Fans of Apico are in for a treat, as TNgineers has debuted Mudborne. This quirky, pixelated management sim tasks you with breeding frogs, and there are plenty of challenges and secrets to discover in the process.

Sporting similar visuals and assets from Apico, players of the bee sim will feel right at home while setting up their froggy sanctuaries, but there isn’t any pollen in this world. You also won’t be playing a nature-loving human. You, yourself, will be the frog.

Below is everything you need to tackle Mudborne and breed a successful pond community.

**This walkthrough is currently in progress. It was last updated on 3/26/2025**

What Platforms Is Mudborne Available On

Mudborne frog
Screenshot by Bonus Action

At the time, Mudborne is only available for PC via Steam. The game costs $7.99 and can be bought in a bundle alongside Apico.

Currently, there has been no announcement indicating Mudborne will be ported to the Nintendo Switch and consoles. However, Apico has been released across platforms, so it is possible Mudborne could get additional releases in the future.

Is Mudborne Steam Deck Certified?

As of March 2025, Mudborne is not Steam Deck certified. However, it does offer controller support with Xbox and PlayStation controllers.

Can You Mod Modborne?

Yes, Mudborne supports modding. To use mods, you can subscribe to the Steam Workshop, download what you would like to add, and then apply them via the main menu under “Modding”.

How To Get Basic Tools

Unlike in Apico, where everything must be painstakingly crafted, Mudborne starts players with a handful of tools, including the Magnifying Glass, Axe, Bug Net, Carpenter’s Hammer, and 20 Buckets.

Players also start with the Encyclopedia and a Compendium that keeps track of all quests in the game.

Follow The Compendium

One of our first big pieces of advice is to read and follow the Compendium as soon as you get it. Critical walkthroughs and items are included in these quests, including the World Map.

How to Get The Map in Mudborne

To get the “Atlus” map in Mudborne, complete “Moving On” in the Compendium. This is completed by finishing every task in the “Getting Around” tab of the book.

How To Remove Algae Blooms

Algae Filter Mudborne
Screenshot by Bonus Action

When getting started in Mudborne, you will notice some areas are blocked by algae blooms in the water. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to do anything about this until you unlock the Northern Pool and meet Ribbert in the Kindergarten Map.

Once you have spoken to Ribbert for the first time, you will be able to trade for an Algae Filter. It will cost x2 Flat Stinkhorn mushrooms and x3 Waterproof for 3 filters.

Place the Algae Filter in an area suffering from a bloom and add up to three frogs. We recommend Furious Lurkers. This will clear up the Algae and open a path.

How To Get the Workshop Loft Key

To get the Workshop Loft Key, complete the Central Pool, requiring a Vast Mudlurker with genetic key 7444444. Place it in the required pool, and then meditate to enter the dream world.

Mudborne Moon Key Location
Screenshot by Bonus Action

Once in the realm, use the dream bridges to cross to the small island with a chest. This bridge isn’t available in the normal version of the world. Open the chest to obtain the Workshop Loft Key.

Once obtained, return to the normal world and speak with Hopert to open the loft door in his shop.

How to Access & Open the Workshop Ancient Gateway

Mudborne Workshop Loft Ancient Gateway
Screenshot by Bonus Action

After opening the Workshop Loft, players can open the Workshop Ancient Gateway located in the loft. The key requires one Vast Mudlurker and two frogs of any type. Once opened, you can access another version of the world with new maps, bridges, and routes.

How to Find Reception Key G

This key, which looks like a moon with a green gem in the center, is the second key needed in Mudborne. To get it, players need to unlock the Pontoon Pool. This is the second pool that can be accessed. It’s location can be seen on your map.

To unlock this pool, you will need a frog with Nobility and Odor scores of 7. Start with two Gen 1 Common Green frogs. Breed them together.

Mix the resulting frogspawn with an x3 Flat Stinkhorn magic mud. Raise these frogs to adulthood. This will result in a Long-Legged Dazzler.

Catch and place the Long-Legged Dazzler in the second Central Pool. Enter the dream world.

Key G Location Mudborne
Screenshot by Bonus Action

Once there, head up until you find an open door that stands open. Head inside and open the chest to get the key. Head back to the normal world and place the key in the green moon door.

