Hey guys! Ready for an adventure in Grounded? Let's dive into the Hedge Lab, a super cool spot packed with challenges and secrets. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find it, explore it, and survive it!

Finding the Hedge Lab

Okay, so locating the Hedge Lab is the first big step. You'll find it nestled in the Hedge, which is basically a massive bush on the southeast side of the backyard. More specifically, it's hanging on the southeast corner of the map. The Hedge itself is pretty hard to miss; it’s this giant, sprawling green thing that dominates the landscape. To get there, head southeast from the Mysterious Machine or the Baseball. As you approach, look for the huge zipline towers – these are your landmarks. The lab is built right into the hedge, so keep your eyes peeled for its entrance, which is accessible from the ground level. Once you're close, you'll notice the Oak Lab nearby, which makes the Hedge Lab an unmissable point. Don't mix these two labs, guys! The Oak Lab is near the big Oak Tree, and the Hedge Lab is far away from that area. Remember to gear up with some decent armor and weapons before heading out; the Hedge is home to some nasty spiders and other creepy crawlies. Trust me; you don't want to go in unprepared!

Navigating through the Hedge involves a bit of climbing and ziplining. The ziplines are essential for getting around quickly and reaching different parts of the lab. Start by climbing up the base of the Hedge, following the branches upwards. Keep an eye out for platforms and zipline anchors. The Hedge Lab itself is built into one of the larger branches, so you’ll need to use the ziplines to swing across to it. It's like a giant, leafy obstacle course! As you explore, remember to watch out for those Orb Weaver spiders. They love to hang out on the branches and can easily knock you off if you're not careful. And, as a friendly tip, always save your game before attempting tricky jumps or zipline rides. It'll save you a lot of frustration if you happen to fall.

Exploring the Hedge Lab

Alright, so you've made it to the Hedge Lab – awesome! Now it's time to explore. Inside, you'll find a series of interconnected rooms and corridors, each with its own challenges and rewards. The lab is filled with data logs, research notes, and equipment that will give you a better understanding of the backyard and the experiments that have been conducted there. Be sure to read everything you can find; it's not only interesting, but it also provides clues and hints for progressing through the game. You'll also find useful resources like Quartzite, wires and Fiber bandages scattered around, which can be used for crafting and upgrading your gear. Keep your eyes peeled for chests and containers hidden in the corners and behind objects. These often contain valuable items like Raw Science, which is essential for unlocking new upgrades and crafting recipes at the Research Table.

But it's not just about reading and looting. The Hedge Lab is also home to some puzzles and environmental challenges. You'll need to use your wits and your inventory to solve these and progress further into the lab. For example, you might need to find a keycard to open a locked door, or activate a generator to restore power to a section of the lab. These puzzles aren't overly complicated, but they do require you to pay attention to your surroundings and think creatively. And, of course, there are the enemies. The Hedge Lab is infested with spiders, mites, and other creepy creatures. Be prepared for combat at any moment, and always have a weapon ready. Using the right weapon for the job is crucial. For example, a spear or an axe is effective against spiders, while a bow and arrow can help you take out mites from a distance. And don't forget to use your surroundings to your advantage. You can set traps, use environmental hazards, and even lure enemies into ambushes.

Surviving the Hedge Lab

Surviving the Hedge Lab isn't just about finding it and poking around – it’s about being prepared for anything that comes your way. The Hedge is home to some of the most dangerous creatures in the backyard, and they're not going to make it easy for you. Here’s the lowdown on what you need to keep in mind to stay alive.

First off, gear up. Don’t even think about heading to the Hedge without some decent armor and weapons. Acorn armor is a good starting point, but if you can craft something better, like Ladybug armor, even better. For weapons, a spear or an axe is a solid choice for melee combat, and a bow and arrow is essential for dealing with those pesky mites from a distance. Stock up on healing items like Fiber Bandages and consumables like roasted aphids or jerky. These will help you recover health and stamina during combat and exploration. And don’t forget to bring a torch or some other light source. The Hedge can get pretty dark, especially inside the lab, and you don’t want to stumble into a spider web or fall off a ledge because you couldn’t see where you were going.

Next, know your enemies. The Hedge is crawling with spiders, mites, and other creepy creatures, each with its own unique abilities and weaknesses. Orb Weaver spiders are the most common threat. They're fast, aggressive, and can spit webs to slow you down. Use a spear or an axe to deal with them, and try to dodge their web attacks. Mites are smaller and weaker than spiders, but they can still be a nuisance, especially in large numbers. Use a bow and arrow to take them out from a distance, or a wide-swinging weapon like a club to clear them out in close combat. And be aware of other potential threats like TAYZ.T robots, which are fast and can do a lot of damage.

Finally, use your environment. The Hedge is full of natural hazards and opportunities that you can use to your advantage. You can set traps by knocking down loose branches or creating pitfalls. You can lure enemies into ambushes by hiding behind objects or leading them into narrow corridors. And you can use environmental hazards like explosive mushrooms to damage or kill enemies from a distance. Just be careful not to blow yourself up in the process! Remember to save your game frequently, especially before attempting tricky jumps, zipline rides, or combat encounters. And if you die, don’t get discouraged. Just learn from your mistakes and try again. The Hedge Lab is a challenging but rewarding area, and with a little preparation and skill, you can conquer it.

The Rewards

So, you’ve braved the spiders, solved the puzzles, and survived the Hedge Lab. What do you get for all your trouble? Well, aside from the satisfaction of conquering a challenging area, the Hedge Lab is packed with rewards that can significantly boost your progress in Grounded. You'll find valuable resources, like Quartzite, wires and Fiber bandages scattered around the lab, which can be used for crafting and upgrading your gear. These resources are essential for creating better weapons, armor, and tools, which will help you survive in the backyard.

The Raw Science is one of the most important rewards you can find in the Hedge Lab. Raw Science is a special currency that you can use at the Research Table to unlock new upgrades and crafting recipes. The Hedge Lab contains several Raw Science deposits, as well as Superchips that provide a large amount of Raw Science when analyzed. Be sure to explore every nook and cranny of the lab to find all the Raw Science you can. The Hedge Lab also contains valuable data logs, research notes, and equipment that will give you a better understanding of the backyard and the experiments that have been conducted there. These items can provide clues and hints for progressing through the game, as well as insights into the story and lore of Grounded. In addition, you may find unique items and equipment in the Hedge Lab that cannot be found anywhere else in the backyard. These items can provide special abilities or bonuses, such as increased damage, improved defense, or faster movement speed. Keep an eye out for these rare and powerful items, as they can give you a significant advantage in combat and exploration.

Okay, that’s a wrap, guys! The Hedge Lab in Grounded is a challenging but rewarding area that’s well worth exploring. With a little preparation, skill, and a whole lot of courage, you can conquer the Hedge Lab and claim its treasures. So, gear up, head out, and have fun exploring!