Let me tell you something – when I first heard about the Cryptogastronomy badge in PEAK, I thought it sounded pretty straightforward. I mean, how hard could it be to cook and eat a plant, right? Boy, was I in for a surprise! After spending countless hours getting screamed at by these little root demons and passing out more times than I’d like to admit, I’m here to share everything I’ve learned about finding, cooking, and eating a Mandrake in PEAK.
What is the Cryptogastronomy Badge?
The Cryptogastronomy badge is one of the newest achievements added to PEAK as part of the Roots update. When I first saw it in the accolades menu, I was immediately intrigued – mostly because I had no idea what “cryptogastronomy” even meant! After some digging (pun intended), I discovered that this badge requires you to cook and eat a Mandrake, which sounds simple enough until you actually try to do it.
Trust me, this isn’t your average cooking challenge. The Mandrake is one of the most dangerous items you’ll encounter in PEAK, and earning this badge requires a perfect combination of luck, preparation, and quick thinking. But the reward – the adorable Sprout Hat cosmetic – makes it all worth it in my opinion.
Where to Find a Mandrake in PEAK?
Understanding the Roots Biome
First things first, you need to reach the Roots biome to even have a chance at finding a Mandrake. When I first entered this biome, I was blown away by how different it feels from the other areas in PEAK. The Roots biome is this dark, mysterious underground forest filled with glowing plants, giant roots, and more spiders than I care to remember.
Here’s the good news: until November 17, 2026, the Roots biome is guaranteed to appear after the Shore biome. This makes it the perfect time to hunt for Mandrakes before the biome rotation changes and you might end up in the Tropics instead. I’d recommend taking advantage of this guaranteed spawn while you can!
The Medicinal Root Deception
Now, here’s where things get tricky. Mandrakes don’t have their own spawn locations – they disguise themselves as Medicinal Roots! When I first started hunting for them, I was pulling up every orange plant I could find, hoping one would magically transform into a Mandrake. It took me way too long to realize that there’s no way to tell the difference until you actually pull one out of the ground.
According to my research and personal experience, Mandrakes have a 50% chance to spawn instead of a regular Medicinal Root. This means every time you find one of those orange, plant-like items growing in clusters throughout the Roots biome, you’ve got basically a coin flip’s chance of it being a Mandrake.
My Mandrake Hunting Strategy
After failing miserably several times, I’ve developed a pretty solid strategy for finding Mandrakes efficiently:
- Focus on shrubs and patches of earth – Medicinal Roots (and therefore Mandrakes) tend to grow in these areas
- Bring friends – Having teammates means more people to spot and pull roots
- Stay alert – The moment you pull a Mandrake, you’ll know it immediately (more on that in a bit)
- Be prepared to run – Trust me on this one
When I’m hunting for Mandrakes, I like to sweep through the Roots biome systematically, checking every cluster of plants I can find. It’s tedious, but it’s the most reliable method I’ve found so far.
The Mandrake Scream: What to Expect?
Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – or rather, the screaming root in your hands. When you pull a Mandrake out of the ground, you’re in for quite a shock. These little guys have creepy little faces and they let out an absolutely blood-curdling scream the moment they’re uprooted.
Understanding the Scream Mechanics
From my extensive research and personal experience (read: many, many failures), here’s exactly what happens when a Mandrake screams:
- The scream lasts for 3 seconds straight
- After screaming, there’s a cooldown period of 0.75 to 2 seconds
- Anyone within 10 meters of the screaming Mandrake gains 5 Drowsy status every quarter second
- The Drowsy effect can make you pass out if it gets too high
The first time this happened to me, I completely panicked. I was so focused on the fact that I’d finally found a Mandrake that I completely forgot about the scream. Next thing I knew, my screen was getting blurry and I was on the ground unconscious while my teammates laughed at me. Not my finest moment, let me tell you!
How to Counteract the Drowsy Effect?
