The Into the Abyss update for Grounded 2 adds the long-requested Zipline system, giving players a much faster way to travel across the Park. Unlocking it takes some work, however: you need to reach the Crow’s Nest for the Pergola Optical Disk, spend Raw Science on the blueprint, and separately retrieve the Zip.R tool before you can start riding your network.
Once everything is unlocked, Ziplines can connect distant locations and dramatically reduce travel time. Here’s where to find everything you need and how to build your first route.
How to Unlock Ziplines in Grounded 2
The first step is obtaining the Pergola Optical Disk, which is found in the Crow’s Nest. Reaching it requires a lengthy climb through the Pergola region, and you should bring the Orb Weaver Buggy.
Head toward Pergola and travel past the bicycle until you find a juice box. Use it to begin climbing toward the hidden Crow’s Nest area.
From the top of the juice box, follow the vine spiraling upward. The climb is dangerous, with enemies capable of knocking you from the branches, so carrying Dandelion Tufts can prevent a fall from ending the attempt.
The Orb Weaver Buggy is particularly important here. Not only does it help you reach areas that would otherwise be inaccessible, but it can also move across the spiderwebs covering parts of the route.
Continue upward while following the cable through the area. Eventually, you’ll need to make a tricky vertical jump along a twisted branch before reaching a flower pot. You’ll know you’ve found the correct pot when you see two glowing blue mushrooms.
Move into the center of the flower pot, turn around, and follow the large leaf upward. It leads to a wooden beam with a cable. Jump onto the cable on the left and use it to reach the wooden structure above.
How to Reach the Crow’s Nest
Continue across the wooden structure while avoiding the Earwigs. Around the middle beam, look for Fireflies and a branch that continues upward on the right.
Climb this twisting branch and follow it toward the left. Orb Weavers patrol the upper sections, while their webs form part of the path toward the Crow’s Nest.
The Spiderlings can actually help you identify the correct route. Follow the branches they’re using and turn left as the path continues upward.
Combat is especially dangerous here because being knocked from the branches can force you to repeat a substantial portion of the climb. A ranged setup can make the journey safer, while the Orb Weaver Buggy can absorb some of the pressure from nearby enemies.
Eventually, you’ll reach the Crow’s Nest. Search the corpse inside to collect useful materials and the Zipline Test Plan. The Pergola Optical Disk is located nearby.
Take the Optical Disk to a Research Station and insert it to make the Zipline technology available. You’ll then need to spend 2,500 Raw Science to purchase the actual recipe.
Unlocking the blueprint is only half the process. You’ll still need the Zip.R before you can ride your newly constructed lines.
How to Get the Zip.R
The Zip.R is found in the Gnarly Bark area. This journey requires both the Orb Weaver Buggy and Black Soldier Ant Buggy, so make sure they’re available before setting out.
Start by locating a branch covered in brown moss. Use the Orb Weaver Buggy to climb until you find an opening leading into the rotten tree.
Once inside, switch to the Black Soldier Ant Buggy and begin climbing through the bark. You’ll need to pass a Cockroach nest and several hostile Earwigs before eventually emerging through another opening.
Look for what resembles a small bridge made from matches and a wax candle. Climb onto it and jump across to continue upward.
You’ll eventually enter the tree again and encounter a Sour Puddle. Avoid lingering in it, as exposure causes Tang Corrosion. Search the corpse beside the puddle to collect the Gnarly Bark Aquatic Optical Disk, then continue climbing.
When you emerge again, you’ll be much closer to the top of the tree. Switch back to the Orb Weaver Buggy and use the upper branches to continue ascending.
Your next landmark is a pair of shoes hanging from a branch. That’s your destination.
Navigate through the surrounding branches and spiderwebs and deal with the large spider guarding the area. Once the path is safe, reach the shoes and search the corpse hidden inside to obtain the Zip.R.
Zipline Anchor Crafting Materials
Building a functional Zipline requires two connection points. You can either use two standard Zipline Anchors or combine a regular Anchor with a Wall Anchor.
| Structure | Required Materials |
|---|---|
| Zipline Anchor | 1 Silk Rope, 4 Clay, 5 Weed Stems |
| Zipline Wall Anchor | 1 Silk Rope, 4 Clay, 1 Bee Stinger |
The Wall Anchor is useful when you want a connection point attached directly to an existing structure, while the regular Anchor works well for freestanding routes.
How to Build a Zipline
Start by placing a Zipline Anchor at the point where you want the route to begin. Place another Zipline Anchor or Wall Anchor at the destination.
Try to maintain a clear path between both anchors. Poor positioning or obstacles between them can prevent you from making the connection.
The Handy Gnat building mode is particularly useful for planning larger networks. You can place multiple anchors around an area first, creating the framework for a more elaborate transportation system before connecting everything.
Once both endpoints are ready, leave building mode and interact with the first anchor. On PC, this is done with E.
The connection interface will appear. Aim at the destination anchor and use the displayed connection command — right-click on PC — to link the two points with a Zipline.
Repeat the process if you’re creating a network with several interconnected routes.
How to Use the Zip.R
With the Zip.R acquired and your line constructed, using a Zipline is straightforward.
Approach the rope, jump toward it, and press E on PC to latch onto the line with the Zip.R. You’ll then travel along the connected route at high speed.
The system becomes significantly more useful as your network grows. Instead of treating a Zipline as a single shortcut, you can position multiple anchors around your base and important areas of the Park, creating interconnected routes that cut down lengthy return journeys.
Unlocking everything requires two demanding expeditions, but the payoff is substantial. Once the Pergola Optical Disk, Zipline blueprint, and Zip.R are secured, Grounded 2’s Zipline system can turn long trips across the Park into quick rides between strategically positioned anchors.
