The ROOTS update in PEAK adds a ton of new collectibles, challenges, and badges — ten of them tied directly to the strange flora and fungi scattered throughout the new biome. One of the trickier ones to figure out is the Cryptogastronomy Badge, which doesn’t give you many clues beyond its cryptic name.
If you’ve been scratching your head trying to unlock this badge and the cosmetic that comes with it, here’s exactly how to get the Cryptogastronomy Badge in PEAK, including where to find the elusive Mandrake and how to cook it without getting yourself knocked out cold.
How to Unlock the Cryptogastronomy Badge in PEAK
The only way to unlock the Cryptogastronomy Badge is by cooking and eating a Mandrake. Sounds simple, but the real challenge lies in finding one — and surviving the experience.
Mandrakes are found only in the ROOTS biome, and upon first glance, they almost look just like Medicinal Roots. What’s the key difference? The mandrakes have faint facial features and will scream the instant you pull them from the ground.
That scream isn’t just for show. Anyone within earshot will be hit with a Drowsy status effect, which slows your movement and drains your energy until the Mandrake stops screaming. Even if you didn’t pick it yourself, you’ll still get drowsy if you’re nearby.
How to Counteract the Drowsy Effect
Once a Mandrake begins shrieking, you will have to deal with its aftereffects promptly. Here’s how to handle it:
- Energy Drink – Temporarily removes drowsiness, but it’ll return once the effect wears off.
- Cure-All or Faerie Lantern – Completely removes the Drowsy status until next time you trigger a Mandrake.
Keep one of these handy before you go Mandrake hunting — especially if you’re exploring in co-op, where multiple players might set off screams at once.
How to Cook and Eat a Mandrake
Once you’ve safely stashed a Mandrake in your inventory, you’ll need to cook it. You can do this in one of two ways:
- Portable Stove – Found or crafted during your run.
- Campfire – Situated at the top of each biome.
Now, after cooking, consume the Mandrake like any other consumable. It will restore health just like a Medicinal Root would — and more importantly, instantly unlock the Cryptogastronomy Badge. Cryptogastronomy Badge Reward: When you complete the run after earning the badge, you’ll also unlock the Sprout Hat cosmetic-a fitting reward for anyone who’s brave (or foolish) enough to cook and eat a screaming root.
