Graveyard Keeper 2 Alchemy Guide: Runes, Formulas and Recipes
Updated 2026-09-30 · Fan-made guide for Graveyard Keeper 2 · Not affiliated with Lazy Bear Games
Alchemy in Graveyard Keeper 2 rebuilds the system around three rune colors: research an item, put the right runes in the alchemy station and stir. There are 29 formulas covering quest supplies, potions, growth elixirs and crafting materials — and every ingredient boils down to those same three colors.
The three-rune system
The sequel boils all alchemical ingredients down to three color runes — green, blue and red (community shorthand: RGB). Instead of memorizing dozens of ingredient properties, you learn what each color contributes and mix accordingly.
The basic flow: research an item first, then place its runes into the alchemy station and stir to finish. Every ingredient in the game has a rune profile — guide databases list all 63 ingredients and their runes — so once you read the colors, you can plan any formula.
The 29 formulas
Graveyard Keeper 2 lists 29 alchemical formulas, grouped into quest supplies, potions, growth elixirs, crafting materials and cooking ingredients. The groups matter because they tell you what a formula is for before you burn ingredients on it.
Because multiple ingredient combinations can produce the same formula, databases track the cheapest mixes for each. When a formula calls for a color combination, check which of your stocked ingredients satisfies it most cheaply — the difference adds up over a long run.
Battle potions
Alchemy isn't only economy: the game includes battle potions, which plug directly into the combat system that unlocks Town districts. Brewing before a push is part of battle preparation.
Growth elixirs are the other high-value family — they accelerate farming, which feeds both food production and green tech points. If you're deciding what to brew first, growth elixirs and quest supplies earn their keep fastest.
Alchemy workflow tips
- Research ingredients as you gather them — unresearched items can't be planned.
- Keep a stock of each rune color's cheap carrier ingredients.
- Batch-brew quest supplies before big story beats.
- Check the cheapest mix table before brewing in bulk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does alchemy work in Graveyard Keeper 2?
Alchemy uses three rune colors. Research an item to learn its runes, place the runes in the alchemy station, and stir to produce the formula. There are 29 formulas across potions, elixirs, supplies and materials.
What are the runes in Graveyard Keeper 2?
Green, blue and red runes — every one of the game's 63 alchemical ingredients has a rune profile built from these three colors.
How many alchemy recipes are there?
29 formulas, grouped into quest supplies, potions, growth elixirs, crafting materials and cooking ingredients, with battle potions included among them.