We get it — you could read all about Grounded 2’s co-op bugs and brilliance, but seeing it in action? Way better. Don’t miss our full gameplay video! Prefer to take it slow and steady? No problem — our detailed hands-on write-up is right below.
We jumped into Grounded 2 the moment it hit Early Access — only to have our save file break four hours in. But we restarted, played five more, and still came out excited. Even with bugs (the technical kind), this sequel already shows serious promise.
It’s faster, weirder, and better built for co-op than the original. You’re still tiny (or again?). The backyard is in the past and you find yourself now shrunk in a huge park. The teens are back - slightly older, and so are the spiders - slightly meaner.
The biggest upgrade is QoL. You get upgrades and buildings faster, and unlock traversal earlier. One omni-tool handles most actions, your bug mount helps you loot and transport everything without hassle, and skill trees let you live out that rpg-dream.
Combat got more fair - with your little Buggy at your side you don't feel so small anymore. Base building feels less grindy. And the world - way bigger while still being dense and vertical, now with more story tucked into its corners.
Online play supports up to four players with cross-play between Xbox and PC. Shared Worlds let anyone host, but progress saves to whoever was online last. We lost ours to a crash and had to restart from scratch. Tip: Save often and back it up.
Characters talk mid-game, which adds charm in co-op. Arachnophobia mode, emotes, and ping systems return too.
This is Early Access, and it shows. Our first save broke entirely. Performance stuttered even on high-end cards. Lighting bugs, pathfinding issues, and occasional physics chaos are still around.
If stability’s a dealbreaker, wait. Otherwise, it’s playable — and mostly stable after that early crash.
Yes — if you liked the original and want more freedom, faster pacing, and buggies (literal rideable ones). Maybe wait — if polish and performance matter more to you or your gaming rig isn't the most optimal.
First-timers might want to start with Grounded 1, as there are many references that make the game even more fun.
Coming SoonMajor content updates are planned every season: new bugs, new zones, water buggies, zip-lines, and more. AXL, the next boss, lands this fall — venom weapons likely with him.
Expect the game to evolve quickly. The first game saw huge improvements during Early Access, and this one’s already building faster.
Grounded 2 is bigger, more convenient but also buggier - literally. It’s not done — but it’s fun. However, if you expect a completely new experience compared to Grounded 1 you might not be too excited, as it builds strongly on its predecessors foundations. Otherwise: bring friends, bring bandages, and for the love of all things tiny, back up your saves.