Spine Nubs are a key crafting material in Grounded 2, but they are not easy to find. Dropped by Caterpillars resting on tall plant leaves, these resources require strategic movement or building to reach. This guide explains where to locate Caterpillars, how to access them, and the most efficient methods for collecting Spine Nubs for your gear upgrades.
How to Find Spine Nubs
If you’re aiming to craft better gear in Grounded 2, you’re going to need some rare resources and Spine Nubs are one of them. These materials don’t just lie around waiting to be picked up. You’ll have to hunt a specific insect for them: the Caterpillar. But here’s the catch, the challenge isn’t fighting them, it’s finding them.
Unlike many common bugs you stumble upon during exploration, caterpillars stick to elevated places, usually high up on oversized plant leaves that can’t be chopped down. Their green bodies, paired with colorful bulbs, can help you spot them — but only if you’re looking from above or a decent angle. From the ground, they’re practically invisible.
Where to Look for Caterpillars
Here are some early-game locations where Caterpillars can be spotted:
- Southwestern Tree Roots: This massive tree is also known for spawning acorns. Coming from the north, you’ll see a Caterpillar nearby, often tucked into the root system.
- Snackbar Area (Bottom-Right Corner): Head to the wooden stairs and climb up. Look toward the plant near the stairs. If you’re lucky, a Caterpillar will be lounging on one of the higher leaves. Hop across the leaves to reach it.
- Southwest of the Snackbar: There’s a Caterpillar perched atop a tall, single plant here. There’s no clear path up — you’ll need to build to reach this one.
How to Reach Them
Sometimes you’ll find natural platforms nearby, and you can climb and leap from one leaf to another. But fall damage is a real risk if you miss. When climbing isn’t an option, construction is your next best bet.
After unlocking the Base Building upgrade from the Science Station, you can craft staircases. Each one needs 4 Grass Planks & 1 Weed Stem.
You may have to stack a few stair sections to get high enough. Alternatively, once you find a Caterpillar in an accessible spot, you can farm it and wait for it to respawn after a few in-game days, instead of constantly seeking out new ones.
