Grounded 2 Lacks LAN Multiplayer, Disappointing Fans
▼ Summary
– Grounded 2 will not support LAN multiplayer, consistent with the original game, as confirmed by Obsidian.
– Playing locally requires an internet connection, causing latency issues like lag and rubber-banding, which disrupt gameplay.
– Lag in Grounded makes combat difficult, especially against fast enemies like spiders, due to unreliable parry timing.
– Players have long requested LAN support, citing persistent lag problems when playing on the same local network.
– Obsidian has not provided an explanation for the lack of LAN support, leaving fans disappointed and questioning the decision.
Fans of the survival adventure game Grounded will be disappointed to learn that its upcoming sequel won’t include LAN multiplayer support, continuing a limitation from the original title. Obsidian Entertainment confirmed the absence of local network play in Grounded 2, leaving players to rely on internet connections even when gaming in the same room.
The lack of LAN support means players sharing a physical space must route their connection through external servers, introducing unnecessary latency and rubber-banding issues. These problems can severely impact gameplay, especially in a title where precise timing is crucial for combat. For example, facing off against aggressive enemies like wolf spiders becomes far more difficult when delayed responses throw off carefully practiced parry techniques.
This omission feels particularly puzzling given gaming’s long history with LAN multiplayer. Many modern titles, including Baldur’s Gate 3, still offer this feature as standard. Players have voiced frustrations for years, with complaints dating back to the original Grounded’s 2020 launch. Online forums are filled with accounts of households owning multiple copies of the game but struggling to enjoy smooth co-op sessions due to lag.
Obsidian’s silence on the reasoning behind this decision has only fueled speculation. Some wonder if technical limitations or Microsoft’s Xbox Live requirements are to blame, while others suspect it may be a push toward online services. Whatever the cause, the studio’s refusal to address the issue directly leaves fans without clarity.
With Grounded 2 set to launch on July 29 via Steam Early Access and Xbox Game Preview, the absence of LAN support remains a glaring oversight. While the sequel introduces exciting new features like rideable ants, the continued reliance on internet-based multiplayer may deter players hoping for a seamless local co-op experience. For now, fans can only hope Obsidian reconsiders—or at least offers an explanation for this persistent limitation.
(Source: Eurogamer)
