Discover the Thrilling Fun of Grounded 2: How Abandoning Xbox One Unlocks Its Best Features!

During my visit to the Summer Game Fest in L.A., I heard many excited comments about 2025 being the “year of Obsidian.” This buzz centers on the studio’s plan to release three distinct games this year. One of the most highly anticipated titles is *Grounded 2*, a sequel to the beloved co-op survival game.

After the game was showcased at the Xbox Games Showcase, I got to try it out for about 30 minutes and chat with Chris Parker, a founder of Obsidian and the game director for *Grounded 2*.

The team decided to age up the characters because many younger players cherished their time with *Grounded* during the pandemic.

The game starts with a setup that shows kids who have been shrunk once more. Set two years after the first game, the team made this choice thoughtfully, wanting to reflect how many younger players had a transformative experience during tough times.

Advancements in technology allowed the team to realize their vision more effectively. The jump to newer Xbox hardware meant they could explore new ideas without the limitations of previous consoles. As Parker explains, moving to a sequel made it much easier to introduce exciting features.

One of these new features is the addition of Buggys. Players can now ride various insects, which adds another layer of strategy to the gameplay. Buggys became a fan favorite through community feedback, and the team was eager to deliver. They recognized that creating Buggys within the constraints of the original *Grounded* was limiting.

To acquire a Buggy, players must sneak into the nests of formidable creatures like Fire Ants and Orb Weavers to steal their eggs. Each Buggy also brings unique abilities, making exploration and combat more dynamic. For example, the Fire Ant can recruit help, while the Orb Weaver has a stunning roar attack.

The demo I experienced allowed me to enjoy riding a Buggy. It sped up exploration and made navigating the environment more enjoyable. As of now, the *Grounded 2* map is designed to match the original’s size, but with updates, there’s potential for growth. Parker expects the final game to be three times larger than its predecessor.

Collaboration with Eidos Montreal has also helped Obsidian expand the game’s universe, allowing for the addition of new creatures and mechanics over time.

Player feedback is vital to the development process. Parker emphasizes that the team is eager to hear about both the successes and the challenges players face. They aim to cultivate a positive dialogue with the community, believing this can only enhance the game.

Even though survival games aren’t usually my first choice, the original *Grounded* was surprisingly enjoyable. I’m looking forward to seeing how *Grounded 2* evolves, especially with new Buggys on the horizon. I personally hope for a tarantula as a playable mount!

*Grounded 2* is scheduled to launch in Game Preview and Steam Early Access on July 29, 2025, available for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, including Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

Source link