PEAK: Cook a Mandrake & Get the Cryptogastronomy Badge
The sprawling world of PEAK continues to evolve with its latest major content patch, the Roots update, which has introduced a wealth of new challenges, environments, and mysteries for players to uncover. Among the most intriguing and difficult new achievements is the Cryptogastronomy badge, a coveted award that requires a green thumb, a strong stomach, and a bit of culinary flair. The key to this badge is a rare new resource: the elusive Mandrake.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of this unique challenge. We'll show you exactly where to find a Mandrake in the new biome, how to prepare it correctly, and finally, how to earn the prestigious Cryptogastronomy badge in PEAK.
The Roots Update: A World Beneath the Surface
Before hunting for any rare plants, it’s important to understand the new environment. The Roots update unlocked a massive, previously inaccessible biome teeming with unique flora and fauna. This subterranean wonderland is filled with glowing fungi, ancient trees, and hidden dangers. It is exclusively within this new area that the Mandrake grows.
Accessing the new biome requires completing a preliminary questline associated with the update. Once you have access, prepare yourself for exploration. The area is a labyrinth of tunnels and caverns, so bringing items to mark your path is highly recommended. The resources here are valuable, but the Mandrake is the true prize for achievement hunters.
How to Find a Mandrake in PEAK
Finding a Mandrake is the first and most significant hurdle to earning the Cryptogastronomy badge. These magical plants are exceptionally rare and only spawn in specific locations under certain conditions. They are not a common resource you can simply stumble upon.
Location and Appearance
Mandrakes are found deep within the new biome, typically near the ancient, gnarled roots that give the update its name. They prefer damp, dark soil and are often camouflaged among other strange-looking plants. Look for a small tuft of dark, leafy greens sprouting from the ground. The key identifier is the faint, pulsating glow emanating from the soil around it, which is easiest to spot in the biome's darker areas.
Tips for a Successful Hunt:
- Listen Closely: When you are near a Mandrake, you may hear a very faint, low hum or a soft cry. Turning up your game's ambient sound effects can be a crucial tool for locating one before you even see it.
- Time of Day: While unconfirmed, many players report more success finding Mandrakes during the in-game night cycle, as their subtle glow is more apparent against the darkened environment.
- Special Equipment: Harvesting a Mandrake isn't as simple as picking a flower. You will need a pair of sound-dampening gloves, which can be crafted using materials found within the new biome. Attempting to pull a Mandrake from the ground without these gloves will cause it to let out a deafening shriek, stunning your character and causing the plant to wither into dust.
Once you’ve located a Mandrake and equipped the necessary gloves, you can safely harvest it. The plant root, which resembles a small, humanoid figure, will be added to your inventory.
How to Get the Cryptogastronomy Badge
With the Mandrake secured, your journey is only half over. Now you must become a "cryptogastronomer" and prepare a very special meal. Simply eating the Mandrake raw will result in a negative status effect and will not grant the badge.
Step 1: Find the Recipe
To properly cook a Mandrake, you first need the recipe. The "Mandrake Stew" recipe is a rare drop from the new creatures that inhabit the Roots biome. Your best bet is to spend some time clearing out enemies in the area where you found the Mandrake. The recipe scroll is an uncommon drop, so some patience may be required. Once you find the scroll, use it to permanently learn the recipe at any cooking station.
Step 2: Gather the Ingredients
The Mandrake Stew requires more than just its namesake. You will need to gather a few other specific ingredients to complete the dish:
- Mandrake Root (x1): The core ingredient you’ve already found.
- Glow Cap Mushroom (x3): A common fungus found throughout the new biome. They are easily identified by their bright, blue luminescence.
- Crystal Spring Water (x1): This can only be collected from a specific fountain hidden in a secret chamber within the biome. Finding it is a small adventure in itself.
Step 3: Cook and Consume the Stew
With all the ingredients in hand, head to the nearest cooking station. Open your recipe book, select "Mandrake Stew," and begin the cooking process. Once crafted, the stew will appear in your inventory.
Find a safe place, consume the Mandrake Stew, and watch what happens. Your character will perform a unique animation, and you'll receive a temporary, powerful buff to your stats. A moment later, a notification will appear on your screen, congratulating you on earning the Cryptogastronomy badge! This permanent achievement is a testament to your dedication and adventurous spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the Cryptogastronomy badge required for 100% game completion?
A: Yes, the Cryptogastronomy badge is listed under the "Exploration & Collections" category of achievements and is required for full completion of the game since the Roots update.
Q: Can you farm Mandrakes?
A: Mandrakes have a very long respawn timer and spawn in random locations within their designated areas. While technically possible, actively farming them is very difficult and time-consuming.
Q: What happens if you fail to harvest a Mandrake correctly?
A: If you try to pull a Mandrake without the sound-dampening gloves, its shriek will stun your character for several seconds, leaving you vulnerable to nearby enemies. The plant itself will be destroyed in the process, and you will have to find another one.
Q: Does the Mandrake Stew have any other uses?
A: The stew provides a potent, temporary buff that increases all core stats, making it very useful for difficult boss fights or challenges. However, given the rarity of the ingredients, most players save it for a special occasion or consume it just once to earn the badge.