Xbox and Obsidian have revealed a timeline for Grounded 2's Early Access, providing details on upcoming content and linguistic improvements for the Game Pass sequel.
Grounded 2, the sequel to Obsidian Entertainment's popular 2020 open-world survival game, is currently in Early Access and has a promising development roadmap. The game is available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, Steam, and through Xbox Game Pass.
Exciting Updates Ahead
The development roadmap for Grounded 2 includes three major seasonal updates scheduled through summer 2026, each adding significant new content and improvements.
Fall 2025 Update
The Fall 2025 update will feature the AXL boss, gear, furniture, and quality-of-life improvements, a building grid for base construction, and pouches for buggy mounts.
Winter 2025 Update
The Winter 2025 patch will introduce revamped systems and tools from the first Grounded, the ladybug buggy, cricket and earwig bugs, and additional sets of gear, furniture, and base defense items. It will also bring Steam Deck verification, Steam Deck-specific crossplay with other platforms, and improved support for the ASUS ROG Ally.
Summer 2026 Update
The Summer 2026 update will overhaul versions of Grounded's Smoothies, improve swimming, water bug mounts, equipment for aquatic environments, and the ability to make "watery bases." This update represents a major expansion of the game’s systems.
A Deeper, Larger Experience
Grounded 2 aims to provide a deeper, larger experience than the original game. The game will have multiple story acts beyond the current Act One, with at least three more major story updates planned alongside new areas and biomes.
Only about 20% of the expansive Brookhollow Park map will be available at Early Access start, with large expansion planned over time. Several smaller features are expected periodically, including new mutations, languages, weapons, and other gameplay content.
Purchase and Subscription Options
Grounded 2 can be purchased directly for $29.99, or a $39.99 Founder's Edition is available which includes bonus cosmetics and a digital artbook and soundtrack. If you don't already have Game Pass, you can get a month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for just $10.19 at CDKeys.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription eliminates the risk of buying a game that doesn't run well on your rig, as it allows you to play day one Xbox games on various platforms, including Xbox consoles, PC, and through the Cloud.
Caution for Early Access Games
While issues like poor optimization and performance are common in Early Access games, it's worth keeping in mind if you're interested in jumping into Obsidian's sequel. Future patches will grow Grounded 2 even bigger during its Early Access period.
Critical Acclaim
Grounded 2 has garnered strong praise from critics, with our own Early Access review describing it as 'far larger and considerably more ambitious' than its predecessor.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Discount
CDKeys offers Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 1-month memberships for an amazing discount, currently priced at $10.19.
In conclusion, Grounded 2 is shaping up to be a significant expansion and improvement over the original game, with a richer narrative, more bugs to battle, mounts to ride, gear to craft, and a larger map to explore. If you're a fan of survival games or enjoyed the first Grounded, Grounded 2 is definitely worth keeping an eye on.
- With three major seasonal updates planned through summer 2026, Microsoft is promising substantial content and improvements for Grounded 2, the sequel to Obsidian Entertainment's 2020 open-world survival game.
- The Winter 2025 patch for Grounded 2 will bring revamped systems and tools, the ladybug buggy, cricket and earwig bugs, and additional sets of gear, furniture, and base defense items, making it available on Steam Deck, Steam Deck-specific crossplay with other platforms, and improved support for the ASUS ROG Ally.
- Players can purchase Grounded 2 for $29.99, or opt for the $39.99 Founder's Edition, which includes bonus cosmetics and a digital artbook and soundtrack. Alternatively, a one-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription can be acquired at CDKeys for just $10.19.
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership allows players to eliminate the risk of buying a game that doesn't run well on their rig by enabling them to play day one Xbox games on various platforms, including Xbox consoles, PC, and through the Cloud.
