Grounded 2: All 4 New ORC Transmitter Locations

This article provides the locations of all 4 new ORC transmitters added in the Grounded 2 update (also known as the “Into the Abyss� update). You need to find these transmitters to complete the “Abyssal Research� quest and unlock the new underwater lab. The locations are spread across the new abyss biome, and each one requires a specific tool or item to reach.

Background: The “Into the Abyss� Update

The “Into the Abyss� update (often called Grounded 2 by players) introduced a new underwater biome called the Abyssal Trench, located far below the pond’s surface. This area is dark, cold, and filled with hostile creatures like the Anglerfish and the Abyssal Jellyfish. The main quest, “Abyssal Research,� tasks you with locating and activating four ORC transmitters that are scattered throughout the trench. These transmitters are part of a research network that, when activated, reveals the entrance to the Abyssal Lab. The update also added new armor, weapons, and a new boss, the Abyssal Horror.

How the ORC Transmitters Work

Each ORC transmitter is a small, glowing device that you must interact with to activate. Once activated, it sends a signal back to the research station on the surface. You must activate all four to unlock the lab’s door. The transmitters are not marked on your map until you get close to them, so you’ll need to explore the trench thoroughly. They are usually placed near notable landmarks or inside small caves. Interacting with a transmitter also triggers a short cutscene and a log entry that adds to the lore.

All 4 New ORC Transmitter Locations

Here are the exact locations of all four transmitters. Remember to bring a full oxygen tank and a light source, as the trench is pitch black.

• Transmitter #1 – The Sunken Ship: Located at the bow of the sunken shipwreck that rests on the eastern edge of the trench. Swim into the broken hull and look for the transmitter on a crate near the captain’s wheel.
• Transmitter #2 – The Kelp Forest: In the middle of the dense kelp forest in the central-north area. The transmitter is hidden inside a hollow kelp stalk. Look for a small opening at the base of the largest stalk.
• Transmitter #3 – The Abyssal Cave: Found in the deepest part of the trench, inside a cave that is guarded by two Abyssal Jellyfish. The transmitter is on a rock shelf at the back of the cave.
• Transmitter #4 – The Volcanic Vent: Near the geothermal vents on the western side. The transmitter is on a ledge just above the hottest vent, so be careful of the heat damage. You may need the Ember Armor set to survive.

How to Reach Each Transmitter

Each transmitter requires specific gear to reach safely. Here’s what you need:

1. For the Sunken Ship: You only need a standard diving helmet and flippers. The ship is not guarded, but the interior is dark.
2. For the Kelp Forest: Bring a knife or axe to cut through the kelp. The forest is dense and you can get tangled. Also, watch out for the small Abyssal Crabs that hide in the kelp.
3. For the Abyssal Cave: You will need the Abyssal Diving Gear (helmet, chest, legs) to withstand the pressure at that depth. Also, bring a spear or ranged weapon to deal with the jellyfish.
4. For the Volcanic Vent: The heat will damage you, so equip the Ember Armor set and bring heat-resistant smoothies. You can also use a shield to block the heat blasts.

Common Problems and Mistakes

Many players miss the transmitter in the kelp forest because they don’t realize the hollow stalk is enterable. Look for a subtle glow coming from the base. Another common issue is trying to reach the Abyssal Cave without the proper gear; you will take pressure damage and die quickly. Also, the transmitter at the volcanic vent is easy to miss because the heat particles obscure it. Use your scanner to highlight interactive objects. Finally, make sure you have completed the previous main quest “Pond Lab� before attempting this, as the Abyssal Trench only opens after that.

Comparison with Previous ORC Transmitters

In the base game, there were three ORC transmitters in the pond lab area. Those were relatively easy to find, placed in open water. The new ones in the abyss are much more challenging due to the environment. They are also more spread out, requiring you to traverse the entire biome. The new ones also have a puzzle element, like the hollow kelp stalk, whereas the old ones were just placed on rocks. This makes the new ones more rewarding to find.

Safety Tips for Exploring the Abyss

The abyss is one of the most dangerous areas in the game. Always carry at least two full oxygen tanks. Use the “Oxygen Bubble� mutation to extend your dive time. Bring a light source that doesn’t require a free hand, like the Headlamp. Avoid fighting the Abyssal Horror until you have activated all four transmitters, as it is much harder before the lab is opened. Also, set up a respawn point near the trench entrance to avoid a long swim back if you die.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to find the transmitters in a specific order?
No, you can find them in any order. The quest only requires all four to be activated.

Q: What happens after I activate all four?
You will get a message that the Abyssal Lab has been unlocked. The entrance is located under the sunken ship.

Q: Can I use the underwater sled to reach the transmitters?
No, the sled is only for the pond surface. The abyss is too deep and the sled cannot dive.

Q: What is the best weapon to bring?
Spears are effective against the jellyfish, but a ranged weapon like the crossbow is better for the Anglerfish, as you can attack from a distance.

Q: Is there a map marker for each transmitter?
No, they are not marked on the map. You must use your scanner (R3 on controller, E on keyboard) to detect them within a certain radius.

Q: Can I do this quest in co-op?
Yes, the quest is available in co-op. Each player needs to activate the transmitter, but only one activation per world is needed.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2