Through trial and error (mostly error), I’ve discovered several ways to deal with the Drowsy status effect:
- Energy drinks – These work temporarily, but the effect returns once they wear off
- Cure-All items – Much more effective and longer-lasting
- Faerie Lantern – This has been a lifesaver for me on multiple occasions
- Book of Bones – If you’re playing as a skeleton, you’re actually immune to Drowsy!
My personal recommendation? If you know you’re going Mandrake hunting, pack a Cure-All or Faerie Lantern. They’re worth their weight in gold when you’re trying to stay conscious long enough to cook your prize.
How to Cook a Mandrake in PEAK?
The Portable Stove Method (My Preferred Approach)
Let me tell you something – the Portable Stove has become my best friend when it comes to earning the Cryptogastronomy badge. This legendary equipment item is an absolute game-changer, and here’s why:
Where to Find Portable Stoves:
- Regular Luggage (found anywhere outside the Shore biome)
- Big Luggage (also found outside Shore)
- They have a Legendary rarity, so they’re not super common
When I first started hunting for Portable Stoves, I was checking every piece of luggage I came across. It took me several runs before I finally found one, but let me tell you, it was worth the wait.
Using the Portable Stove:
- Weight: 5 units (so plan your inventory accordingly)
- Can be placed anywhere, allowing you to cook on the spot
- Removes 5 Cold per second from players within 2 meters
- Lasts for 60 seconds after placement
- WARNING: Do NOT cook the Portable Stove itself – it explodes and deals up to 20 Injury!
The beauty of the Portable Stove is that you can cook the Mandrake immediately after finding it, without having to trek across the entire biome to reach a campfire. When I finally got my hands on one, my success rate with the Cryptogastronomy badge skyrocketed.
The Campfire Method (For When You Don’t Have a Stove)
Look, I get it – Portable Stoves aren’t exactly falling from the sky in PEAK. If you’re like me and spent several runs without finding one, you’ll need to rely on the campfire method.
Campfire Locations:
- Usually found at the top of each biome
- Near checkpoints throughout the map
- Some biomes have multiple campfires, others have just one
When I’m using this method, I like to plan my route carefully. I’ll hunt for Mandrakes in areas closer to known campfire locations, just in case I get lucky and find one. There’s nothing worse than finding a Mandrake only to realize the nearest campfire is on the other side of the map.
Tips for the Campfire Method:
- Map out campfire locations before you start hunting
- Bring stamina-boosting items – you’ll need to run fast
- Communicate with teammates – they can help clear a path or distract enemies
- Consider using movement-enhancing items if you have them
I’ll be honest – this method is way more stressful than using a Portable Stove. The first time I successfully carried a screaming Mandrake all the way to a campfire, I was shaking so much I almost dropped it several times. But the feeling of accomplishment when I finally cooked and ate it? Absolutely incredible.
Cooking and Eating the Mandrake
The Cooking Process
Once you’ve got your Mandrake and reached a cooking location, the actual cooking process is pretty straightforward:
- Place the Mandrake on the stove or campfire – Just interact with the cooking surface while holding the Mandrake
- Wait for it to cook – This usually takes just a few seconds
- Pick up the cooked Mandrake – It’ll stop screaming once it’s cooked, thank goodness
When I first cooked a Mandrake, I was amazed at how quickly the process worked. One moment it’s screaming its head off, the next it’s perfectly silent and ready to eat. The transformation is almost magical.
Eating the Cooked Mandrake
Here’s the moment of truth – actually eating the cooked Mandrake. This is what unlocks the Cryptogastronomy badge, so make sure you’re ready!
What Happens When You Eat It:
- You immediately unlock the Cryptogastronomy badge
- You receive the Sprout Hat cosmetic reward
- You get the same healing effects as a regular Medicinal Root
- It removes 25 Curse (which is actually pretty helpful!)
