How to Get Coal in Grounded

Why can’t you find coal in "Grounded"? It’s not that it’s rare or hidden behind some impossible mechanic, but because most players don’t understand the dangerous journey involved in obtaining it or the gear required. The secret is knowing where to go and being properly equipped to handle the hostile environments you'll face. Coal is essential for crafting some of the best armor and weapons in the game, making it one of the most sought-after resources.

The first place you need to focus on is the BBQ Spill, a dangerous but lucrative location. This spot is found in the Upper Yard, a high-level zone filled with deadly creatures like roly poly bugs, ladybirds, and the terrifying ant lions. But it’s also the richest coal source in the game. You’ll need to approach it strategically, as the BBQ Spill is literally on fire, with hot coals scattered around, threatening to burn you alive if you’re not prepared.

Preparation Is Key: What You Need to Survive

Before venturing into the BBQ Spill, you must have the Antlion Armor Set or at least some high-level armor with heat resistance. Without proper armor, the ambient heat from the burning coals will cause you to overheat and rapidly lose health. In addition, crafting a Mint Mace can give you an advantage when fighting the heat-resistant creatures you'll encounter, as they have weaknesses to its icy properties.

Here’s a checklist of what you should have in your inventory before attempting to farm coal:

• Antlion Armor Set (or an equivalent heat-resistant set)
• Mint Mace (or a high-damage weapon that exploits creature weaknesses)
• Bandages and Healing Consumables
• Upgraded Hammer (at least level 2, preferably level 3)

Pro tip: If you don’t have these items, do not attempt to get coal yet. You’re likely to die from either the heat or the aggressive creatures guarding the area. It’s better to farm some of the resources required to craft your armor and weapons before making the journey.

Navigating the BBQ Spill: A Step-by-Step Guide

Once you're equipped, head to the Upper Yard, where the BBQ Spill is located. It’s a charred, smoldering area of the yard where remnants of a human BBQ have left burning coals scattered everywhere. The temperature is extreme, so constantly check your health bar to make sure you're not taking damage from the heat.

The best strategy is to move quickly between safe zones (shaded areas or spots where the heat isn’t as intense) while fighting off any nearby enemies. Coal is found primarily around the biggest coals in the spill, and you’ll need your upgraded hammer to harvest it.

Enemy Tips:

1. Ladybirds – tough but manageable if you can block their attacks. Use the Mint Mace for extra damage.
2. Roly Polies – they roll into a ball for protection, but with some patience, you can wear them down.
3. Antlions – avoid their underground burrowing attacks. Stay on the move and exploit their ice weakness.

Why Coal Matters: Unlocking Powerful Crafting

Now, why should you go through all this effort for coal? Simple: coal is the key to some of the strongest armor in the game. Specifically, it allows you to craft Charcoal Canteens and Everchar Torch, which are invaluable for surviving in harsher biomes.

But beyond basic utility, coal unlocks the ability to craft the Charcoal Torch, a tool that’s essential for exploring dark, dangerous areas where light is scarce. The charcoal also plays a significant role in upgrading your Smithing Station, enabling you to improve your weapons to higher levels.

Coal farming, while dangerous, provides a continuous supply of these rare resources, giving you a major advantage as you progress through the game.

Secret Techniques: Advanced Coal Farming Strategies

There’s more to coal farming than simply avoiding enemies and heat. If you really want to become an expert at farming coal in Grounded, here are a few advanced tips:

• Use Gas Arrows: These are incredibly effective at clearing out groups of enemies like antlions, allowing you to farm coal more safely.
• Timing Your Runs: The BBQ Spill is most dangerous during the daytime due to increased enemy activity. Plan your runs during the early morning or late evening, when enemies are less aggressive and you have more room to maneuver.
• Coal Respawn Rate: Unlike some other resources, coal does respawn after a while. Don’t be afraid to revisit the BBQ Spill periodically to gather more once you’ve gotten the hang of navigating the area.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the most common mistakes players make is underestimating the BBQ Spill. This is not an area you can simply wander into unprepared. Heat damage adds up fast, and unless you have the right gear, it’s almost impossible to survive long enough to gather coal.

Another mistake is fighting too many enemies at once. If you find yourself overwhelmed, retreat to a safer area. The BBQ Spill is difficult enough without trying to fight multiple hostile creatures simultaneously. Pick your battles wisely.

Table of Essential Gear for Coal Farming

Item	Purpose	How to Obtain
Antlion Armor Set	Heat resistance, survivability	Crafted with antlion parts
Mint Mace	Weapon to deal with creatures	Crafted with mint chunks, obtained in-game
Level 2/3 Hammer	Required to mine coal	Crafted from specific resources found throughout the game
Healing Items	Health recovery during battle	Crafted from various materials (fiber, sap, etc.)

By following these tips and strategies, you’ll not only survive the BBQ Spill but thrive. Coal is essential for crafting powerful tools and armor, and with the right preparation, it becomes a manageable resource to gather.