Obsidian Entertainment has a propensity for creating memorable games, and its most recent offering, Grounded 2, is already shaping out to be something very exceptional. This sequel to the popular survival game reduces you down once more, but this time the backyard is only the start. We're talking about a completely new universe, a large park area full with greater risks and even greater chances. It's undeniable that the original game nailed a certain feeling, making you feel little in a universe that is anything but, and this sequel takes that concept and runs with it, improving on everything we enjoyed while adding some very intriguing new features.
If you've been waiting to return to the shrunken world, or if you're new and wondering what all the excitement is about, you've arrived to the perfect place. We'll go over all you need to know about Grounded 2, including when you can play it, what new monsters you'll encounter, and how to build the ultimate miniature stronghold. Prepare to feel small again, but in the best possible manner.
Grounded 2 Release Dates and Launch Times
The wait for Grounded 2 is almost over, and fans are buzzing with anticipation. Knowing when you can jump in is critical, especially for those planning their first major survival session. Obsidian has made it clear when we may expect to get our hands on the eagerly anticipated sequel.
Worldwide Release Schedule
Great news for everyone who wants to play! Grounded 2 goes live tomorrow, July 29, 2025, at 10 a.m. PT, on Steam Early Access and Xbox Game Preview. That puts most people within the July 29 timeframe for its global launch, but here's a quick reference for other regions:
Mark your calendars!
Mark your calendars! Grounded 2 goes live tomorrow, July 29, 2025, at 10 a.m. PT, on Steam Early Access and Xbox Game Preview. #Grounded2Release, #XboxGamePass
Xbox Game Pass and Pricing Details
If you have Xbox Game Pass, you're in luck! On the first day of availability, you can download the game preview from the Microsoft Store. Otherwise, you can purchase the early access release on Steam simultaneously. The regular edition of Grounded 2 costs $29.99 on both platforms. For those searching for a little extra, the $39.99 Founder's Edition includes additional skins, a digital artbook, and the soundtrack. If you start with the normal edition or Game Pass, you can upgrade to the Founder's Pack for $9.99 later.
Grounded 2 Early Access: What To Expect
Early Access indicates that the game is not yet complete, but it allows you to play and provide input as Obsidian develops it. The first Grounded spent a significant amount of time in Early Access, and Grounded 2 is on the same route. Even in its current state, it is making a significant splash.
Grounded 2's early access is quickly turning out to be one of the best survival games I've ever played. #grounded2 #survivalgame
Right now, the Early Access version provides a fair piece of the story, enough to keep you engaged for about 25 hours. There are new territories to discover, and while some parts remain closed off, it's apparent Obsidian has great intentions. Expect some rough edges, such as occasional framerate drops or minor bugs, but the core experience is currently very powerful. The developer intends to release "longer, meatier updates" every four to five months, resulting in fewer but more substantial improvements than during the original game's Early Access era.
Grounded 2 PC System Requirements and Performance.
One of the best aspects of Grounded 2 is how accessible it is, even if your gaming setup isn't brand-new. Obsidian has done an excellent job of ensuring that the game can operate on a wide range of PCs, which is great news for many people.
Minimum versus Recommended Specs
You may be shocked at how ancient your hardware may be while still running Grounded 2. Here's a short glance at the specifications:
Run Grounded 2 on decade-old hardware? Yes, you can. Check out these shockingly simple PC system requirements. #grounded2pc #gaming
It's impressive that Grounded 2 can operate on nearly a decade-old technology, such as the NVIDIA GTX 1070. While you may need to lower some settings to achieve a smooth framerate, this demonstrates the game's accessibility. The 40 GB storage need is also worth noting; it's five times greater than the original Grounded, but still quite small when compared to many recent open world games.
Optimizing Grounded 2 Performance
Consider these recommendations to get the most out of your experience, especially with Early Access. If you have low-end specifications, decreasing shadow quality, view distance, and texture quality can make a significant difference. Updating your graphics drivers is always a good idea. While the game may experience some performance issues due to its Early Access classification, these actions should help smooth things out. If Grounded 2 eventually implements upscaling technologies such as DLSS or FSR, you could see a significant speed improvement with little to no visual cost.
New Features and Gameplay in Grounded 2
This is where Grounded 2 truly shines, building on the first game's base while providing some incredibly intriguing new features that alter how you play and explore.
Riding Bugs: The Grounded Two Mount System Explained
This is without a doubt one of the most fascinating new elements, and it completely changes the way you navigate around the vast park. You can now hatch and domesticate insects for personal mounts! Consider scrambling across the map on the back of a massive ant or an orb weaver. It makes travel faster and more fascinating. Currently, two mounts are available in Early Access.
What's the biggest game changer in Grounded 2? You can finally ride those bugs! Explore the park like never before. #Grounded 2 #Obsidian
This ability to dash across the map allows you to rapidly help a friend if they're in a tight place, which wasn't always possible in the original. It certainly opens up the world.
New Biomes and Exploration.
