Grounded 2: The Toxic Tangle Update – All Mutations Guide

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Okay, so the new Grounded 2: The Toxic Tangle DLC really shook up the mutation system! They added a bunch of new mutations, which is awesome, but the big change is how they work now. Instead of just unlocking perks, everything’s split into two types: passive mutations that kick in automatically based on what gear I’m using, and active mutations I can manually turn on through a menu. It’s a pretty big overhaul, but it feels good so far!

This guide covers all the new mutations introduced in the Toxic Tangle Update. It explains how to unlock each one and offers tips on using them to fully explore Brookhollow Park and its expanded areas.

All Mutations in Grounded 2 The Toxic Tangle

The mutation system has been updated quite a bit. Now, players will always have one permanent, passive mutation and can have up to four active mutations simultaneously. Here’s a full guide to the new mutations added in the Toxic Tangle Update, including how to unlock them and what they do.

Your character’s passive abilities now change based on the weapons you’re currently using. Simply switching weapons instantly activates the new ability.

Bardic Inspiration

The returning mutation from the game Grounded is a highlight of Grounded 2: The Toxic Tangle, but unlocking it takes some effort. Players must find and defeat 10 Crickets to activate it, and it’s definitely a worthwhile challenge.

When you use Bardic Inspiration, each arrow you fire has a chance to give nearby allies and vehicles helpful boosts, including:

  • Attacks with Bows and Greatbows have a 20% chance to buff the player and nearby allies’ damage by 15% for 10 seconds.
  • Perfect shots with Bows and Greatbows will buff the player and nearby allies’ critical hit chance by 5% for 10 seconds.
  • Dodges have a 20% chance to buff the player and nearby allies’ stamina regeneration by 25% for 10 seconds.

Dodging also provides a benefit once the Mutation reaches level 3, which is a welcome bonus. However, the real power comes from combining the Cricket Lute Bow and Cricket Armor Set. This combination allows players to act as dedicated healers and support characters for their team. They can switch to the Discord bow, a modified version, to focus on weakening enemies instead of helping allies.

Sour Sensation

A new Survival perk now helps players withstand Sour Tang, a dangerous environmental hazard found in Brookhollow Park. This hazard acts like acidic puddles, damaging armor and weakening defenses for players, buggies, and even enemy bugs. Players can also fight back with new weapons that utilize Sour Tang, including the powerful Acid Ruin mage staff.

You unlock the Sour Sensation mutation by eating Sour Lumps. Eating 10 of them will fully upgrade the mutation, giving you these benefits while it’s active:

  • Reduces Tang Build-Up rate by 25%/40%/50%.(Level 1, 2, and 3)
  • Level 3: Grants immunity to the durability-draining effects of Tang Build-Up

Okay, so listen up – if you’re heading into the Tang-covered areas like the Greenhouse, Crocket Court, Veggie Garden, or Pumpkin Patch, you absolutely need this perk. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver. I’ve tried going in without it, and it’s just way too tough. Trust me on this one.

This update includes two improved abilities: Hauling Hero and Whittle Wizard.

Hauling Hero

The Hauling Hero ability is now unlocked and improved as you increase your coziness level – specifically at levels 2, 3, and 4. This means players need to focus on building and decorating a strong base to get this ability, which lets them carry more building materials in a single trip.

  • Haul 5/10/15 more Grass Planks or Weed Stems at the same time.

Whittle Wizard

The Whittle Wizard mutation, which changes how Candy Staffs work, is now always active as a passive ability whenever you hold a Staff. To unlock and improve this passive, you need to defeat 40, 100, or 200 creatures with a Staff, depending on the rank. Here’s what each rank does:

  • Rank 1: Sizzle, shatter, and puckle damage slightly increases.
  • Rank 2: Sizzle, shatter, and puckle damage increases.
  • Rank 3: Sizzle, shatter, and puckle damage Greatly increases.

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2026-01-30 14:34