Sure, let’s dive into this chaos together:
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Okay, so Grounded 2’s here, finally! Obsidian Entertainment, the brains behind this whole thing, seems busy with releases (seriously, three games in 2025?!). But Grounded 2—yep, that’s the headliner right now. It’s in Early Access on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Steam. Part of Game Pass, too, which seems like a good deal. Plus, you can snag it for $29.99, or, you know, splurge on the $39.99 Founder’s Edition. A fancy artbook and soundtrack come with it, pretty cool if you’re into that sort of thing.
Now, even as a fresh release, it’s like this behemoth compared to the first Grounded. The map? Huge. Brookhollow Park’s totally a thing, almost matching the Backyard but, interestingly, it’s only a slice of what’s planned. A teaser, maybe? Builds, mounts, gear—basically, more goodies for crafting and surviving. You’ve got ant soldiers and freaky orb weaver spiders to ride around on. I mean, who thought riding a spider was a solid idea?
Oh man, the updates—Obsidian’s really planning to take this one on a ride. They threw out a roadmap! Like, actual future planning, which feels refreshingly optimistic these days. Seasonal updates are on the table, with the big reveals lined up like some cryptic advent calendar: Fall, Winter, Summer each getting their own dose of fresh chaos. Something about an AXL boss? Which, if you ask me, sounds like a tarantula on steroids. New stuff, quality tweaks—all under the “breaking and building” umbrella, I guess.
Stepping into winter, and we’re getting nostalgia vibes—they’re bringing back systems from the OG Grounded. Sour damage and those PEEP.R binoculars? No clue what that really means, but sounds intriguing. Also, ladybug buggies and pouches for your mounts. I mean, who doesn’t need more pockets, right? Tech-wise, it’s like a crossover extravaganza: Steam Deck love, crossplay, all the jazz—hopefully, a smoother experience all around.
Next summer, looking wild with the Smoothies overhaul and water-based antics. Swimming improvements, water mounts, even watery bases. Honestly, bases made of water? Not sure how that won’t just… sink? But I’ll love to see them try.
Obsidian’s holding some cards close to their chest though, hinted by these ‘redacted’ sections with tree icons. Expansion packs for Brookhollow Park, maybe? Whatever it is, we’re getting only a peek at the park’s potential.
Critics? They seem to dig it. Grounded 2’s earning nods; larger, more daring—it’s what sequels should be, right? Some bumps on Steam though; performance isn’t perfect and user reviews are mixed. But hey, it’s Early Access, what do you expect? The devs need the feedback to iron out those kinks. Typical.
If you’re eyeing a dive into this adventure, Game Pass is probably your friend here. Safer bet than gambling your cash outright if your system decides not to play nice. Pro tip: snag it discounted at CDKeys if you’re bargain hunting.
And that’s that. Just a glimpse into the vast, slightly buggy wild world of Grounded 2—not polished, sure, but rarely boring.