branches and mushrooms, but once built, it’s a gem.
10–12. The Tree Stump Trio
Location: Clustered between the picnic table, grasslands, and snack bar
Probably my top pick for long-term play. They’re naturally raid-resistant (only flying bugs can reach them) and central to the whole map. Great for solo builds or connecting multiple treehouse-style bases.
Tip: Reach them by climbing the tiny twig near the Mix.R marker—no scaffolding required.
13. Rock Near the Ice Cream Area
Location: Small ledge near the icy biome
Quiet, cozy, and slightly hidden. No real threats climb up. It’s minimalistic and remote—perfect for a nature-inspired shelter or icy biome base camp.
14. Wide-Open Plains (Near Tree & Sap Collector Zone)
Location: Large flatland with nearby research station
Lots of space, lots of light, and plenty of mats. Just be careful not to lead a scorpion in—if it burrows and stays, the spot becomes a nightmare. But undisturbed? It’s an amazing early-game spot.
15. Tree Root Platform
Location: Raised root near the oak tree
Flat, strategic, and looks like it was designed to be a base spot. Close to clay and sap, but wolves and scorpions patrol below, so wall it off properly. Once secure, it’s a top-tier pick.
16. The Grassy Rock Near the Hedge Gate & The Mushrooms at the Oak Tree Entrance
Right by the base of the oak tree, you’ll find giant mushrooms sticking out of the side. The cool part? You can build directly on top of them—no special tricks needed. Just climb up, place your floors, and start building.
The surroundings are rich in resources: stems, weeds, clay, gnats, and even some easy food like the caterpillar nearby.
The grassy rock has a natural split-level terrain with a great view. Like the mushroom spot, it’s resource-rich and looks awesome—perfect for building a garden or scenic base.
However, a heads-up: a Wolf Spider sleeps near the wall by the hedge entrance and can roam onto this rock, so make sure you set up defenses or scout its path carefully before committing.
It’s still a solid base spot, but definitely not for those looking for a totally chill experience.
17. The Billy Hogs Landing (Under the Snackbar “A”)
This wooden landing is flat, open, and really beginner-friendly. You can build straight onto it, and there’s barely any aggressive creatures on this side.
There are mushrooms underneath for materials, though you’ll have to head out for more supplies. You can use the nearby spoon or fork to access it easily. This one might take more setup, but the final build could be seriously impressive.
Final Base-Building Tips
- Start Small – Updates could shift terrain or enemy paths. A mega base early on can backfire.
- Use Outposts – Centralize your main base and place outposts near biomes/resources to save time.
- Don’t Lure Scorpions – If they lose aggro near your base, they’ll burrow… and live there. Forever.
- Bug AI is Smarter Now – Cockroaches eat corpses. Scorpions stalk you. Be prepared.
- Central is Key – Staying in the middle of the map makes resource gathering way more efficient.
- Still Waiting on Ziplines… – If they come back like in Grounded 1, base strategy will change dramatically.
Wrap-Up: So, Where Should You Build?
I’ve spent hours scouting the backyard and testing these locations, and each one has something unique to offer—whether it’s unbeatable safety, access to key materials, or just a killer view. Your perfect base might depend on your playstyle, but hopefully, this guide gave you plenty of solid options to consider.
If you’re still not sure where to settle, I always recommend building something small near the center first—then expanding out once you’ve got your bearings. And with new areas and updates dropping regularly, who knows? Your next favorite spot might not even be on this list yet.
Up next, still figuring out how to get and store water in Grounded 2? Check out my full guide! it covers everything from where to find all the materials, crafting requirements, and how to make your own canteen to store that precious dew.