- You get some bonus stamina
The first time I ate a cooked Mandrake, I was so focused on getting the badge that I almost missed the notification popping up. When I saw that “Cryptogastronomy Badge Unlocked” message, I literally jumped out of my chair. And the Sprout Hat? Adorable! It’s this cute little leafy hat that I rock whenever I’m feeling particularly proud of my badge collection.
Important Note: Do NOT eat a raw Mandrake! I learned this the hard way during one of my early attempts. Eating a raw Mandrake applies the Numb effect for 60 seconds, which hides your stamina bar. In a game like PEAK where stamina management is crucial, this is basically a death sentence. Trust me, always cook it first!
Advanced Tips and Strategies
Team Coordination
When I’m playing with friends, we’ve developed some pretty solid strategies for tackling the Cryptogastronomy badge together:
- Designate a Mandrake hunter – One person focuses on finding Medicinal Roots while others handle enemies and obstacles
- Create a safe path – Teammates can clear out spiders and other threats between the hunting area and the cooking spot
- Share the load – If someone finds a Mandrake, others can help carry items or provide cover
- Communicate constantly – Let everyone know when you’ve found one and where you’re heading
My favorite team strategy involves having one person with a Portable Stove follow the Mandrake hunter at a safe distance. That way, the moment someone finds a Mandrake, we can cook it immediately without any risky running through dangerous territory.
Inventory Management
Let me tell you something I learned the hard way – inventory management is crucial when you’re hunting for Mandrakes. Here’s what I typically bring:
Essential Items:
- Cure-All or Faerie Lantern (for Drowsy)
- Energy drinks (backup for Drowsy)
- Stamina-restoring items
- Movement-enhancing items (if available)
Optional but Helpful:
- Portable Stove (if you’re lucky enough to find one)
- Healing items for general survival
- Items that help with specific biome threats
I’ve found that keeping my inventory relatively light gives me the best chance of success. The last thing you want is to find a Mandrake but be too encumbered to run to a cooking location quickly.
Timing Your Attempts
Through my many attempts, I’ve discovered that timing can actually make a big difference:
Best Times to Hunt:
- When the Roots biome is guaranteed (before November 17, 2026)
- Early in your run when you have full health and stamina
- When you have a good team composition
- After you’ve already found a Portable Stove
Times to Avoid:
- When you’re low on health or stamina
- When the fog is closing in (unless you have Tenderfoot mode)
- When your team is scattered or uncoordinated
- When you’re carrying other valuable items you don’t want to lose
I’ve had the most success when I make Mandrake hunting my primary goal for a run, rather than trying to do it as a side activity while focusing on other objectives.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistakes I’ve Made (So You Don’t Have To)
Let me save you some trouble by sharing some of the biggest mistakes I’ve made while trying to earn the Cryptogastronomy badge:
- Not preparing for the scream – My first few attempts ended with me passing out because I had no way to counteract the Drowsy effect
- Eating the Mandrake raw – I was so excited to finally have one that I forgot to cook it first. The Numb effect was not fun!
- Dropping the Mandrake – When you’re panicked and running from enemies, it’s easy to accidentally drop your prize
- Cooking the Portable Stove – Yeah, don’t do this. The explosion is… impressive
- Hunting alone without proper preparation – Solo attempts are much harder without backup
Environmental Hazards
The Roots biome is beautiful but dangerous, and I’ve learned to watch out for:
- Spiders and their webs – These can trap you at the worst possible moment
- Falling damage – The Roots biome has some tricky vertical sections
- Other players – In multiplayer, not everyone is friendly about sharing resources
- Time pressure – The fog doesn’t wait for you to find your Mandrake
When I’m hunting in the Roots biome, I’m always scanning my surroundings for threats. There’s nothing worse than finally finding a Mandrake only to get wrapped up in a spider web right after.
The Rewards: Is It Worth It?
The Sprout Hat
Let me tell you – the Sprout Hat is absolutely adorable! It’s this cute little cosmetic item that makes your character look like they have a tiny plant growing on their head. I love wearing it when I want to show off my badge-collecting skills.
