In Grounded 2, Optical Disks are one of the most important collectables you’ll come across while exploring the yard. These shiny little items unlock all sorts of upgrades, recipes, and features when you turn them in at a Ranger Station. If you want to unlock everything the game has to offer, tracking down all the Optical Disks is a must, and this guide will show you exactly where to find each one.
All Optical Disk Locations
In Grounded 2, you’ll come across two kinds of Optical Disks as you explore the yard. The first type is the red TURBO disks. These are mostly tied to the main story and focus on taming creatures and upgrading your base defences. You’ll usually find them as you progress through key quests.
The second type is the standard grey disks. These ones are a bit more low-key and scattered all over the park, often tucked away in hidden spots or behind tricky terrain. When you pick them up, they unlock new crafting recipes that you can buy at any Ranger Station. So, whether you’re following the main path or just poking around the map, keep an eye out, there’s always something useful hidden nearby.
Snackbar Turbo Optical Disk
You’ll find this one deep inside the Snackbar Anthill. Once you’re inside, take the path to the right. There will be two pebbles blocking the way. Just go past them and keep moving forward until you spot a chest. The disk is safely tucked inside that chest, so don’t forget to open it.
When you find the Optical Disk in the Snackbar area and bring it to a Ranger Station, it unlocks a couple of new things you can buy with Raw Science. One of them is the Hatchery, which costs 500 Raw Science. This lets you start raising your own little creatures super helpful if you’re into taming. The other unlock is the Buggy Sign Set, which costs 3,000 Raw Science.
Toxic Anthill Optical Disk
Head into the Toxic Anthill and make your way to the large chamber, which is guarded by none other than the Cockroach Queen. Once you’ve dealt with her or slipped past, look for Park Employee 119. The disk is lying on the ground right next to them. Picking this one up rewards you with 1000 Raw Science and unlocks some cool new building options like Fortified Bases, Acorn Stairs, a Ladder, Teeny Terracotta decorations, and a front piece for your own little Snackbar.
TURBO Stolen Optical Disk
This one’s hidden inside a small cave. To get there, look for a dead root sitting on top of a small, sideways cabinet; it’s kind of tucked away. You can reach it from the nearby tunnel entrance. Once inside the cave, the disk will be yours.
Once you get your hands on the Stolen Optical Disk and take it to a Ranger Station, you’ll unlock a few useful things in the Science Shop. First up is the Smithing Station for just 500 Raw Science. This one’s essential if you want to upgrade your weapons and armor. Then there’s the Spike Strip, a cheap but handy trap that only costs 100 Raw Science. It’s great for keeping unwanted bugs away from your base.
If you’re looking to beef up your defenses even more, you can unlock the Acorn Turret for 1,500 Raw Science. It’s a powerful base defense tool that can really help when things get hectic. And finally, there’s the Bratburst a throwable explosive that deals big damage available for 2,000 Raw Science. It’s perfect for when you need to clear out enemies fast.
Ice Cream Cart Optical Disk
You’ll need to find your way inside the actual Ice Cream Cart. It’s in the room that’s literally full of ice cream. Look between the legs of Employee 331, and you should spot the disk somewhere nearby.
At the Science Shop, you can get some really awesome upgrades by returning the Optical Disk from the Ice Cream Cart. First, you’ll be able to buy the Brittle Whetstone recipe for 1,000 Raw Science, which is great for sharpening up your weapons early on. There’s also the Milk Molar Scanner for 5,000 Raw Science this one’s a game-changer, making it way easier to track down those upgrade-boosting Milk Molars around the yard.
If you’re into cooking, you can grab the Ice Cream Cart Cookbook for 2,500 Raw Science, which gives you access to some new food recipes. The Fresh Storage upgrade is also available for 3,000 Raw Science and helps keep your food from spoiling too quickly. And finally, for a bit of fun base decorating, there’s the Fuzz Sign Set, also priced at 3,000 Raw Science.
Network Center TURBO Optical Disk
This one is sitting on a desk behind a locked door on Level 05. But there’s a catch you’ll have to defeat the Bandit to unlock access to that room.
Handing in the Optical Disk from the Network Center opens up some high-value upgrades in the Science Shop, especially if you’re deep into exploration and combat.
First, you can unlock the Orb Weaver Buggy for 5,000 Raw Science. It’s a fun and useful companion that can help you get around or even support you in fights. Alongside that, there’s the Raw Science Scanner, also for 5,000 Raw Science, which is perfect for tracking down hidden pockets of Raw Science across the map.
You’ll also get access to the Network Center Cookbook for 2,500 Raw Science, adding some new food recipes to your crafting list. For more firepower, the Splatburst Recipe becomes available for 2,000 Raw Science this explosive is great for taking out groups of enemies or softening up tougher ones. And if you’re looking to add some flair to your base, the Warlord Sign Set unlocks for 3,000 Raw Science, giving your camp a bold, intimidating look.
Spider Den Optical Disk
Head to the Spider Den Anthill and look for the North Entrance. It’s a creepy crawl through spider territory, but if you make it in, you’ll find the disk on the ground near Employee 210.
When you turn in the Optical Disk from the Spider Den, you’ll unlock a new batch of upgrades at the Science Shop that are definitely worth checking out.
One of the first things you can grab is the Brittle Plating recipe for 1,000 Raw Science, which lets you start upgrading your gear for better defense. There’s also a move upgrade called Alley-oop!, also 1,000 Raw Science that gives you a new combat move to add to your toolkit.
If you’re into cooking buffs, the Spider Den Cookbook unlocks for 2,500 Raw Science and adds new recipes to your kitchen. You’ll also be able to unlock Curved Bases for the same price, giving you more creative freedom when building. And for those who love decorating, the Twin Pines Sign Set becomes available for 3,000 Raw Science, letting you add a bit of foresty flair to your base.
