Grounded 2: Phantom Quartz Shards in the Abyss
Phantom Quartz Shards in Grounded 2 are found exclusively in the Abyss biome, primarily inside the Glowing Caverns and along the Crystal Spine ridge. You need a Tier 3 Pickaxe and a Glow Stick to reach them, and each shard respawns after three in-game days.
What Phantom Quartz Shards Are
Phantom Quartz Shards are a crafting material introduced in the Abyss update. They appear as translucent, pale-blue crystals that emit a soft glow. Unlike regular Quartzite, these shards are used for end-game gear: the Phase Blade, the Luminous Armor set, and the Abyssal Lantern. You cannot obtain them from any other biome or from enemy drops, so the Abyss is your only source.
Where Exactly to Search
The Abyss is a large underground biome accessed through the Sinkhole in the northwestern corner of the map. Once you descend, focus on these three locations:
- Glowing Caverns: The main cluster of shards is here, embedded in the walls near the phosphorescent fungi. Look for the blue glow among the purple mushrooms.
- Crystal Spine: A narrow ridge that runs along the eastern edge of the Abyss. Shards appear on the cliff faces and at the base of the spine.
- The Deep Pool: At the bottom of the Abyss, there is a small underground lake. Check the rocky ledges just above the waterline; several shards are hidden behind stalagmites.
In total, there are about 15 shard nodes in the Abyss. Each node yields 2–3 shards, so a full clear gives you roughly 30–45 shards before respawn.
How to Reach the Abyss
Getting to the Abyss requires preparation:
- Build a Glow Stick (1 Torch + 1 Glow Berry) and a Rope Ladder (5 Plant Fiber + 3 Twigs) to descend safely.
- Equip a Tier 3 Pickaxe (e.g., the Obsidian Pickaxe). Lower tiers will not damage the shard nodes.
- Bring at least 2 Glow Berries for light, because the Abyss is pitch black except for the glowing fungi.
- Wear armor with Radiation Resistance (e.g., the Hazmat Suit) because the Abyss has radioactive pools that drain health quickly.
Once you reach the bottom, use the Glowing Caverns as your first stop. The shards are visible from a distance due to their glow, so sweep each cave systematically.
Respawn and Farming Tips
Phantom Quartz Shards respawn after three in-game days (72 minutes of real time). To farm efficiently, mark the locations on your map and set up a small base near the Sinkhole entrance. A common mistake is to clear only the Glowing Caverns and miss the Crystal Spine nodes, which are easy to overlook because they blend with the rock. Use a torch to check every ledge. Also, note that the Deep Pool nodes require swimming; bring a diving helmet or a water-breathing potion to avoid drowning.
Common Myths and Misconceptions
One widespread misconception is that Phantom Quartz Shards drop from the Abyssal Wraith, a mini-boss in the Deep Pool. They do not. The Wraith drops Wraith Essence, which is used for a different armor set. Another myth is that you can use a Tier 2 Pickaxe if you have the “Prospector” perk. That is false; the perk only increases yield, not mining tier. Finally, some players believe the shards are one-time only, but they do respawn, so you can build multiple items without starting a new game.
What to Craft with the Shards
The shards are a key ingredient in three main recipes:
- Phase Blade: A fast melee weapon that deals extra damage to shadow creatures. Requires 8 shards.
- Luminous Armor Set: Each piece (helmet, chest, legs) requires 12 shards, so 36 in total. The set grants night vision and a glow that reveals hidden items.
- Abyssal Lantern: A placeable light source that never runs out. Requires 5 shards.
Prioritize the armor set if you plan to explore the Abyss repeatedly, as the night vision is a huge quality-of-life improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find Phantom Quartz Shards above ground?
No. They are exclusive to the Abyss biome. Any surface nodes you see are regular Quartzite and will not give Phantom Shards.
Do the shards respawn if I leave the Abyss?
Yes, but only after three in-game days have passed, regardless of whether you stay in the Abyss or leave. The timer starts from the moment you harvest the last node.
What is the fastest way to get 36 shards for the full armor set?
Clear all 15 nodes in one trip (yielding about 30–45 shards), then wait three days and clear again. With a good route, you can get the full set in two trips.
Do I need to defeat a boss to access the Abyss?
No, but you do need to repair the Sinkhole bridge, which requires 10 Planks and 5 Rope. The bridge is guarded by a few Spiders, but they are not a boss.
Can I use a Tier 4 Pickaxe on the shards?
Yes, but there is no Tier 4 pickaxe in the current version. The highest is Tier 3, so the Obsidian Pickaxe is your best choice.
Are the shards used for any quests?
No. They are purely for crafting. There are no quests that require you to collect them.
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