Grounded 2 Release Timing, System Requirements, Features Unveiled

Grounded 2 (Image Credit: Obsidian)

Obsidian Entertainment is back with Grounded 2, the much-anticipated sequel to its surprise survival hit, and it's launching in early access on July 29, 2025. Nearly three years after the full release of Grounded, this follow-up aims to expand nearly every aspect of the original while adding fresh mechanics and content for returning fans and newcomers alike.

The game was officially revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase at Summer Game Fest 2025, where Obsidian also confirmed that player feedback during early access will once again shape the final version.

Grounded 2 Release Date & Time

• Early Access Launch Date: July 29, 2025

• Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam and Windows)

• Available via: Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, Xbox Play Anywhere, and Xbox Cloud Gaming

• Launch Time (Now confirmed via Dev):

  • 10 AM PT

  • 1 PM ET

  • 5 PM BST

  • 2 AM JST (July 30)

  • 3 AM AEST (July 30)

  • 5 AM NZST (July 30)

What’s New in Grounded 2?

Obsidian isn’t just shrinking players again—it’s also supersizing the scope and features.

• Buggies (Friendly Bugs):

  • Raise, ride, and fight alongside bugs like Fire Ants and Orb-Weaver Spiders.

  • Each buggy has unique abilities—some help in combat, others carry materials.

• Larger World:

  • Set in Brookhollow Park, a new location.

  • Starting zone is as large as the entire Grounded 1 backyard.

  • Full map (upon complete launch) will be 3x bigger than the original game.

• Oni-Tool:

  • A new all-in-one device that functions as axe, hammer, shovel, and wrench.

  • Helps manage backpack space more efficiently.

• New Bugs & Biomes:

  • Bugs: Scorpions, cockroaches, caterpillars, butterflies, snails, and more.

  • Biomes: Ice cream carts, snack shacks, and other unique micro-environments.

Story & Setting

The sequel picks up two years after the first game:

• The original teens return: Pete, Max, Willow, and Hoops.

• While attending a celebration in Brookhollow Park, a strange explosion shrinks them again.

• Now separated from BURG.L and Dr. Tully, the group must survive hostile bugs, uncover the cause, and find a way to return to normal size.

A new mysterious enemy is teased—leaving graffiti and possibly stalking players. Their identity remains unknown for now.

Gameplay Highlights

• Play solo or in 4-player online co-op.

• Build shelters, craft gear, forage for food and water.

• Use both natural and insect materials for crafting.

• Friendly bugs serve as mounts, haulers, and battle partners.

• Combat includes both classic insect threats and new enemies.

Bugs and Buggies – Confirmed Creatures

Returning bugs:

• Ants, spiders, ladybugs, bees, praying mantises, stinkbugs

New additions:

• Scorpions

• Caterpillars

• Snails

• Butterflies

Buggies (friendly bugs so far):

• Fire Ants: Can summon Worker Ants in combat

• Orb-Weaver Spiders: Can stun enemies with a roar

System Requirements

Minimum:

• OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2600 / Intel i5-8400

• RAM: 16 GB

• GPU: AMD RX 5700 / Nvidia GTX 1070 / Intel Arc A580

• DirectX: Version 12

• Storage: 40 GB available space

Recommended:

• OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X / Intel i7-10700K

• RAM: 16 GB

• GPU: AMD RX 6800 XT / Nvidia RTX 3080

• DirectX: Version 12

• Storage: 40 GB available space

Possible Future Ports?

• While Grounded 2 is launching as an Xbox/PC exclusive, there’s potential for PS5 and Switch 2 ports after full release.

• The original Grounded arrived on other platforms in April 2024—so a similar rollout could happen here.

Final Thoughts

Grounded 2 looks to build on a successful formula with a much larger world, deeper mechanics, and a new twist on survival gameplay through the Buggy system. With early access just around the corner, players will soon have a chance to help shape the next phase of Obsidian’s unique backyard survival saga.

Stay tuned for more updates as we crawl closer to launch.