The Pinch Whacker is one of Grounded 2’s many hidden treasures. Learn where to find this unique weapon and the best ways to use it.
What is the Pinch Whacker
The Pinch Whacker is a hidden weapon, making its return from Grounded 1. It’s a unique One-Handed Mace weapon that has a unique perk that allows it to excel against O.R.C. enemies.
Unlike many of the other hidden weapons, this weapon stands on its own, not being a simple upgrade of an existing weapon. Between its high Stun value and perk, it’s an easy way to dispatch most foes.
Preparations
Before heading out, we’ll need to make sure we have everything we need to reach this. In this case, just a Bratburst is required to obtain this item.
The Bratburst is an explosive we can use to break certain walls or even collect some resources. A Splatburst works just as well, but wouldn’t be obtainable until completion of the Network Center.
It’s recommended to have the Tier 2 Omni-Hammer unlocked as well, as there are plenty of resources and a Mega Milk Molar to collect here that require this upgrade. Best to get everything in one shot.
For more information on the Omni-Tool and its upgrades, check out our Omni-Tool Guide.
How to get the Pinch Whacker
To start our journey, we’ll make our way to the Melted Army Men. Don’t worry, unlike the Heatwave, we won’t need to enter the Fire Pit or deal with any Sizzle. If you want to bring the supplies, however, you can grab them before or after the Pinch Whacker.
From here, we’ll need to head further North and just a bit East of the Grape Soda Can. Be wary of all the O.R.C. bugs around the Fire Pit area.
Located here is a cave, which we’ll need to enter to collect the Pinch Whacker.
We’ll know it’s the correct cave as it’s got the mark of the Mysterious Stranger outside on the Stone. Take caution when approaching, as there are Scorpions here; one likes to hide right outside.
At the back of this cave is a Hot Cha Chas candy box, as well as plenty of the spicy candy around to collect.
Behind this box, however, is a breakable wall that we’ll need to destroy with our Bratburst. Go ahead and blast it open.
Within this final room lies our prize, the Pinch Whacker. It’s found resting on a chair, which often leads to it being easily missed, even if this cave was discovered previously.
Within this room is also a Chest full of resources, as well as a Mega Milk Molar tucked deep within this cave, but sadly, nothing else of any note.
Using the Pinch Whacker
The Pinch Whacker is a fantastic weapon that not only provides the High Stun of a Mace, but a shock AoE that makes it one of the best choices against O.R.C. Bugs. This AoE makes it far easier to fend off Invasions or take on MIX.Rs if you’ve prioritized using Maces as a main weapon.
If we want to ramp its O.R.C. slaying power even more, we can pair it with the Volatile Capacitor Trinket for flat Shock Damage and another AoE when performing a Charge Attack. We could also opt for the O.R.C. Nullifier Trinket, which will reduce their damage output, making for a great defensive setup alongside a Shield.
Being a one-handed weapon also makes it quite quick. This allows the Pinch Whacker to easily take advantage of both flat damage Trinkets like the Spectacular Spicy Shard or Finale Trinkets like the Astonishing Acid.
