In the vast, verdant landscape of Grounded 2, a peculiar crafting material known as \"spine nubs\" often leaves players scratching their heads. Despite their name hinting at arachnid origins, these components are surprisingly not derived from spiders. Instead, they serve as a crucial ingredient for crafting the specialized Weaver armor set, which grants distinct advantages in close-quarters combat through its rogue armor and dual-dasher attributes. Uncovering the source of these seemingly misnamed items is key to enhancing your character's capabilities.
Contrary to initial assumptions, spine nubs are exclusively obtained by dispatching and collecting from caterpillars. While these creatures might appear as gentle giants within the game's ecosystem, their demise is unfortunately necessary for acquiring this valuable resource. Players will typically encounter these large, docile insects perched upon towering leafy plants, necessitating a climb to reach them. A readily accessible caterpillar can be found directly west of the Ranger Outpost: Snackbar, a location frequently serving as an early game base. Utilizing the nearby woodpile allows for easy access to this particular specimen, which conveniently respawns daily, providing a consistent source for farming.
Unlike many of Grounded 2's more formidable insects, caterpillars possess relatively low health and exhibit a non-aggressive demeanor, even when provoked. A few decisive strikes with a blunt weapon, such as a hammer, are generally sufficient to defeat them. Once a caterpillar has been felled, players can proceed to harvest its remains to procure the much-coveted spine nubs. This straightforward process ensures a steady supply of the material without the intense battles associated with other large creatures.
While the caterpillar near the Ranger Outpost: Snackbar offers a convenient and safe farming spot, additional locations exist for those in greater need of spine nubs. The Pine Hills Hedge, situated on the western periphery of the map, is teeming with caterpillars. However, it is important to note that this area presents significantly greater dangers compared to the isolated caterpillar near the Snackbar outpost. Adventurous players willing to brave the perils of the Pine Hills Hedge will find a more abundant, albeit riskier, supply of these vital materials.
Spine nubs primarily serve as a core component for fashioning the Weaver armor set, in conjunction with other spider-derived materials. Crafting both the chest and leg pieces of this set collectively requires a mere four spine nubs, meaning only a couple of caterpillar encounters are necessary to complete a significant portion of the armor. Beyond protective gear, spine nubs are also utilized in the creation of the Bombuckler shield and various decorative items for personal bases, adding both functional and aesthetic value to your miniature domain.