Budling is the tricky part of Fisch's new update: he wanders in Living Garden, but touching water sends him back to the start of the escort. The update also adds three fish, each in a different existing area.
To get the companion, you need access to Living Garden and a careful bridge crossing. The update details do not say whether Budling needs an item or payment, so follow the in-game prompt and do not assume the random seed he carries is something you need to bring. For the fish, this guide sticks to the confirmed area for each catch and points you to the live in-game Bestiary for conditions that can change.
How to Reach Living Garden in Fisch
Budling appears in Living Garden, so unlock the area before searching for him. The route runs through Lost Jungle and Toxic Cave, and it ends with the Toxic-Proof Raft.
- Complete at least 50% of the Lost Jungle Bestiary.
- Buy the gas mask for 75,000 C$.
- Enter Toxic Cave and speak with Olivia.
- Catch either a Venom Maw or a Mycotide Serpent from a Toxic Boil, then return it to Olivia.
- Receive the Toxic-Proof Raft and use it to reach Living Garden.
Once you arrive, you can start looking for the wandering companion instead of trying to reach Budling from a normal fishing area.
How to Get the Budling Companion in Fisch
Budling wanders around Living Garden carrying a random seed. Finding him is only the first part. You'll need to guide him across the side bridges to the garden without letting him touch the water.
Follow these steps when you find him:
- Locate Budling in Living Garden and start the escort interaction.
- Guide him across the side bridges toward the garden. Stay on the bridge path and take it slowly rather than cutting across the water.
- Complete the crossing without letting Budling touch the water. Once you finish, Budling unlocks as a companion.
What Happens If Budling Touches Water?
Water contact resets Budling all the way to the start of the escort. You will need to make the bridge crossing again, so slow down near the edges and keep him on the bridge path before continuing.
How to Equip Budling in Fisch
Fisch's Companion Satchel is the general storage and equip menu for companions. It unlocks at Level 30, opens with C, and lets you equip only one companion at a time. The general rules are also covered in this Fisch companion guide.
After Budling is unlocked and the satchel is available, press C, choose Budling, and equip him. Level 30 is the general Companion Satchel requirement, not a confirmed Budling-specific recruitment gate. Budling is reported to have unique passive bonuses, but their exact effects are not established here, so avoid planning around a specific stat or bonus.
Where to Catch the Three New Fish in Fisch
The update places the three new catches in separate existing areas. Travel to the area in the table, fish there, and check the matching Bestiary entry when the catch registers.
| New fish | Area to fish | Image |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Galapagos Octopus | Desolate Deep |  |
| Walrus | Snowcap Island |  |
| Reef Triggerfish | Roslit Bay |  |
Since the update details only list the areas, open each fish's live Bestiary entry before casting to check its bait, weather, time, season, and other catch conditions rather than borrowing requirements from another fish.
The practical order is simple: unlock Living Garden, find Budling, and keep his escort on the side bridges. Then use the Companion Satchel once you reach Level 30, and visit Desolate Deep, Snowcap Island, and Roslit Bay with the Bestiary open for the three new catches.
