Grounded 2 is officially landing on Xbox and PC on July 29, 2025. The original was already a standout co-op survival game, but this sequel brings an even bigger world. You are going to experience new mechanics as well as fresh secrets. You’ll explore a massive park (bigger than the original game) along with battle deadly insects and ride bugs like never before.
If you thought the backyard was intense, wait until you step into Brookhollow Park. Let’s break down what makes Grounded 2 so exciting and what you can expect in this game.
Welcome to Brookhollow Park
Grounded 2 moves beyond the backyard. This time, the game takes place in Brookhollow Park. This area is a sprawling new location packed with dense biomes, manmade structures, and hidden corners. The park offers verticality, open spaces, and layered hazards.
You won’t just be running through grass and mulch. You’ll climb inside ice cream carts, navigate cave systems, and sneak around under food stands.
Each area is handcrafted to feel alive. Pools of gas, hidden beetles, oversized furniture, and more decorate this world. Everything is bigger and far more dangerous. You can expect a constant shift in tone. At times, there’s peaceful exploration that can also suddenly changes to full-on insect chaos.
About Grounded 2 Gameplay (Ride, Fight, Survive)
The most requested feature is now a reality. You can now hatch, tame, and ride insects. These companions are called Buggies. They aren’t just mounts. You can fight alongside them, gather resources with their help, and use them for travel and defense.
The Red Ant Buggy is the star of the show. It’s fast, fierce, and your best ally in tight spaces. Xbox even built a real 10-foot plush version of it to celebrate the launch.
If you’re lucky, you could win one by entering the sweepstakes via Xbox social channels.
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Grounded 2 Story and Mystery
The first game of Grounded had subtle storytelling, but Grounded 2 leans further into its narrative. You’re not alone in this world. Something is always watching you. Strange signs appear across the park. Hidden threats stalk the shadows. The story evolves as you explore deeper.
This mystery is a constant presence. The park remembers you. The world reacts. You’ll notice hints that you’ve been here before and your actions matter.
Gameplay Systems
Combat is more refined. Enemy AI is smarter. Every creature has patterns, weaknesses, and unique behavior. You’ll need to experiment with new weapons, traps, and team strategies.
Crafting has been upgraded. You can now build with more freedom. Bases are taller, more detailed, and more interactive. Decorations, lighting, and even campfire hangouts make each shelter feel personal.
A new Archetype system lets you pick a playstyle that fits how you want to survive. Precision, brute force, stealth, it’s your choice. Each archetype unlocks unique bonuses, so your character feels different each time.
Solo or Squad
You can play Grounded 2 solo, but it’s best with friends. The entire game supports online co-op. Every player can raise Buggies, build shared bases, and tackle the world together.
The threats are larger, but with a squad, you can fight back. You also need to team up to take down scorpions, beetles, and even a massive caterpillar that blocks key routes.
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Xbox Game Preview and Steam Early Access
Grounded 2 launches first in Xbox Game Preview and Steam Early Access. That means you’ll be playing the early build. Expect updates, balance tweaks, and community feedback shaping the experience.
This worked well for the first game. Fans helped evolve Grounded into a polished survival title. Obsidian is taking the same path here. If you join early, you’re helping build the final version.
Founder’s Edition and Cosmetics
The following items are cosmetic only. They won’t give you any gameplay advantage, but they add a unique flair. The “Minotaurs, Myrmidons, and Mants: Oh My Founder’s Edition” comes with:
- Grounded 2 base game
- Four premium skins and matching emotes
- Digital artbook and soundtrack
- Extra surprises throughout development
Xbox and PC Play Anywhere
If you buy Grounded 2 digitally, you can play on both Xbox and PC at no extra cost. This is part of Xbox Play Anywhere. It also supports full cross-saves. Start on your console, continue on your PC, and switch freely.
You can also stream Grounded 2 with Xbox Cloud Gaming if you have Game Pass Ultimate. This makes it even easier to jump in with friends from anywhere.
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Platform Support and Graphics
Grounded 2 is optimized for Xbox Series X|S. It runs in 4K, with HDR and 60 FPS support. PC users can tweak settings for performance or visuals. Every blade of grass, every bug leg, and every puddle looks better this time around.
The game is also coming to Xbox PC and Steam. It’s not on Xbox One, PS5, or Nintendo Switch, at least not yet. The first Grounded eventually made its way to other platforms. So Grounded 2 might follow, but not during the early access phase.
Current Giveaway
Xbox is promoting the game with a sweepstakes. By reposting or commenting on official Xbox posts with #Grounded2Sweepstakes, you can enter to win the 10-foot Red Ant Plush. It will also be at the Xbox FanFest event during Gamescom in Cologne on August 20.
That plush is part furniture, part statement piece. It’s the kind of wild, fun promo that shows how much confidence Xbox has in this sequel.
What to Expect on July 29
Grounded 2 hits Xbox and PC on July 29 via Game Preview and Steam Early Access. It’s included with Game Pass on both platforms. If you loved the first game or want a fresh co-op survival experience, this one is a must-play.
It’s not just bigger, Grounded 2 is also bolder. Grounded 2 pushes the limits of what survival games can do. And it’s only just beginning.