How to Cross Dark Water in Mudborned

Stepping Stones Mudborne
Screenshot by Bonus Action

To cross the dark water in Mudborne, look for grey Stepping Stone lilypads. If you are like me, you’ll have spent an embarrassing amount of time stuck in the first shallow area of the map.

You’ll need to click on this to jump to them, as there is no active jump command for your little frog man.

Remember to keep a supply of Vast Mudlurkers on hand, as many of the stones are sunken under the water untila pressure plate is activated. Place the lurker on the pressure plates you find to unlock the pathways.

All Crafting Stations in Mudborne and How To Get Them

Unlike Apico, players won’t be crafting their stations from scratch. Instead, you will need to trade for base crafting stations from characters like Hopert. Below are all the crafting stations, what they cost, and who to get them from.

Crafting StationCostUsesVendor
Composterx5 Logs
x1 Bucket of Mud
Used to decompose vegetation into compostHopert
Bucketx1 Log
x1 Waterproof
Used to hold mud and waterHopert
Bedx5 Log
x10 Reeds
Used to skip to specific times of dayHopert
Small Cratex2 Log
x1 Waterproof
Used for storageHopert
Large Cratex5 Log
x2 Waterproof
Used to store more items than a Small CrateHopert
Cultivatorx1 Log
x1 Waterproof
Used for growing mushroomsHopert
Crusherx5 Log
x1 Bucket
Crushes mushrooms into powderHopert
Cauldronx5 Log
x1 Bucket of Water
Used to make Magic MudHopert
Spawnerx5 Log
x1 Small Crate
Used to breed two frogs to make frogspawnHopert
Nurseryx5 Log
x5 Waterproof
x1 Bucket of Mud
Used to modify frogspawn geneticsHopert
Feederx5 Log
x5 Waterproof
x1 Bucket of Water
Used to feed TadpolesHopert
Predictorx5 Log
x5 Mirror Shards
Calculates traits of frog offspringHopert after finding the blueprint
Breederx5 Log
x1 Spawner
x1 Bucket of Water
Auto-breeds existing frogs without altering traitsHopert after finding the blueprint
Proginatorx5 Log
x5 Memory Gel
x5 Mirror Shards
Shows traits of previous frog generationsHopert after finding the blueprint
Algae Filtersx2 Flat Stinkhorn
x3 Waterproof
Filters Algae with high Edacity frogsRibbert
Small Bug Hotelx1 Pickled Bonnet
x1 Stout Funnel
x1 Small Crate
Bug storage and displayRibbert
Large Bug Hotelx1 Raucous Conecap
x1 Flat Stinkhorn
x1 Large Crate
Bug storage and displayRibbert
Fancy Bug Hotelx1 Grubby Parachute
x1 Bothersome Fungus
x1 Large Crate
Bug storage and displayRibbert
ProjectorTBDTBDTBD
StagnatorTBDTBDTBD
Bug Trapx1 Small Crate
x5 Log
x5 leaves
Traps bugs when placedHopert
FarmerTBDTBDTBD

All Crafting Materials in Mudborne

Mudborne reeds
Photo by Bonus Action

Below are all the useful materials players will collect, and what they can be used for.

MaterialLocationsUses
ReedsHarvested from Reed plants in waterTrading
WeedsHarvested from Pondweedlings in waterTrading
Making Compost
LogsHarvested from treesTrading
Making Compost
WaterproofHarvested from Lily PadsTrading
Making Compost
SaltHarvested from treesMaking Compost
LeavesHarvested from treesMaking Compost
Memory GelHarvested from JellyfishTrading
Making Compost
Mirror ShardsHarvested from Dream CrystalsTrading
Making Compost
ResinHarvested from trees in the dream worldTrading
Making Compost

How to Mix Mushrooms and Make Magic Mud

One of the most important mechanics in Mudborne is mixing magic mud. Players will use the Crusher to pulverize mushrooms they find in the overworld. Then, they can be mixed with mud in the Cauldron for different effects.

This magic mud is then added to Frogspawn, affecting the resulting genetic traits of the frogs.

Every mushroom has different properties, and multiple mushroom types can be mixed into a vat of mud at one time. Players can use up to three different mushroom powders, and they will interact differently depending on their traits.

Additionally, magic mud strength can be increased by adding multiples of the same mushroom powder. Below are all the traits mushrooms can affect.