Moving from a backyard to a full-fledged park brings many new locations to explore. While certain typical backyard characteristics remain, such as large bushes and picnic tables, Grounded 2 includes some really new biomes:
Expect more different and interesting locales to be introduced as Early Access progresses. The new terrain is much larger, leaving lots of room to get lost and discover hidden surprises.
Combat and Enemy Variety
While many old opponents, such as red ants and orb weavers, return, Grounded 2 also introduces some horrifying new species that will keep you on edge. Be ready for:
Obsidian is still saving some of the bigger, badder issues for future patches, but the new improvements certainly make combat seem fresh and scary. The game also simplifies tools; you now have an omni-tool that eliminates the need to carry a shovel, axe, and hammer, and it doesn't even require repair. That's really handy!
Character development and RPG mechanics
One of the most exciting features is the possibility to build into certain character classes, such as rogue or mage. This was an unofficial feature in the first game, but now you have equipment specifically built for various jobs, with stat benefits to match. Choosing between a quick-moving rogue with a deadly blade and a lumbering brute with a two-handed weapon and ladybug shell armor is exactly the kind of thing that makes you believe your tiny teen is genuinely maturing. It totally rules.
Mastering Survival: Grounded Two Tips and Strategies
Whether you are fresh to the smaller world or a seasoned veteran, Grounded 2 offers new difficulties. Here are a few tips to help you survive and prosper.
Early Game Survival Guide
The first several hours of Grounded 2 are essential. Here's how to start strong:
Overcoming early-game difficulty spikes, especially when playing solo, requires patience and methodicalness. Avoid conflicts you can't win, and always have an exit plan.
Advanced Base Design Tips.
Base building remains a key component in Grounded 2, and while some of the problems from the first game (such as object placement challenges) persist, there are ways to build better. Experiment with various foundation and wall types to build multi-story constructions. Use the terrain to your advantage by building into gaps or beneath natural cover for more security. Consider defensive positions in case larger pests come knocking. Building treehouses on enormous branches or establishing a secret base inside a discarded soda can are both creative ideas.
Base Construction and Crafting in Grounded 2
These two aspects work hand in hand in Grounded 2, and there have been some significant adjustments and additions that will affect your survival plan.
Crafting System Overhaul
The crafting system has a familiar yet fresh feel to it. While the omni-tool makes resource gathering easier, the complexity of crafting has increased. You'll discover new recipes related to the different biomes and species. For example, new ice-based resources from the frozen ice cream cart region can be used to create specialized cold-resistant armor or unique weaponry with chilling effects. Keep a watch out for new resource nodes and vanquished adversaries, as they will provide materials for these intriguing new products. The RPG aspects associated with character builds also make creating specific gear for your chosen class more crucial than ever.
Grounded 2 Story and Lore Expansion.
The original Grounded featured a surprisingly complex tale concealed within its survival sandbox, and Grounded 2 puts that narrative front and center. The silly characters and witty conversation are still present, but the plot feels like a much larger part of the experience from the start. You'll continue to investigate the mystery of why you've been shrunk and the greater forces at work in this little universe. Sloane Beaumont, the main "ally" and guide, delivers a wonderfully memorable performance with her somewhat evil stepmother routine, which will make you smile. The story lines from the first game are intertwined into this new adventure, touching on corporate machinations and the destiny of the shrinking kids, resulting in a more unified and intriguing experience.
Grounded 2 and Grounded 1: Key Differences
For fans of the first, Grounded 2 seems like a natural, yet substantial, progression. Many essential elements are familiar, but the scale and additional features make for a unique experience. The transition from a backyard to a park immediately feels larger, and the addition of ridable mounts radically alters how you move around. The streamlined omni-tool and the richer RPG class system are also significant enhancements. While some opponent kinds and base-building problems persist, the overall impression is of greater ambition and more concentrated storytelling.
Game Preservation and Multiplayer Structure.
Excellent news for fans of the original!
Excellent news for fans of the original! Obsidian claims that Grounded 1 will continue to exist even after Grounded 2 is released. #Grounded, #GamePreservation
Future Updates and Roadmap for Grounded 2
As an Early Access title, Grounded 2 has a clear path forward. Obsidian plans to release "longer, meatier updates" every four to five months. This means fewer but more substantial material drops, such as new biomes, additional creatures, mounts, and plot progression. The creators are listening to player feedback, so expect updates to existing functionality, such as base building, as the game approaches its final 1.0 release. While there is no set timetable for the full launch, the dedication to regular, impactful updates ensures that the game will continue to expand and surprise players throughout its Early Access period.
Beyond the primary gameplay, Obsidian has stated that it would continue to prioritize accessibility. While the popular arachnophobia mode returns, the team plans to continue searching for methods to make the game more accessible to all players.
Grounded 2 is certainly shaping up to be a wonderful sequel, expanding on the original's charm and complexity while providing interesting new gameplay options. Even in its Early Access condition, there's enough to enjoy, from riding bugs throughout the vast park to building more intricate bases and uncovering a deeper tale. Obsidian has created something absolutely unique, and it promises to keep gamers entertained for a long time.