Obsidian Entertainment is undoubtedly making waves this year with an impressive lineup of three significant gaming projects slated for release in 2025. Having wrapped up work on Avowed and gearing up for The Outer Worlds 2, the first-party Xbox studio will soon launch its next survival game, Grounded 2. Unlike a full-fledged release, this sequel will debut in early access, allowing developers to refine it with community feedback, much like its predecessor, which became one of the studio’s standout titles.
Prior to its public launch, I had the opportunity to explore Grounded 2 in a pre-release version, diving headfirst into the game’s expansive world. Although my gameplay experience was solo—contrasting with my past adventures in the original game with friends—I found myself thoroughly engaged, highlighting just how compelling the sequel has become.
A Fresh Adventure in Brookhollow Park
Set two years after the events of the first installment, Grounded 2 invites players back into the miniature realm where the original teenagers are shrunk once more. This time, however, the adventure unfolds in Brookhollow Park, a new, expansive area rivaling the size of the original game’s backyard. My explorations revealed large, inaccessible sections likely to be unlocked in future updates, emphasizing a sense of scale and depth.
Unlike the original’s somewhat sparse narrative, Grounded 2 features a rich questline designed to enhance player engagement right from early access. Players will delve into a gripping mystery, uncovering the backstory of the corporation responsible for the teens’ transformations. The writing strikes a lovely balance—retaining its dark humor without venturing into over-the-top territory—providing a uniquely entertaining take on an environment teeming with critters.
Obsidian has expertly crafted the feeling of being diminutive amidst a vast and vibrant world. The garden environment is breathtaking and immersive, where towering grass blades serve as makeshift building materials and distant grapes offer essential crafting resources. Survival dynamics are a centerpiece here; food and hydration must be managed carefully, with difficulty settings adjustable based on exploration risks and challenges encountered.
Discovery Awaits
Brookhollow Park is filled with intriguing discoveries, from anthills bursting with treasures to various enchanting locales such as a garbage can teeming with cockroaches. New adversaries, including larger critters and more formidable enemies controlled by a mysterious force, offer both challenge and excitement during gameplay. Moreover, the new wave attack mechanic compels players to refine their strategies and defenses regularly.
Combat mechanics have also evolved, introducing a pseudo-class system that allows for diverse play styles. Whether players want to embrace stealth, experiment with ranged attacks, or unleash melee damage, the crafting and resource management encourages teamwork, enhancing the social experience among friends.
Exciting Features: Bug Mounts and More
One of the standout additions players will enjoy is the new mount system, allowing users to ride bugs throughout the garden. Known as Buggies, these companions not only increase mobility but also enhance combat effectiveness and resource transport. Currently, the early access build includes options such as the Red Ant and Orb Weaver Spider, with more to be unveiled.
Switching between perspectives is now smoother than ever, with the introduction of a third-person camera that enhances gameplay. This new perspective perfectly complements both exploration and combat, enriching the overall experience.
Additionally, the Omnitool simplifies and streamlines resource gathering, acting as multiple essential tools without occupying valuable inventory slots. Players will appreciate this change, which allows for a more focused gameplay experience free from unnecessary inventory clutter.
Visual Enhancements and Performance Insights
The aesthetic of Grounded 2 boasts significant upgrades from its predecessor, with improved lighting and detailed environments that captivate players’ attention. Each moment—whether sunlight streams through the foliage or the park illuminates at night—paints a stunning picture of a tiny world filled with gigantic personas.
However, my experience on PC revealed some performance hiccups. Despite a strong setup with an AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT and Ryzen 7 3700X, I encountered frame drops during gameplay at high settings, highlighting the need for optimizations. Although no crashes occurred, occasional bugs and glitches are expected in an early access title and didn’t severely detract from the enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
Obsidian Entertainment is set to captivate players once again with Grounded 2. Even amidst a busy development schedule, the sequel appears poised to elevate the original experience dramatically. The breathtaking visuals, enriched biomes, and an emphasis on storytelling create a compelling package. While various performance and graphical customization issues exist, these can be addressed in upcoming updates.
The early access version is a joy to explore, with engaging content that promises a bright future for the game. I am excited to see how the mount system evolves and anticipate that Obsidian will continue to build on the strong foundation laid by its predecessor. Priced at $29.99, Grounded 2 is well worth considering for those eager to dive into its miniature adventures, with an official launch date of July 29, 2025, on PC and Xbox platforms, including Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
This review is based on a pre-release PC version of the game provided by Microsoft.
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