Grounded 2, right from its inception, has matched the magnitude of its predecessor, and its size is anticipated to grow even further in the future.
Grounded 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the survival adventure game Grounded, is now available in early access on various platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, Steam, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Xbox Game Pass. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, the creators of the original Grounded, the game promises a bigger and more immersive experience.
New Features and Gameplay Mechanics
Grounded 2 introduces several new gameplay mechanics, such as rideable creatures, known as buggies, and unique loadout options. The game also brings back popular modes like Arachnophobia, where players face off against giant spiders. The game's world, Brookhollow Park, is as large as the first Grounded, with a new map set to be around three times larger than the Backyard from the original game.
Continuous Development and Updates
During its early access period, Grounded 2 has a roadmap outlining major updates spanning roughly the first year through summer 2026, with ongoing content expected beyond that. Key planned updates and features include:
- Fall 2025 update: Introduction of a new major boss, believed to be a tarantula, new weapons and armor sets, expanded base-building options, new areas within Brookhollow Park, quality-of-life improvements, AXL Recipes, and AXL's Arena for Brookhollow Park.
- Winter 2025 update: Support for Steam Deck and ROG Ally, new insects like Cricket and Earwig, variants of existing insects, and the introduction of a Ladybug Buggy mount.
- Summer 2026 update: Further large content updates, possibly continuing expansion of the map and gameplay features.
- Beyond summer 2026: Additional features without a specified timeframe, likely to roll out during the second year of early access. These may include revamped features from the original Grounded, more weapons, armor, creatures, and base-building options.
Learning from the Past
Obsidian Entertainment has taken lessons from its debut project and poured them into Grounded 2. The game features bustling ecosystems of creatures, countless options for building bases, a vast array of gear, and character upgrade opportunities. Grounded 2 has landed in early access, similar to its predecessor, with the promise of continuous growth and new content for players.
The Journey Ahead
While Grounded 2 is still in early access and lacks a complete narrative, endgame, level editor, and rogue's gallery of secret bosses, it has already gained an absurd amount of content over its development period. The map in Grounded 2 is already massive, with diverse biomes, unique locations, and secrets to discover. The team at Obsidian Entertainment is committed to significantly expanding Grounded 2 with new bosses, creatures, crafting, mounts, and areas during the early access period.
Accessing Grounded 2
Grounded 2's sequel is available for purchase at xbox.com for $29.99. For those interested in subscribing to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, a 3-month subscription is available for $59.99 at BestBuy.com or Amazon.com.
Xbox Series X, PC, and Steam users can play Grounded 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the survival adventure game Grounded, through Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Cloud Gaming, or by purchasing it from xbox.com for $29.99.
In fall 2025, expect the introduction of a new major boss, new weapons and armor sets, expanded base-building options, and more, including support for Steam Deck and ROG Ally.
During its early access period, Grounded 2 promises continuous updates and the addition of new features such as rideable creatures, known as buggies, and unique loadout options.
Obsidian Entertainment, the developers of Grounded 2, aim to significantly expand the game, adding new bosses, creatures, crafting, mounts, and areas.
The game's world, Brookhollow Park, is as large as the first Grounded, with a new map set to be around three times larger than the Backyard from the original game, offering diverse biomes, unique locations, and secrets to discover.
