Perks and Mutations in Grounded, explained

Mutations, or perks, are some of the latest features added to Grounded. These new additions help players by giving them specific buffs to tackle the backyard world.

Mutations can be acquired in multiple ways, but the most common way to earn them is by performing a task a certain amount of times. For example, the Grass Master mutation, which lets the player chop down grass more easily, is earned by chopping down 25 blades of grass. This rule applies to other perks like Rock Cracker, which lets you crush rocks more quickly, and Ant-nihilator, a combat mutation that makes the player deal more damage against ants. 

Some perks are acquired through other means. Buff Lungs and Meat Shield are bought from BURG.L for 7,000 Science each. Juicy is acquired by finding all five juice boxes across the map, and Coup de Grass is discovered by finding the Four Leaf Clover in an underground cave. 

Mutations can be upgraded through continued use. The Grass Master perk is upgraded the same way it is unlocked. Chop down 200 blades of grass and you will unlock the second tier. Chopping down 500 blades will unlock the last tier. Most mutations have three upgradeable tiers that are all unlocked with continued use of the perk. Each tier upgrade makes the perk more effective.

It is also important to note that while all of these perks are incredibly useful, the player is only allowed to equip three mutations at a time. Of course, you can change the perks you are using at any time in the menu, so you don’t have to worry about making a hard commitment to any one mutation.