Grounded 2: Essential Survival-Crafting Details Revealed
▼ Summary
– Grounded 2, the sequel to the survival-crafting game, was announced at the Xbox Games Showcase and will feature expanded adventures beyond the original’s backyard setting.
– Early access for Grounded 2 begins on July 29 for PC and Xbox Series X|S, with the full release timeline dependent on player feedback and development progress.
– The game will be available on Xbox Game Pass (all tiers) during early access, but there’s no confirmation yet for PlayStation or Nintendo Switch releases.
– The story follows the same teens from the first game, now shrunk again in 1992, as they survive in a park and uncover who is behind their shrinking.
– New gameplay features include a larger map, rideable insect mounts (buggies), and the Omni-tool, which combines multiple tools into one for easier inventory management.
Grounded 2 is shaping up to be a massive leap forward for the beloved survival-crafting franchise, bringing players back into a world where danger lurks at every turn, only this time, the stakes are higher and the playground is even bigger. The sequel, announced during the Xbox Games Showcase, promises to expand on everything that made the original a hit while introducing fresh mechanics and a sprawling new environment.
Early access kicks off on July 29 for PC and Xbox Series X|S, giving players their first chance to dive into the miniature mayhem. While the exact duration of early access remains uncertain, the original game spent nearly two years in Xbox Game Preview before its full launch. This time around, developer Obsidian Entertainment will likely refine the experience based on player feedback before the official 1.0 release.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers won’t need to worry about additional costs, Grounded 2 will be available on the service from day one. Though no specific tier is mentioned, it’s safe to assume all subscribers, from Core to Ultimate, will have access. As for PlayStation and Switch players, history suggests a potential wait. The first game took two years to reach other platforms, so a similar timed exclusivity period wouldn’t be surprising.
The announcement trailer dropped some major hints about the sequel’s story. Set in 1992, two years after the original, the teens from the first game find themselves shrunk yet again, this time in an abandoned park. Ominent, the shady corporation behind their initial ordeal, appears to be turning over a new leaf, but things quickly go awry during a public ceremony. An explosion leads to the teens’ disappearance, though in reality, they’re battling for survival in the grass beneath everyone’s feet.
One lingering mystery from the first game involves the fifth teen, whose fate remains unknown. Clues in the sequel’s Steam description hint that “something else is out there,” fueling speculation that this missing character could return, possibly as an ally or even a vengeful enemy.
Gameplay-wise, Grounded 2 introduces several exciting upgrades. The map is three times larger than before, encouraging exploration with the help of new buggy mounts. These rideable insects, including red ants and orb weavers, offer unique abilities for traversal, combat, and resource gathering. Another quality-of-life improvement comes in the form of the Omni-tool, a versatile gadget that replaces multiple tools, streamlining inventory management.
With its mix of expanded lore, refined mechanics, and a vast new world, Grounded 2 is poised to deliver another unforgettable adventure, one where even the smallest creatures can pose the biggest threats. Whether you’re a returning fan or new to the series, there’s plenty to look forward to when early access begins later this month.
(Image credit: Obsidian Entertainment)
(Source: PCGAMER)
