Surprise Announcement at Xbox Games Showcase

Fans of the original Grounded received an unexpected treat last weekend when Obsidian announced the highly anticipated sequel, simply titled Grounded 2. The reveal took place during the Xbox Games Showcase, sparking excitement among players eager to explore more of this tiny world.

Early Access and Community-Driven Growth

Obsidian revealed that Grounded 2 will follow a similar development path as its predecessor, launching into early access soon—scheduled for next month. The developers emphasize their commitment to community feedback, promising that the game will evolve and expand over time based on player input. This approach ensures a dynamic experience, tailored to what the community wants most.

First Impressions from the Hands-On Preview

I had the opportunity to get a sneak peek at Grounded 2 during the showcase in Los Angeles. Although my time was limited to a brief tutorial segment, it was enough to confirm that, yes, this sequel is a bigger, more ambitious version of the original. The core gameplay remains familiar but promises more room to explore and new mechanics to enjoy.

Reminiscing the Original Grounded

The preview started with a refresher on the basics. The game still follows the story of a group of kids—now a couple of years older—who find themselves shrunk down to ant size after shady dealings with a company named Ominent. Despite amnesia about their previous adventure, they retain their memories of surviving in a backyard filled with dangers. Crafting, resource gathering, and combat remain central, with players analyzing items, discovering recipes, and building armor, weapons, and tools to stay alive.

Notable New Features and Quality-of-Life Improvements

While the early segment didn’t reveal all the new mechanics, I was able to experience some enhancements firsthand. One exciting addition is the Omni-tool—a multifunctional device that consolidates all your tools into a single, space-saving gadget. I used it to hack through giant grass blades instead of an axe, showcasing its versatility.

Another significant upgrade is the introduction of a dodge button in combat. This feature integrates seamlessly into gameplay, making fights smoother and more strategic. It’s surprising to realize that Grounded never had a dodge mechanic before, making this a welcome improvement.

Introducing Mounts: Riding Big Bugs

The most exhilarating part of the preview was experiencing the new Buggy system—essentially, rideable mounts. I had the chance to ride a large ant and it was a blast. Riding a giant bug adds a new layer of fun and strategy, with features like sprinting, resource collection while in slower mode, and even combat support. During one moment, I navigated a mite nest, torch in hand, while my ant fought off enemies, making traversal and combat more dynamic than ever.

Why Bigger Worlds Were Necessary

In an interview after the demo, I learned that the addition of rideable bugs essentially necessitated a larger game world. The original Grounded was designed with a smaller map, making it impractical to include useful mounts. To support these new features, Obsidian has expanded the world to roughly three times the size of the backyard from the first game, now set in Brookhollow Park.

This new location provides a sprawling environment, offering both new challenges and opportunities for exploration. During my brief glimpse, I saw only a tiny corner of the park—an accessible starting point that welcomes both newcomers and returning players before they venture into the larger, more complex world.

What Sets Grounded 2 Apart

While I still have questions about how much gameplay will truly differ from the original beyond the larger map and riding mechanics, the story is poised to introduce fresh elements. Grounded 2 offers a new narrative layer, allowing Obsidian to develop its characters further, escalate Ominent’s sinister plans, and expand the universe. The core fun of the first game remains intact, but now with added depth and scope.

As a fan of the original, I can say I’m eager to see how these new features—including the ability to ride bugs—will enhance the experience. After all, who wouldn’t want to ride like the wind, bug-eye style?

Emma Blake

Emma is a tech-savvy news editor who thrives on staying ahead of the curve. With a background in digital journalism and media studies, she brings readers up-to-the-minute updates on gaming, tech, and entertainment trends. Emma’s writing is sharp, insightful, and always backed by credible sources. Her mission is to keep the community informed and curious about the fast-changing digital world.