Grounded 2: Beginner's Guide

Welcome back to the miniature world of survival! Obsidian is shrinking you down once again, but this time, the familiar backyard is gone. Grounded 2 throws you into the sprawling expanse of Brookhollow Park, a world set to be three times the size of the original game's map by full release. This new adventure introduces game-changing mechanics like rideable insect Buggy Mounts, a flexible archetype system, and a host of new creepy crawlies to fight. Whether you're a veteran of the first game or a newcomer to being bite-sized, this guide will give you the essential knowledge to hit the ground running.

Play Grounded 2 at Launch

Getting into the action is simple. Grounded 2 officially launches on Tuesday, July 29, for both PC and Xbox platforms. Based on Obsidian's usual rollout times, the game will likely go live around 5 PM UTC / 7 PM CET / 10:30 PM IST / 1 AM PHT / 2 AM JST (next day).

You have two main ways to start playing:

Xbox Game Pass: If you're subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass, you can play Grounded 2 on day one at no extra cost. This is a great option if you want to try the game without buying it upfront.

Direct Purchase: You can also buy the Standard Edition of Grounded 2 on Steam or through the Xbox store. There's a special Founder's Edition available too, which includes extra cosmetic perks. You can upgrade from the Standard to the Founder’s Edition later if you change your mind.

All players, no matter what version they own or whether they're playing through Game Pass, will receive the Tools of Yore cosmetic base items as a launch-day gift.

What Are Buggy Mounts?

This is arguably the biggest new feature in Grounded 2. Forget trekking across the map on foot; you can now hatch, raise, and ride your own insect companions called Buggy Mounts. These aren't just for faster travel. They are true partners in survival.

Your Buggy can: Fight alongside you, even blocking enemy attacks. Carry its own separate inventory for resources. Transport more building materials (like weed stems) than you can. Follow you and assist in combat when you're dismounted. * Activate a "gather mode" to automatically vacuum up nearby loot like Thistle Needles.

Grounded 2 Mounts

Buggy Mount Comparison: Ant vs. Spider

Based on trailer footage, it seems you'll acquire your first buggy by venturing into an anthill, stealing an egg, and hatching it in a special structure at your base.

New Combat Archetypes 

Grounded 2 introduces a light class system to add more depth to combat. Instead of being locked into a choice at the start, your "archetype" is defined by the armor you wear and the mutations you equip. This allows you to freely switch your playstyle by simply changing your gear.

Here are the four initial archetypes the game is built around:

Warrior: The classic tank. Focus on heavy-hitting clubs or a defensive sword-and-board style. Think full Ladybug armor.

Ranger: Master of ranged combat. Equip a bow and specialized armor, like the Orb Weaver set, to pick off enemies from a distance.

Mage: Wield the elemental power of candy staves. The new Butterfly armor set synergizes perfectly with this magical playstyle.

Rogue: A brand-new playstyle centered on speed and venom. This archetype uses dual-wielded daggers, a new weapon type with a gap-closing charge attack.

Grounded 2 Combat Archetypes

Quality of Life Changes

Obsidian has made some smart changes to make your survival experience smoother.

The All-in-One Omni-tool

Say goodbye to a cluttered inventory. The separate axe, hammer, and shovel have been replaced by a single, convenient Omni-tool. This one item handles all your chopping, busting, and digging needs, freeing up valuable hotbar and inventory space. This is a massive improvement for resource gathering.

Grounded 2 Omni Tool

New Movement and Mutations

You now have a dedicated dodge/dash ability, giving you a crucial burst of mobility to evade attacks or reposition in a fight. This fundamentally changes the flow of combat.

The mutation system has also been expanded to support the new archetypes. You'll find mutations like Sharpshooter for bow users and others that enhance melee, defense, and critical hits, allowing for deeper build customization.

Grounded 2 content image 

What Can You Expect from the World and Settings?

Brookhollow Park is a massive new environment filled with new dangers and landmarks. You'll discover a giant statue, a hot dog stand, an overturned ice cream cart, and dangerous new biomes like a stinky trash can that acts as a poison zone.

New threats await, including: Butterflies that can apply a cold debuff. Aggressive Scorpions. Praying Mantises as regular enemies. A mutation that hints at a powerful Tarantula boss. You'll also have control over your experience. The game will launch with multiple difficulty settings, including a Creative Mode where you can build freely with or without enemies. Just be aware that friendly fire is only active on the punishing Woah! difficulty.