Where To Find a Mandrake in PEAK (Cryptogastronomy Badge)

If you thought the achievements in PEAK couldn’t get any weirder, the Roots update proves otherwise. Instead of climbing daring heights or surviving brutal storms, the new Cryptogastronomy Badge requires you to cook and eat a screaming plant known as the Mandrake. This guide will walk you through how to find, cook, and safely eat a Mandrake to claim the Cryptogastronomy Badge in PEAK.

PEAK: How to Cure Zombie Bites (Undead Encounter Badge)

Zombies have infected the ROOTS biome in PEAK, and if you've been unfortunately bitten by one, then here's how to cure yourself (or your friends).

Posts

By Jake Fillery

Where To Find a Mandrake in PEAK

First things first, you need to find a Mandrake. To do so, you’ll need to reach the Roots biome, which is the new map introduced in the Roots update. Until November 17, 2025, this biome is guaranteed to appear after the Shore, making it the best time to go Mandrake hunting before it rotates with the Tropics biome later.

Once you’re in the Roots biome in PEAK, start searching through shrubs and patches of earth for Medicinal Roots. These orange, plant-like items grow in clusters and are usually used as healing resources. Occasionally, when you pull one out, you’ll find a Mandrake. It looks nearly identical to a Medicinal Root but has a creepy little face and immediately begins screaming as soon as you pull it out.

When a Mandrake screams, it inflicts the Drowsy status effect on anyone nearby. This can cause you and your teammates to pass out.

How to Cook and Eat a Mandrake in PEAK

Once you’ve got a Mandrake, it’s time to cook it. The safest and easiest way to do this is with a Portable Stove, a common item found in the Shore biome. This stove lets you cook any time, anywhere.

It’s best to carry a Portable Stove if you’re aiming to get this badge in PEAK. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to carry the Mandrake to a campfire as quickly as possible. Campfires are usually found at the top of the biome or near checkpoints. Just be careful not to drop the Mandrake or faint along the way.

When you’ve reached a safe cooking spot, place the Mandrake on the stove or campfire to cook it. After it’s done, eat the cooked Mandrake. Consuming it will instantly unlock the Cryptogastronomy Badge.

After you unlock the badge and complete your climb, you’ll receive the Sprout Hat. This small, leafy cosmetic is your reward for claiming the Cryptogastronomy Badge.

Rating block community and brand ratings Image