What I Love About the Sprout Hat:
- Unique design that stands out from other cosmetics
- Shows you’ve completed one of the more challenging badges
- Great conversation starter with other players
- Perfect for showing off your dedication to PEAK
The Badge Itself
Beyond the cosmetic reward, there’s something really satisfying about having the Cryptogastronomy badge on your sash. Whenever I look at my accolades, I feel a sense of pride knowing I conquered one of the trickier challenges in the game.
Why This Badge Feels Special:
- It requires actual skill and preparation (not just luck)
- The process is unique and memorable
- It’s one of the newer badges, so fewer players have it
- The story behind it makes for great gaming anecdotes
Frequently Asked Questions
How rare are Mandrakes in PEAK?
From my experience and research, Mandrakes have a 50% chance to spawn instead of a regular Medicinal Root in the Roots biome. This means every Medicinal Root you find has basically a coin flip’s chance of being a Mandrake. It’s all about luck and persistence!
Can I get the Cryptogastronomy badge in solo mode?
Absolutely! I’ve actually earned this badge both solo and with teams. While having teammates can make it easier (they can help carry items or provide backup), it’s totally possible to do it solo. You just need to be extra prepared and careful.
What happens if I die after finding a Mandrake but before cooking it?
Unfortunately, you’ll lose the Mandrake if you die. I’ve had this happen to me a couple of times, and it’s incredibly frustrating. That’s why I always recommend getting to a safe cooking location as quickly as possible once you have a Mandrake.
Do I need to eat the Mandrake myself, or can someone else eat it?
Great question! The badge is awarded to whoever eats (or is fed) the cooked Mandrake. So if you’re playing with friends, you can cook the Mandrake and have someone else eat it if you want to help them get the badge. I’ve done this with friends who were struggling to find their own Mandrake.
How long does the Drowsy effect last from a Mandrake scream?
The Drowsy effect continues as long as the Mandrake is screaming and you’re within range. The scream lasts 3 seconds with a short cooldown, and you gain 5 Drowsy every quarter second while within 10 meters. Without treatment, this can quickly lead to passing out.
Can I cook multiple Mandrakes at once?
Technically yes, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Each Mandrake will scream independently, and multiple screaming Mandrakes can create a massive Drowsy effect that’s almost impossible to counteract. I’ve tried this once (curiosity got the better of me) and it was chaos!
What’s the best strategy for finding Portable Stoves?
In my experience, Portable Stoves can be found in any luggage outside of the Shore biome. I’ve had the most luck checking luggage in the Roots biome itself, as well as in other biomes like Alpine and Mesa. They’re Legendary rarity, so they’re not super common, but they’re out there if you keep looking.
Does the Cryptogastronomy badge affect gameplay in any way?
Beyond unlocking the Sprout Hat cosmetic, the badge itself is mostly for bragging rights and completion. However, the process of earning it teaches you valuable skills about inventory management, status effect management, and biome navigation that can help with other aspects of the game.
Final Thoughts
Let me tell you something – earning the Cryptogastronomy badge has been one of my most memorable experiences in PEAK. It’s challenging, frustrating at times, but incredibly rewarding when you finally succeed. I’ve learned so much about the game’s mechanics through this process, and I’ve got some great stories to tell about my adventures with screaming Mandrakes.
If you’re thinking about going for this badge, my advice is to be patient, be prepared, and don’t get discouraged if it takes a few tries. Trust me, the feeling of finally cooking and eating that Mandrake and seeing the “Badge Unlocked” notification pop up is absolutely worth all the effort.
And hey, once you’ve got the Sprout Hat, you’ll have a constant reminder of your triumph over one of PEAK’s most challenging (and scream-inducing) achievements!
Want more PEAK tips and tricks? Check out my guide on how to escape from spider webs in PEAK’s Roots biome for more survival strategies in this treacherous biome!
Found this guide helpful? Bookmark it for future reference and share it with your fellow PEAK climbers. Together, we can conquer every badge the game throws at us!