Grounded 2: 3 Pros & 2 Cons After 30 Minutes
▼ Summary
– Obsidian Entertainment is releasing three games in 2025, including Avowed, The Outer Worlds 2, and the survival game Grounded 2, which is the only one in early access.
– Grounded 2 introduces ant mounts called “buggies,” which offer mobility, combat, and resource-carrying capabilities, making them a standout feature.
– Combat in Grounded 2 feels slow and janky, similar to the original game, though it may improve with advanced weapon unlocks later.
– The Omni-Tool combines multiple functions into one inventory-saving device, though each tool still requires individual upgrades.
– Grounded 2’s new open-world map, Brookhollow Park, is larger than the original game’s entire map and emphasizes scale, with early access starting July 29 on most platforms.
Obsidian Entertainment continues its impressive 2025 lineup with Grounded 2, bringing players back to a miniature world of survival and adventure. This unexpected sequel stands apart from the studio’s RPG catalog, opting instead for an early access survival experience that builds upon its predecessor’s foundations. After spending thirty minutes with the demo at Summer Game Fest, several key aspects stood out, both positive and negative.
Mounting ants proves to be one of Grounded 2’s most exciting new mechanics. These “buggies” aren’t just transportation, they’re fully interactive companions capable of attacking, sprinting, and even hauling resources. The ant mount provided during the demo transformed exploration, hinting at deeper progression systems where players might breed or tame different insects. There’s undeniable charm in having a loyal six-legged steed by your side, complete with petting animations.
Combat, however, remains a weak point in the early game. Swinging a basic spear at ants felt sluggish and unsatisfying, lacking the weight or feedback expected from modern survival titles. While weapon upgrades could improve this later, initial encounters failed to impress. The janky animations and slow pacing suggest combat won’t be the main draw for newcomers.
Inventory management gets a smart overhaul with the Omni-Tool, a multipurpose device replacing individual tools. This clever design choice eliminates clutter while maintaining upgrade depth, each function can be enhanced separately. Rather than simplifying survival mechanics, it shifts focus toward resource gathering and base building without sacrificing progression systems.
Voice acting stands out for the wrong reasons, with exaggerated teen performances bordering on grating. The nasally protagonist voice quickly became distracting, raising questions about dialogue toggle options. While fitting the game’s lighthearted tone, the delivery may prove divisive for players spending hours in this world.
Brookhollow Park showcases Grounded 2’s strongest asset: scale. Everything from towering grass stalks to scattered trash becomes an awe-inspiring landscape when viewed from an insect’s perspective. The expanded map size, reportedly matching the original game’s full scope in just the starting area, promises vast exploration opportunities, especially with faster buggy movement. Hidden areas like underground tunnels suggest thoughtful environmental design beyond simple novelty.
Launching into early access on July 29, Grounded 2 appears poised to refine its formula while introducing meaningful quality-of-life improvements. The expanded world and mount system show promise, though some legacy issues persist. For fans of creative survival games, this shrunken adventure might just grow into something special.
(Source: PC GAMER)
