How to Get the Cryptogastronomy badge in Peak

By Ambar Jimenez | 2025-11-10 20:47:31

Earning the Cryptogastronomy badge in PEAK's ROOTS update is a unique challenge that requires more than just skill—it requires culinary courage. This guide provides a complete, step-by-step walkthrough to find the elusive Mandrake, survive its dangerous scream, and successfully cook it to unlock the badge and its exclusive Sprout Hat reward.

Cryptogastronomy Badge Summary

For those seeking a quick overview, here's what you need to do:

Find a Mandrake: Locate the rare plant in the ROOTS biome by identifying its faint facial features.

Survive the Scream: Use a Cure-All or Faerie Lantern to counteract the debilitating Drowsy effect triggered when you harvest it.

Cook and Consume: Use a Portable Stove or Campfire to cook the Mandrake, then eat it to instantly unlock the badge.

Complete the Run: Finish your expedition to permanently receive the Sprout Hat cosmetic.

Step 1: How to Find the Mandrake in the ROOTS Biome

The entire challenge revolves around a single, rare resource: the Mandrake. Your first and most critical task is to locate one.

Exclusive Location: Mandrakes only appear in the new ROOTS biome. You will not find them anywhere else in the game.
Visual Identification: At a glance, a Mandrake is a master of disguise, looking almost identical to a common Medicinal Root. The key difference is the faint, human-like facial features on its body. Look closely at any root you find; this detail is your only visual clue before harvesting.

Step 2: Harvesting and Surviving the Mandrake's Scream

The moment you uproot the Mandrake, the real challenge begins. As per itsfolklore, the plant will emit a piercing shriek that has a directgameplay impact.

Understanding the Drowsy Effect:
The Mandrake's scream inflicts the Drowsy status effect on all players within earshot. This effect:

Significantly slows your movement speed.
Rapidly drains your stamina/energy.
Can affect your entire team in co-op mode, making coordination essential.

Best Items to Counter the Drowsy Effect

Do not attempt to harvest a Mandrake without a plan. Always have one of these curative items in your inventory beforehand:

Energy Drink: A temporary fix. It will suppress the Drowsy effect for a short time,but the debuff will return once it wears off. Use this only in a pinch.
Cure-All or Faerie Lantern (Recommended): These items provide a permanent solution. They will completely cleansethe Drowsy status effect, allowing you and your team to return to normal immediately. This is the safest and most efficient strategy.

Step 3: Cooking the Mandrake and Claiming Your Reward

With the Mandrake safely in your inventory and its scream silenced, you're ready for the final step.

Where to Cook:
You have two options for cooking your Mandrake:

Portable Stove: A craftable or findable item you can carry with you during a run.
Campfire: The permanent safe haven found at the top of each biome.

How to Unlock the Badge:
Interact with your chosen cooking source, select the Mandrake, and cook it. Once prepared, consume it. It will restore health, but the crucial outcomeis that the Cryptogastronomy badge unlocks instantly.

Ensure you complete the run after eating the Mandrake to secure the Sprout Hat, a distinctive cosmetic item that proudly displays your accomplishment as a master of cryptogastronomy.

Platform(s): Microsoft Windows PC

Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Indie

Developer(s): Aggro Crab, Landfall

Publisher(s): Three Hands Co

Release date: 16 JUN 2025

Mode: Single-player, multiplayer

▶

Other Articles Related

How to Get the Applied Esoterica Badge in Peak
Learn the proven strategies to unlock the Applied Esoterica badge in Peak.Our guide breaks down the exact steps and requirements to achieve thischallenging and mysterious in-game achievement.
How to Get the Competitive Eating Badge in Peak
Learn how to earn the Competitive Eating Badge in Peak. Discover the fasteststrategies, best foods to use, and pro tips to master this uniquein-game challenge.
How to Get the Cryptogastronomy badge in Peak
Learn how to earn the exclusive Cryptogastronomy badge in Peak. This guidecovers the steps, challenges, and strategies to unlock this uniqueculinary-themed achievement.
How to Get the Plague Doctor Outfit in PEAK
Learn how to unlock the rare Plague Doctor outfit in PEAK.Discover the specific quests, hidden locations, or challenges you mustcomplete to claim this coveted cosmetic item for your character.
How to Find Shroomberries in PEAK
Discover Shroomberries in the new Roots Biome of PEAK! Learn where to find all 5 color variants (Red, Orange, Green, Blue, Purple) and how to eat them safely to earn the Advanced Mycology Badge. Beware, each berry grants a random, daily-changing effect!
How to Bounce up 40m Off a Mushroom in PEAK
Bounce up 40m off a Mushroom in the game PEAK with this guide! Learn the exact spot and technique needed to complete the achievement or challenge quickly. Easy-to-follow steps and tips included.
How to Cook a Mandrake in PEAK
Learn how to cook a mandrake in PEAK with clear instructions, tips, and creative insights for mastering this unique recipe.
How To Get Tread Lightly Badge in PEAK
Learn how to earn the Tread Lightly badge in PEAK. Discover the key actions,requirements, and strategies to demonstrate your commitment tosustainability and unlock this achievement.
How to find all shroomberry types in PEAK
all shroomberry types in PEAK! Uncover tips and tricks to identify and collect these unique berries for your adventures.
How to get All The Roots update achievements in PEAK
the latest achievements in PEAK: All The Roots. Stay updated on newfeatures, enhancements, and tips
How To Get Compensator Blueprint in Arc Raiders
Learn how to secure the Compensator Blueprint in Arc Raiders. Our guidecovers the best farming methods, mission strategies, and enemy drops tocraft this essential weapon attachment.
How To Get Light Bulbs in Arc Raiders
Learn how to find and secure Light Bulbs in ARC Raiders, a key craftingresource. This guide covers the best looting locations, strategies forevading enemy ARC, and tips for a successful extraction.
How To Get Stitcher SMG in Arc Raiders
Learn how to get the Stitcher SMG in ARC Raiders with our step-by-step guide. Find the weapon parts, complete the assembly, and dominate thebattlefield with this powerful close-range weapon.
How To Get Burletta Pistol in Arc Raiders
Learn how to get the Burletta Pistol in ARC Raiders with our step-by-stepguide. Find the blueprint location, required materials, and craftingtips to unlock this powerful sidearm.
All Battles List in Hyrule Warriors Age of Imprisonment
Explore every clash in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. Our complete listdetails all main story battles, challenging side quests, and unlockablemissions to conquer before the Great Calamity.