The space outside the Carpenter’s Shop in Mudborne seems quite large, and you’re correct. However, your first journey with Dendro to the Central Junction will reveal just how expansive the pond map truly is. This is before you even consider the dream world!
If you check the map boards scattered throughout Mudborne, you’ll always have an aerial view of your current location. This can be very useful for figuring out your next moves, especially if you plan to utilize quick travel options like the Reflection Pools or Gateway Nexus.
Two Maps for Each Area
At the beginning of your adventure in Mudborne, you’ll start on the Spawning Pool map. This vast space has everything necessary to dive into the heart of the game, from restoring ecosystems to breeding vibrant frogs. As you explore and interact with characters like Hopert, you’ll get familiar with the game’s mechanics and naturally stroll by significant stone pools along your path.
These are called Reflection Pools, and they serve as your gateway between the waking and dream worlds in Mudborne. Each area of the map boasts a corresponding dream world, which largely mirrors the waking world but with important differences. Certain paths may be blocked in the dream world, while other areas could hide crucial items that help you unlock new locations in the waking realm. Furthermore, each area features its own unique obstacles and decorative elements that make them distinct.
Despite the similarities in the maps between the waking and dream worlds, navigating them requires a map! As you explore uncharted territories, watch for bulletin boards with a magnifying glass icon. These are usually positioned in central areas or near significant landmarks. Using your magnifying glass on these boards will allow you to save a map of that area to your Atlas, which helps keep track of your journey.
The maps for the waking and dream worlds are stored separately. For instance, visiting the Kindergarten doesn’t automatically unlock the Future Farms map; you must activate a Reflection Pool and enter the dream world for each map individually. Only then will you observe the environmental changes on each map.
Upon your initial exploration, you’ll notice various markings on the maps. Take note of these marked locations, as they often indicate important buildings, key item spots, helpful hints, and much more. You’ll also find that stepping stones and natural blockages, like patches of algae, are clearly marked, showing you where you can’t go.
Each area offers distinct resources based on which version of the world you are navigating. For example, the Common Green frogs found in the waking world are replaced by Dozy Dreamers in the dream world—frogs with enhanced base A.N.O.U.R.E.S. stats. Balancing resources from both realms is key to advancing your story in Mudborne.
Additionally, keep an eye out for stone archways across the maps. These archways serve as portals into the Gateway Nexus, enabling speedy travel between regions without the need for a long walk.
To aid your navigation, we’ve compiled a summary of the significant buildings and features for each map in Mudborne below.
Overview of Each Map in Mudborne
| Map | Key Features | Characters and Story |
|---|---|---|
| Spawning Pools |
|
Here, you’ll learn the fundamentals of Mudborne. Characters like Hopert and the Compendium guide you as you become familiar with frog breeding, mushroom cultivation, using Reflection Pools, and more. Hopert, a carpenter, offers various tools, adorable frog-themed furniture, and plenty of storage for your items. Your first home is the Carpenter’s Workshop with a Gateway Nexus portal located on the loft roof. |
| Kindergarten |
|
Located west of the Central Junction, the Kindergarten features Ribbert, a frog with a mushroom cap who helps you clear algae blooms obstructing parts of the map. In exchange for Filters and various bugs and mushroom furniture, Ribbert will assist you in repairing broken lifts that connect different islands and levels of the map. Bring frogs with high Umbrage stats to use in filters for clearing algae. The Gateway Nexus portals are located beside Ribbert’s dock and on an island north of the stagnant water pools and Bug Farms. |
| Residential District |
|
The Residential District lies to the east of the Central Junction and may initially seem overwhelming due to its size. To navigate here, you’ll need to drain flooded rooms with the aid of Kroaka and his array of helpful tools. A key aspect of this area involves managing Saturation, adjusting the dampness of various spots to access important items. You’ll require a Humidifier and Dehumidifier from Kroaka, which you can also use back at your own home for ongoing projects with mushrooms and new frog breeds. The Gateway Nexus portals are close to Site Management and at an island in the center of the map, near Central Engineering and the Staff Canteen. |
| Climate Control |
|
Upon arriving at Climate Control, the area may feel daunting, particularly as it’s mostly frozen due to a massive storm that triggered the events of Mudborne. The machinery is malfunctioning, and fixing it falls to you. You’ll meet Annura in the Caretaker’s Rest as you explore this frosty landscape. You’ll utilize Heaters and Coolers from Annura to navigate by managing the temperature to access buildings. You’ll also need to devise a path around large green pipes that block your way, making it essential to find routes across the water. Your goal is to deal with frozen control items before returning to Climate Control to repair the machinery and improve exploration opportunities. Gateway Nexus portals are located near Annura in the Caretaker’s Rest and on the northern island above Deep Storage. |
| Central Junction |
|
The Central Junction serves as your primary access point to explore most areas in Mudborne. After unlocking the Northern Pool and following Dendro the Historian to his new dock area south of the Pondmother’s Pool, you’ll need to thoroughly explore the Kindergarten, Residential District, and Climate Control maps to advance the story and create three seals, one in each region, allowing direct access to the Pondmother’s Pool. The only Gateway Nexus portal here is located east of Dendro’s dock, providing quick access just north of your home. |
If you spot an area you want to explore later on, you can mark your map with symbols on any map page to remind yourself while you progress through the game.
