Image credit: Official screenshot from Obsidian Entertainment (via Grounded 2 media)
Playtime: ~20 hours
Completion: Finished all currently available story content and collectables in Early Access
Platform: Steam
Genre: Survival / Co-op / Crafting / Early Access
🧠 First Impressions
After spending 20 hours in Grounded 2, it’s clear this sequel is a major upgrade. It keeps everything that worked in the original — the wild, shrunken survival concept — and adds a ton of depth, freedom, and polish on top.
It keeps the heart of the first game but builds out nearly everything: deeper gameplay systems, a more alive world, and way more freedom to explore. The backyard feels bigger, more detailed, and filled with stuff to discover. And more than once, I found myself wandering off the main path just to see what was hiding under a mushroom or behind a hose.
⚙️ Gameplay & Progression
The core gameplay loop is solid: explore, fight, craft, upgrade. But it’s all smoother and more engaging this time around. There’s more verticality, more ways to interact with the environment, and more reasons to return to older zones.
There’s also a wider variety of enemies — both brand new threats and returning bugs from the original game. Combined with new weapon types, this keeps combat feeling fresh and flexible, whether you’re sneaking around or going full insecticide.
Base-building has gotten an upgrade too. With new structures, your options for creating functional or just straight-up cool bases have expanded nicely.
And of course, seeing the return of classics like the Spicy Coaltana (now with a shiny new look) and my all-time favorite, the Pinch Whacker, was a welcome hit of nostalgia — and still very viable in a fight.
🐞 Early Access Bugs (Literally and Figuratively)
Look — it’s Early Access, so yeah, there are some rough spots. I’ve run into a few frame drops and stuttering issues, mostly during heavy combat or in bigger areas with lots of foliage and enemies. Nothing game-breaking, but definitely noticeable.
Still, it’s hard to complain when you consider how much content is already here. If they keep patching performance and polishing the edges, this thing’s going to shine.
🐌 Traversal Gets an Upgrade
The new mount system is such a smart addition. Getting around feels faster, more fun, and more strategic — and I’m already looking forward to unlocking new mounts to explore more of the park and whatever else they add next. Heard some rumors about some Lady Bug action.
I’ve only unlocked a few so far, but I’m hyped to see what else is coming. Heard some whispers about a “Lady Steed” — and honestly, I need that in my life. Riding into battle on a giant ladybug like it’s my noble backyard warhorse?
✅ Final Verdict (For Now)
Grounded 2 is still in Early Access, but it already feels like a full game. It improves on the first in just about every way, and there’s enough content and freedom here to sink hours into — whether you’re crafting gear, exploring biomes, or just hunting for Milk Molars.
It’s not perfect (yet), but it’s well on its way. If you liked the original or love survival games, this one should already be on your radar.
🔥 Clay’s Take
“Grounded 2 nails the sequel formula — everything’s improved, nothing’s overcomplicated. It’s still early, but I’m already hooked. Just give me that Lady Steed.”
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5 — strong Early Access showing)
Recommended?: Absolutely — especially if you liked the original or want a survival game with personality.
🔄 Ongoing Updates
Grounded 2 is still in Early Access, and I’ll be keeping an eye on it as new content drops.
I’ll update this post — or write a follow-up — whenever major changes, additions, or fixes go live.
So if you’re following the game too, check back in!
🗨️ What About You?
- Have you jumped into Grounded 2 yet?
- What’s your favorite mount or weapon?
- Think it’s already better than the first?
Drop your thoughts below — let’s talk builds, bugs, and backyard chaos.
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