If you want an early ranged game, you’re going to want to make arrows in which you shall be needing… Thistle Needles! Thistle Needles are a valuable early-to-mid game resource in Grounded 2, commonly used for crafting arrows and other spiked tools.
What Are Thistle Needles?
Thistle Needles are long, spiny protrusions that come from the stems of thistle plants—tall, spiked weeds with purple flower tops that stand out among the lower grass. They’re primarily used to craft arrows, making them essential for ranged combat. You’ll likely run through a lot of them once you start facing tougher bugs and bosses from a distance.
Where to Find Them
In Grounded 2, Thistle plants are typically found in overgrown or forested areas, especially near shady areas with dense plant growth. A great spot early on is near the entrance and going east a bit, or in several parts just past the deck. Keep an eye out for vertical stalks with sharp spines and a purple bulb at the top, that’s your target.
You’ll need to climb the thistle plant itself to harvest the needles. You simply jump on the leaves and start picking the needles from the stem. You’ll be able to harvest a healthy amount from one plant, but remember where there are some relative to your base. Easy to do some drive by pick up runs of Thistle Needles as you come and go.
Tips for Harvesting
- Use landmarks to mark high-yield thistle locations so you can return later.
- Bring storage or drop a trail marker if your inventory fills quickly, each thistle plant can yield a ton of needles.