Grounded on Steam Drops Microsoft Account Requirement for Multiplayer Gameplay

Grounded, the survival game published by Microsoft, received its final content update earlier this year. However, Obsidian Entertainment isn’t finished refining the game just yet. The latest update introduced a significant change: it has eliminated the requirement for a Microsoft account (MSA) for multiplayer gameplay.

Previously, like many Microsoft-published titles on any storefront, players on Steam were required to create or log into a Microsoft account to immerse themselves in the miniature environment of Grounded with friends. Solo play was the only option without this account, and features such as Xbox and Steam achievements were also inaccessible until a login was completed.

Patch 1.4.5 is a minor update, but it addresses this issue for Steam players. The newly introduced “Steam Native State”toggle on the main menu allows players to enter worlds with their Steam friends without any need for Microsoft account creation. However, Obsidian has cautioned that this disables all cross-play functionality, meaning that Steam players will not be able to connect with players on Xbox, Game Pass, PlayStation, or Switch.

Online campaign save files created before the update will now be found in the “Crossplay State”section. Please be advised that while in “Steam Native State”, the Shared Worlds and Playgrounds features, as well as crossplay, are also disabled.

Here’s the complete changelog for Patch 1.4.5:

• Steam players no longer need a Microsoft Account to participate in multiplayer
  • When not logged into a Microsoft Account, players can host and join standard world multiplayer sessions with friends from their Steam list.
  • Note: A Microsoft Account is still required for crossplay, Shared Worlds, and Playgrounds.

Changes:

• A Crossplay Toggle has been added in the Main Menu for quick switching between “Crossplay State”and “Steam Native State”
  • Friends must be in the same “State” to see and join each other online.
• Players now have the option to unlink their Microsoft Account from their Steam Account
  • Go to Options – Game Tab – At the bottom, select “Unlink Microsoft Account” .

Although primarily aimed at the Steam version, the 1.4.5 update has also been rolled out to other platforms, including Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch, with players on these consoles also receiving the update.

Despite being a highly praised title, Grounded has received several negative reviews on Steam that point to this account issue, with users expressing dissatisfaction over the need for a secondary account for what should be a standalone Steam title. This concern mirrors the criticism aimed at Sony’s PC ports of PlayStation games on the platform. Fortunately, Grounded players can now enjoy an authentic experience on Steam.

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