Grounded has four main named creature bosses: the Hedge Broodmother, Orchid Mantis, Wasp Queen, and Infected Broodmother. The Javamatic is a separate required fight for New Game+ access, and the Ant Queens are not fightable bosses.
How many bosses are in Grounded?
For the main named creature-boss roster, the answer is four. Obsidian introduced the Hedge Broodmother as the game’s first boss, then added the Orchid Mantis, Wasp Queen, and Infected Broodmother in later updates. The two Broodmothers are separate encounters.
Who are the four creature bosses?
| Boss | Where to look | How the official notes describe access |
|---|---|---|
| Hedge Broodmother | Her lair is in the Hedge, near the Flingman flying disc. | Lure her with a craftable Broodmother BLT. Obsidian called her “Grounded’s first boss” in its Shroom and Doom announcement; defeating her provides access to unique rewards. |
| Orchid Mantis | Her home is in the flower planter in front of the Shed. | Lure her with an Orchid Mantis Kebab, as described in the Grounded 1.0 announcement. |
| Wasp Queen | Seek her out at the Wasp Nest. | Obsidian’s Update 1.2 announcement identifies her as a creature boss. |
| Infected Broodmother | Hidden deep in the Haze. | Added as a permanent boss in patch 1.2.2, with related equipment, a craftable weapon, and an obtainable trinket described in the patch 1.2.2 notes. |
The encounter clues above come from Obsidian’s update announcements; they identify where to look and the named lure items, not a full route or combat guide.
Is the Javamatic a boss?
The Javamatic is best described as a required fight or defense encounter, not as one of the four named creature bosses. Obsidian’s Fully Yoked 1.4 update says access to New Game+ requires defeating the Broodmother, Mantis, and Wasp Queen, and completing the Javamatic fight. That wording distinguishes the Javamatic objective from the three creature-boss defeats it lists.
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Are the Ant Queens bosses?
No. The Fully Yoked update explicitly says, “These new Ant Queens are not fightable bosses.” They live in their respective ant hills; players choose whether to befriend or betray them by making an offering. They should not be counted as fightable bosses.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
Rank #3
Rank #2
- Explore this immersive and persistent world, where the insect life reacts to your actions.
- Shelter and tools are critical to your survival. Build epic bases to protect you and your stuff from the insects and the elements. Craft weapons, tools, and armor, allowing you to better fight, explore, and survive.
- You can face the backyard alone or together, online, with up to three friends—it is your choice (online console multiplayer requires Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, subscriptions sold separately).
- Uncover the secrets lurking in the shadows of Grounded as you freely explore the backyard and progress through its mysterious story.
- Optimized for Xbox Series X|S: Games optimized for Xbox Series X|S will showcase unparalleled load times, heightened visuals, and frame rates up to 120 FPS.
Quick roster by encounter clue
- Hedge: Hedge Broodmother; lure her with a Broodmother BLT.
- Planter in front of the Shed: Orchid Mantis; lure her with an Orchid Mantis Kebab.
- Wasp Nest: Wasp Queen.
- Haze: Infected Broodmother.
- New Game+ prerequisite: The Javamatic fight is required alongside the specified creature-boss defeats, but is a separate encounter category.




