Grounded 2 Is Official—And It's Coming Sooner Than You Think
Shrink down, gear up, and get ready—Obsidian Entertainment has officially unveiled Grounded 2 at the Xbox Games Showcase, and it’s launching into Game Preview on July 29, 2025. The highly anticipated sequel to the backyard survival hit is expanding the tiny world in a big way, taking players beyond the familiar fences and deep into Brookhollow Park, a vast new wilderness teeming with towering dangers, hidden secrets, and, yes—rideable bugs.
And here’s the best part: it’s launching day one on Xbox Game Pass, Steam Early Access, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and the Xbox PC app. So whether you're playing solo or with friends, jumping into Grounded 2 will be easier than ever.
Beyond the Backyard: A Whole New (Tiny) World
Set two years after the events of the first game, Grounded 2 reunites the original crew—Max, Hoops, Willow, and Pete—for another unexpected microscopic adventure. But this time, the action moves far beyond the backyard to Brookhollow Park, a sprawling suburban ecosystem that dwarfs the original game’s map. In fact, the starting zone alone matches the full size of the first Grounded world.
This new environment is packed with dynamic biomes, from icy caves formed inside an overturned ice cream cart to glowing toxic tunnels left by spilled chemicals. It’s a chaotic, colorful, and dangerous landscape built for exploration and storytelling.
What’s New in Grounded 2?
Obsidian isn’t just giving us a bigger map—they’re building a deeper, more refined survival experience, with tons of new features that fans have been asking for:
Bug Mounts (Buggies!)
Say hello to rideable insects! Players can now tame certain bugs to serve as mounts—each with unique abilities in combat and crafting. At launch, Red Ant Soldiers (great for hauling gear and summoning ant workers) and Orb Weaver Spiders (speedy attackers with web powers) will be available, with more creepy companions coming in future updates.
Enhanced Combat 2.0
Combat is getting a major overhaul, introducing new mechanics like dodging, smarter enemy AI, and customizable combat archetypes—from tanky defenders to venomous rogues and even elemental “mages.” Mix and match mutations to create wild, game-breaking builds, and wield new weapons like venom daggers or frost staves.
The Omni-Tool
One of the most requested upgrades is here: the Omni-Tool, which combines axe, hammer, shovel, and wrench into a single, multifunctional device. No more swapping tools constantly—just one item to rule them all.
New and Returning Bugs
Prepare to meet both familiar foes and brand-new insect threats like cockroaches, scorpions, and praying mantises. Each new species adds depth to the game’s survival challenges and ecosystem.
Better Building & Co-op Balance
Base-building has been enhanced with more decorative options and clearer UI, especially helpful for co-op play, where managing armor sets and gear can be tricky. These improvements aim to make every survival camp both functional and personal.
Deeper Storytelling
Though only part of the story will be available at launch, Grounded 2 promises a richer narrative from day one. Players will once again confront Ominent, the shady corporation from the original game, with new mysteries to unravel and plenty of lore to uncover.
Built with the Community
Obsidian is doubling down on community-driven development. As with the first game, Grounded 2 will evolve alongside player feedback. A public roadmap will go live when the Game Preview launches, letting players see what’s coming and help shape future updates.
This transparent, collaborative approach helped make the first Grounded a surprise hit, and it’s a big reason why fans are so excited for the sequel.
Release Date and Platforms
Release Date: July 29, 2025 (Game Preview / Early Access)
Platforms:
- Xbox Series X|S
- Xbox on PC
- Xbox Cloud Gaming
- Steam Early Access
- Day One on Xbox Game Pass & PC Game Pass
The Adventure (and the Bugs) Just Got Bigger
Grounded 2 looks ready to build on everything that made the original game a standout survival experience—while blowing it wide open with a bigger world, smarter systems, bug-riding mayhem, and a renewed commitment to its players.
Whether you're returning to Brookhollow or diving in for the first time, one thing’s for sure: this tiny world has massive potential. July 29 can’t come soon enough.