  • Amplitude
  • Nobility
  • Odour
  • Umbrage
  • Ribbit
  • Edacity
  • Saturation

Each frog has these scores in their genetics, and the score on the mushroom interacts with the existing genetic score. This can be a number from one to seven.

All Mushrooms and How To Get Them

There are a total of 24 mushrooms in Mudborne. Each has specific growing requirements and holds certain attributes important to breeding new fogs. Below are all the mushroom types, where they grow, and how they affect magic mud.

NOTE: This section is being updated as we find each new mushroom.

MushroomRealmBlooming ConditionsGenetic Score
Stout Funnel Mudborne
Stout Funnel
WakingSpores form in Balmy & Drenched areas in damp environments. Blooms when it rainsAplitude +1
Flat Stinkhorn Mudborne
Flat Stinkhorn
WakingSpores form in Grass in Balmy areas with normal environmentsNobility +1
Odour +1
Withering Rot Mushroom Mudborne
Withering Rot
WakingSpores form in Mud & Chilly areas with a damp environment. Blooms when not rainingAmplitude -1
Saturation -1
Bothersome Fungus Mudborne
Bothersome Fungus
WakingSpores form in Mud & Warm areas with a damp environment. Blooms when it rainsUmbrage +1
Edacity +1
Towering Expander Mudborne
Towering Expander
DreamingSpores form in grass in Warm areas with a Normal environmentAmplitude Modifier x2
Fool's Mirror Mudborne
Fool’s Mirror
DreamingSpores form in water in Chilly areas with a Wet environmentAmplitude Modifier x-1
Nobility Modifier x-1
Bloating Mould Mudborne
Bloating Mould
DreamingSpores form inside in Mild areas with a Dry environmentOdour SUPPRESS
Saturation Modifier x2
Shrinking Cap Mudborne
Shrinking Cap
WakingSpores form in stagnant water in Balmy areas with damp environment (Kindergarten still pools are optimal)Amplitude -1
Odour -1

How to Cultivate Mushrooms

To cultivate mushrooms, you will need a Cultivator and Compost.

Place the Cultivator near a wild growing mushroom you want to grow. Add the compost to the cultivator and then wait a few minutes. If placed correctly, the spores from the wild mushroom will land and grow in the Cultivator.

Cultivators can also be placed away from existing mushrooms, but it will take longer for spores to appear inside.

Once grown, harvest the mushrooms.

All Frogs in Mudborne and How To Breed Them

FrogBase Gene CodeLocationsBreeding/Catch Requirements
Common Green Frog Mudborne
Common Green
4,4,4,4,4,4,4The waking worldCatch with net in the wild
Vast Mudlurker Mudborne
Vast Mudlurker
7,4,4,4,4,4,4Where released after breedingBreed to Common Greens and mix fogspawn with x3 strength Stout Funnel magic mud
Long Legged Dazzler Mudborne
Long-Legged Dazzler
4,7,7,4,4,4,4Where released after breedingBreed two Common Greens and mix frogspawn with x3 strength Flat Stinkhorn magic mud
Pocket Snoozer Mudborne
Pocket Snoozer
1,5,5,5,5,5,5Where released after breedingBreed two Dozy Dreamers and mix frogspawn with x1 Fool’s Mirror & x2 Stout Funnel magic mud.

Raise the frogs and repeat the above steps a second time.
Furious Lurker Mudborne
Furious Lurker
4,4,4,7,4,7,4Where released after breedingBreed two Common Greens and mix frogspawn with x3 strength Bothersome Fungus magic mud.
Rancid Lurker4,2,5,7,4,7,4Where released after breedingBreed two Furious Lurkers and mix frogspawn with x1 Fool’s Mirror, x1 Squat Amplifier, and x1 Flat Stinkhorn.
Weeny Sponge Mudborne
Weeny Sponge
1,4,4,4,4,4,1Where released after breedingBreed two Common Greens and mix frogspawn with x3 strength Withering Rot magic mud.
Sleeping Sponge1,5,5,5,5,5,1Where released after breedingBreed two Dozy Dreamers and mix frogspawn with x3 strength Withering Rot magic mud.
Dozy Dreamer Mudborne
Dozy Dreamer
5,5,5,5,5,5,5The dreaming worldCatch with net in the wild
Spotless Napper Mudborne
Spotless Napper
5,5,1,5,5,5,5Where released after breedingBreed two Dozy Dreamers and mix frogspawn with x3 Shrinking Cap magic mud.
Spotless Nipper
(Standard)
4,4,1,4,4,4,4Where released after breeding
Breed Slippery Nappers and mix frogspawn with x1 Stout Funnel and x2 Towering Expander.
Slippery Napper
(Orange)
1,5,1,5,5,5,5Where released after breedingBreed two Spotless Nippers and mix frogspawn with x3 Shrinking Cap magic mud twice.
Pristine Peach-eyes Mudborne
Pristine Peach-eyes
1,4,1,4,4,4,4Where released after breedingBreed two Dozy Dreamers and mix frogspawn with x1 Shrinking Cap and x2 Towering Expander magic mud

