Builds

This page lists some of the most effective and popular builds in Grounded 2. Each build includes a detailed analysis of its equipment, mutations, strengths, weaknesses, and general gameplay loop.

Rogue Builds

Critical Ambush Rogue

A glass cannon build focused on eliminating high-value targets from stealth with a single, devastating combo before a fight even begins.

Equipment & Mutations

Slot	Equipment & Mutations
Weapon	Wolfsbane Fangs
Armor	Weaver Hood Weaver Spaulders Weaver Leggings
Trinket	Volatile Capacitor • Mods: Shock Attack, Haywire
Mutations	Ambush Assassin Parry Master

Build Analysis

Strengths

• Extremely high burst damage from stealth, capable of one-shotting many non-boss creatures.
• Excellent for assassinating key threats in a group before they can become a problem.
• The Weaver set provides bonuses that complement a fast, hit-and-run playstyle.

Weaknesses

• Very fragile. If discovered or ambushed, this build has low survivability.
• Struggles in prolonged fights against swarms or durable bosses.
• Heavily reliant on a successful opening attack from stealth.

Gameplay Loop

1. Crouch and approach the primary target from behind to ensure the Ambush mutation is active.
2. Execute a fully charged power attack with the Wolfsbane Fangs to benefit from Assassin and deal maximum damage.
3. If the target survives, use perfect blocks to trigger Parry Master and regain stamina, then finish it with quick attacks.
4. After combat, disengage, return to stealth, and select your next target.

Fighter Builds

Unstoppable Bruiser

A frontline tank build that excels at absorbing immense damage, controlling crowds with stuns, and turning the enemy's aggression into its own strength.

Equipment & Mutations

Slot	Equipment & Mutations
Weapon	Roach Club
Shield	Scarlet Aegis
Armor	Snail Shell Casque Snail Shell Plastron Snail Shell Greaves
Trinket	File:Roach Rage.png Roach Rage • Mod: Low Health: Attack Up
Mutations	Smasher Frenzy Cardio Fan

Build Analysis

Strengths

• Extremely high durability and block strength thanks to the Snail Shell armor and Scarlet Aegis.
• Excellent crowd control by stunning enemies with the Roach Club and the Smasher mutation.
• Becomes stronger at low health due to Roach Rage and Frenzy, making it a formidable survivor.

Weaknesses

• Lower mobility compared to lighter armor builds.
• Can be kited by fast or flying enemies.
• Damage output is reliant on stuns and taking damage; may feel slow against passive enemies.

Gameplay Loop

1. Initiate combat by charging into the enemy group, drawing their attention.
2. Use the Scarlet Aegis to block incoming attacks, absorbing pressure for your team.
3. Focus on using charged attacks with the Roach Club on the most dangerous enemy to stun-lock them.
4. As your health drops, your attack speed from Frenzy will increase, allowing you to finish off threats more quickly. Cardio Fan helps manage the high stamina cost of blocking and attacking.

Ranger Builds

Long-Range Sharpshooter

A pure archer build designed to eliminate targets from extreme distances with powerful, single shots, often before the enemy even knows they are under attack.

Equipment & Mutations

Slot	Equipment & Mutations
Weapon	Wolf Stringer
Armor	Marksman's Cap Grub Vest Grub Leggings
Trinket	Nifty Needle • Mod: Charged Shot Damage
Mutations	Ambush Sharpshooter

Build Analysis

Strengths

• Massive single-shot damage, especially when targeting weak points from stealth.
• Extremely safe playstyle, allowing you to deal with threats from a distance.
• Excellent stamina efficiency for ranged combat thanks to the Grub armor pieces.

Weaknesses

• Vulnerable at close range; struggles against fast-moving swarms that close the distance quickly.
• Lower sustained DPS compared to melee or mage builds if the first shot doesn't kill.
• Heavily reliant on positioning and having a clear line of sight.

Gameplay Loop

1. Find a high vantage point or a safe distance from your target.
2. Crouch to activate Ambush.
3. Fully charge a shot with the Wolf Stringer, benefiting from the reduced charge time from Sharpshooter.
4. Aim for the enemy's weak point and release to deal maximum damage.
5. Reposition as needed and pick off remaining targets one by one.

Mage Builds

Sizzle DPS Mage

A sustained damage spellcaster build that applies a burning "sizzle" effect to enemies and then melts them down with rapid-fire, stamina-efficient staff combos.

Equipment & Mutations

Slot	Equipment & Mutations
Weapon	Scorching Orb
Armor	Eyepatch (or Butterfly Circlet for defense) Sizzling Robes Sizzling Boots
Trinket	Astonishing Acid • Mod: Finale Damage
Mutations	Whittle Wizard Parry Master

Build Analysis

Strengths

• High and consistent sustained damage through the sizzle effect and fast combos.
• Excellent stamina efficiency for spellcasting due to the Mage Armor mod from the Sizzling Robes and Sizzling Boots.
• Whittle Wizard provides a significant damage debuff on the enemy, benefiting the entire team.

Weaknesses

• The Eyepatch version is extremely fragile, making it a "glass cannon".
• Relies on applying a status effect first, so initial burst damage is lower than other builds.
• Can be resource-intensive, requiring a steady supply of materials for staff charges.

Gameplay Loop

1. Open the fight by hitting the enemy with a charged or combo-finishing attack from the Scorching Orb to apply the Sizzle status effect.
2. Once the enemy is sizzling, the Whittle Wizard debuff is now active, increasing all damage they take.
3. Switch to using the staff's fast, three-hit combo repeatedly. The Astonishing Acid trinket boosts the damage of the combo's final hit.
4. Use perfect blocks when necessary to trigger Parry Master for emergency stamina gain.