In Grounded 2, the lush but dangerous landscape of Brookhollow Park is teeming with an array of insects—some of which are very hard to find and kill. Among their number is the Praying Mantis Nymph, a vile Tier 3 creature with echoes of the infamous Mantis boss of the original game. Tiny though these mantises are, they are poisonous, nasty, and extremely well-hidden, a deadly combination that makes them both a horrible foe and a prime target for seasoned players.
This guide contains where to find Praying Mantis Nymphs, how to prepare for and win a fight with them, and how to use their very rare materials to forge the powerful Mantis Blade.
Where to Find Praying Mantis Nymphs
Praying Mantis Nymphs are not always so easy to follow due to their camouflage habit and numerous possible spawn areas. They prefer to blend into their environment and are usually observed lurking on exceptionally tall, pastel-pink flower stalks with orange leaves, or at times crawling near ground level among the blades of grass.
The best method of approach is to have a keen eye on tall flower growth and scan the area with your PEEP.R Goggles before walking into areas that might be ambush points.
Key Spawn Locations
Praying Mantis Nymphs have a couple of known spawn points around the park:
- Entrance Zone (Below the Garbage Can): Down at the bottom of the map, close to the entrance of the park, and not far from the Snackhill Ranger Outpost—so a great place to go first.
- Snackbar Front (West of Headless BURG.L): In the middle grassy section, this is a well-seeing area but is likely to be swarming with other insects.
- Ceremony Map Area (Northeast Corner): West of the statue, near an apple core and a red ribbon on the ground.
- Pine Hill (Under the Pine Tree): South of the statue, on the west side of Pine Hill. Be careful here because it is a crowded area and more aggressive.
Since spawn times may vary according to in-game day or prior kills, try to rotate through these regions. You may also have to reload your world or rezone for their presence.
How to Defeat a Praying Mantis Nymph
Praying Mantis Nymphs are high-tier threats with unbalanced and aggressive behaviors. They jump fast, disappear in puffs of smoke, and inflict serious damage. Players need to come in with high-tier equipment and anticipate a long fight.
Battle Preparation and Strategy
It is advisable to scan the creature using your PEEP.R Goggles before attacking to unlock its Creature Card, which tells us the following characteristics:
- Weaknesses: New damage and Slashing weapons
- Resistances: Smashing, Stabbing, and Spicy damage
- Weak Spot: Eyes (prefixed with piercing weapons)
Best to use a Fresh-infused slash weapon, and players on ranged builds can try to kite the mantis with bows. However, since it moves around, melee combat may be more efficient, especially if you are able to attack its weak spot.
You can also try a high-ground strategy to limit its pathing or bait it into a fight with other bugs, which will do some of the dirty work for you and leave it for you to finish off and claim the reward.
Loot Drops and Crafting the Mantis Blade
Slaying a Praying Mantis Nymph will give you uncommon bug body parts utilized in crafting some of the game’s most powerful gear. The creature can drop:
- Praying Mantis Claw
- Praying Mantis Chunk
- Praying Mantis Head
These components are necessary for the creation of the Mantis Blade, a Tier 3 two-handed slash weapon with high damage and stun value.
To acquire the blueprint, research a Praying Mantis Claw at a Research Station. Once the blueprint has been made available, craft the Mantis Blade at a workbench using the following items:
- 2x Praying Mantis Claws
- 4x Praying Mantis Chunks
- 3x Lingonberry Leather