How to Breed Frogs in Mudborne

To breed frogs in Mudborne, you will need two frogs and the Spawner. The Spawner can be purchased from Hopert. Place the spawner down and add both frogs. After a duration, the frogs will be gone, and in their place will be Frogspawn.

This will need to be put in the Nursery if players want to change the genetics of the frogs with Magic Mud.

After they are altered, place the frogspawn in the Feeder to raise them into new frogs.

How To Breed Frogs For Specific Genetics & Species in Mudborne

Breeding isn’t just about making more frogs in Mudborne. You will also need to breed frogs with specific genetics to unlock Service Pools. These are ponds that look like large frog fountains scattered around the map.

Each Service Pool requires a frog with specific genetics, and getting them requires the right blend of frogs and Magic Mud.

Understanding Frog Genetics

Mudborne Base frog genetics
Screenshot by Bonus Action

To get started breeding for genetic traits in Mudborne, you will need a Common Green Frog with Gen 1 genetics. Think of this as your baseline. These frogs start with a score of four in all genetic slots.

To change these slots, players will want to use Magic Mud made with the mushroom color corresponding to the genetic marker. This will raise the base score the same number of score points as the Magic Mud strength.

How to Get Unlock Every Pool in Mudborne – Frog Genetics Breakdown

Below is a breakdown of what is needed to make every Frog type.

Spawning Pools

  • Vast Mudlurker (7,4,4,4,4,4,4)- Central Pool – Breed two Gen 1 Common Green Frogs. Mix the Frogspawn with x3 Stout Funnel Magic Mud.
  • Long-Legged Dazzler (4,7,7,4,4,4,4) – Pontoon Pool – Breed two Common Greens and mix frogspawn with x3 strength Flat Stinkhorn magic mud
  • Pocket Snoozer (1,5,5,5,5,5,5) – Service Pool – Breed two Dozy Dreamers and mix frogspawn with x1 Fool’s Mirror & x2 Stout Funnel magic mud. Raise the frogs and repeat the above steps a second time.
  • Furious Lurker/Rancid Lurker (4,4,4,7,4,7,4) & (4,2,5,7,4,7,4)
    • Northern Pool – Breed two Common Greens and mix frogspawn with x3 strength Bothersome Fungus magic mud.
    • Breed two Furious Lurkers and mix frogspawn with x1 Fool’s Mirror, x1 Squat Amplifier, and x1 Flat Stinkhorn.

Kindergarten

  • Spotless Napper/Spotless Napper (Slippery – (5,5,1,5,5,5,5) & (1,5,1,5,5,5,5)
    • Breed two Dozy Dreamers and mix frogspawn with x3 Shrinking Cap magic mud. Repeat.
    • Breed resulting Slippery Nippers and mix frogspawn with x1 Stout Funnel and x2 Towering Expander.

How to Unlock New Maps in Mudborne

To access new maps in Mudborne, players must complete the unlock requiremenets for the Northern Pool in the Spawning Pools/Distant Pools map.

After doing this, the Central Junction/Dream Core map unlocks. From here, you can access three different areas:

  • Kindergarten/Future Farms
  • Residential District/Homeward Bound
  • Climate Control/Frozen Dreams

Each area offers new mushrooms, instects, secrets, and missions for players to complete as they work toward unlocking the Hibernation Pool.

Looking for more cozy adventures? Check out our walkthrough for Magical Delicacy, or dive into a wild story in Lost Records: Bloom & Rage.

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