Obsidian Entertainment is back, and so is one of its most creative ideas. Grounded 2 arrives in Early Access on July 29, 2025, and it’s not just more of the same. It’s bigger, weirder, and full of surprises.
Players will explore new biomes, hop on insect mounts, and dive into a backyard world that’s grown far beyond the original. It feels more open, more dangerous, and even more fun. Every step into the grass feels like entering uncharted territory.
Grounded Sequel, a Whole New Playgrounds
Revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase, Grounded 2 is being developed by Obsidian and Eidos-Montréal with Xbox Game Studios behind publishing. You still play as kids shrunk down to bug-size, but this time the survival systems are deeper, the visuals more expressive, and the world feels more reactive.
One of the biggest additions is the introduction of Buggies. These rideable insects not only look cool but also provide real utility. The Red Ant mount supports building structures, while the Orb Weaver can stun enemies mid-fight with its webs. There’s also a Ladybug variant perfect for carrying heavy items, giving the feature depth beyond simple cosmetics. These creatures create new ways to move, fight, and interact with the environment. They also introduce fresh co-op strategies, letting players combine abilities to overcome challenges together.
Combat has been completely reworked. With Combat 2.0, battles now feature dodging, smarter enemy behavior, and real stakes. Whether you’re facing a spider or getting swarmed by beetles, your timing and movement matter. You can now switch between first-person and third-person perspectives, and the new Omni-Tool combines hammer, axe, shovel, and wrench into one streamlined device. It’s a small shift that brings a big improvement to your flow and inventory space.
Grounded 2 Launch Details
The game launches first on PC and Xbox Series X|S, with Early Access available through Steam and Xbox Game Preview. It will cost $29.99, and if you’re subscribed to Xbox Game Pass for PC or Ultimate, you’ll have access on day one. Whether you like playing solo or in multiplayer, Grounded 2 has you covered. A detailed development roadmap will guide players through upcoming content, from gameplay features to story additions. The developers have confirmed that community feedback will influence balancing, pacing, and the order of future updates.
New Mysteries in Familiar Places
Set two years after the events of the first game, Grounded 2 brings back the original cast. They’re older, maybe a little tougher, but still stuck in a wild world that feels too big for comfort. This time, it’s about more than just surviving. Players will investigate how they ended up this small again and start to uncover hints about who or what might be behind it. One ominous force is referred to only as “A Shadow That Follows You”. It’s always there, quietly watching and learning. As players venture deeper into the park, its presence becomes harder to ignore.
The story unfolds in Brookhollow Park, a sprawling suburban landscape that feels both familiar and surreal. Inspired by 1990s public parks, it features abandoned snack shacks, toppled ice cream carts, drained fountains, and forgotten picnic tables that tower like monuments. You’ll also explore mazes of underground pipes, massive sandboxes, and dusty trails crawling with life. Returning in-game brands like Punch-O and Minotaurs & Myrmidons help flesh out the world, adding nostalgic detail and a layer of quirky satire. Environmental storytelling is stronger than ever. You’ll find clues in graffiti, discarded objects, and the way nature has overtaken manmade spaces.
Who Is Sloan Bowmont, and What Is She Hiding
A major piece of the puzzle is Sloan Bowmont, Ominant’s spokesperson and lead strategist. Her tone is slick and composed, but the things she says raise red flags. She talks about “calm cool science,” zero leaks, and even references a “fatality rate” among her test subjects that she claims is lower than other programs. Her cryptic phrases, like “heat heat”, suggest something much stranger is going on behind the scenes. She may not be the final villain, but there’s no doubt she’s involved in something far bigger than she lets on.
What’s Next for Grounded 2
Alongside the game’s development, Xbox is leaning into the weirdness with some offbeat marketing. One fan giveaway during the summer showcase included a ten-foot-long plush ant that doubles as a gaming chair.
Rumors are also circulating about future ports to Switch 2 and PlayStation 5, especially once the full version is ready. While nothing’s confirmed, Obsidian has hinted that Grounded 2 is designed with a long-term future in mind and may set the stage for a full trilogy.