“A Strange Warning” is an extremely early and one of the most significant main quests in Grounded 2 that introduces players to the aggressive influence of controlled O.R.C. insect armies. Throughout this quest, the mysterious stranger mounts a wave-based attack on your base. As the first real combat test of the game’s story, it can be brutal—especially for gamers who are clueless or haven’t yet established proper defenses.
Understanding what happens when you die, and how to prepare for and complete this experience, is crucial so that you can keep going along smoothly within the story.
What Happens If You Die During “A Strange Warning”?
If your attacking boss monsters kill you during the wave encounter, the quest is not permanently failed. Instead, the quest is postponed. You’ll respawn at your designated checkpoint (usually your Lean-To or bed), and your backpack with whatever you dropped is pick-up-able where you died.
Shortly after respawning, the stranger will come to you again—this time dissatisfied, saying that she will return “soon” for another assault. If she says nothing to you at all, however, this can indicate a quest bug has happened. In such a case, it is recommended that you reload an earlier save and attempt the event again.
To reset the wave attack, visit Sloane Beaumont in the Ranger Outpost: Snackbar and place a new Spike Trap near your base. This will re-establish contact with the stranger and reset the timer to the next attack. There is a timer displayed on-screen, counting down the time when the new wave will arrive—usually two in-game days.
If you are uncertain if the attack is approaching, try with your Lean-To. If you receive the message “Cannot sleep with enemies incoming!”, this is evidence a wave is approaching.
Getting Ready for the Attack
The wave you will face at “A Strange Warning” consists of:
- Three Red Soldier Ants
- One Orb Weaver Jr.
- One Spiderling
This is a manageable but still dangerous combination for early-game players. To successfully defend your base, you’ll need a combination of defensive structures, reliable weaponry, and if possible, companions—either other players in co-op or Worker Ants recruited through your Red Soldier Ant Buggy.
Recommended Defenses – Acorn Turret
Among the most effective ways to defend your base on this event is by making an Acorn Turret, an early-game automated defense that can be purchased from the Science Shop. As soon as it has been built, the building allows you to shoot at enemies manually while staying out of melee range.
Materials Needed:
- Acorn Shell x2
- Acorn Top x1
- Silk Rope x3
- Flower Petal x1
- Weed Stem x2
To use the turret, you’ll also need to craft Rocky Rounds, which serve as ammunition.
Rocky Round Recipe:
- Pebblets x25
- Acid Gland x3
Having at least one turret set up with enough ammo can make a big difference in surviving the first major wave of O.R.C. insects.
“A Strange Warning” is the first real game-changer in Grounded 2, putting players into total base defense mode. Death may not be final, but preparation is essential. Build defensive gear, enlist reliable allies, and have backup weapons and supplies at your base. The stranger will become increasingly hostile from here on out.
