Grounded 2 made its debut during Xbox’s Summer Game Fest 2025 presentation and is now playable on Xbox Series X/S via Game Preview and Steam Early Access. Subscribers to Xbox Game Pass can also dive into the title at no extra cost.

The follow-up to Obsidian’s survival hit, inspired by miniature adventures, introduces major gameplay shifts. Core tools like the shovel, axe, and hammer have been consolidated into a single multifunctional device, streamlining resource management. Players can now breed and train ants or spiders as loyal companions, serving as mounts that enhance both travel speed and inventory capacity—a marked upgrade from the original’s traversal limitations.

While the current Early Access build features only two rideable species, developers plan to expand options as the game evolves. This phased approach allows for community-driven refinements before the full release.

To commemorate the launch, Microsoft is offering an oversized Red Ant plush replica through a promotional sweepstakes. The collectible mirrors in-game mounts, letting fans simulate their tiny protagonist’s perspective in real life.

Reflecting on the original Grounded’s 2022 full release, critics praised its immersive ecosystem despite some repetitive elements. Wccftech’s review highlighted: “While encountering familiar survival genre challenges, Grounded distinguishes itself through dynamic environmental interactions and compelling progression systems that demand creative problem-solving.”

Though the sequel’s Early Access iteration may not immediately match its predecessor’s polish, ongoing updates fueled by player feedback could potentially elevate the experience beyond the first game’s achievements.