Grounded 2 has received its first major content expansion with the release of the Toxic Tangle update. The update introduces a large new Garden biome, new creatures, expanded gear and armor options, as well as improvements to the mutation and building systems. Players can now explore a corrupted section of Brookhollow Park, where Tang has begun spreading through soil, water, and across local wildlife. The update is available now for Game Preview on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, and Xbox Cloud, as well as in early access on Steam, with full Xbox Game Pass support.
Shyla Schofield, Senior Communications Manager for Xbox Game Studios, describes the update as a significant expansion of the park’s exploration opportunities, combining new challenges with updated gameplay mechanics to engage both solo players and those in cooperative groups.
Exploring the Garden Biome
The Garden biome introduces a layered environment filled with overgrown vegetation, vertical climbing routes, and hidden crawlspaces. Players will encounter sections ranging from pumpkin patches to dense carrot jungles, offering resources to gather and opportunities for strategic combat. Tang corruption affects both terrain and creatures, creating hazards that require careful navigation.
The design emphasizes verticality and exploration, with paths that often loop or intersect to reveal secret areas. This encourages players to observe their surroundings closely and rewards those who venture off the main path. The biome is intended to challenge both new and experienced players, combining environmental hazards with unpredictable enemy encounters.
Ladybug Buggy Adds Mobility and Combat Options
A major addition in the update is the Ladybug Buggy, a rideable insect mount designed for combat and traversal. Equipped with a water cannon capable of removing Tang corruption or knocking enemies back, the Ladybug Buggy also has a ramming charge for close encounters and regenerates health over time.
The mount allows players to move efficiently through the Garden biome while engaging multiple threats at once. It can serve both as a transportation method and as a mobile combat platform, enhancing gameplay variety and providing new strategies for exploration and survival. The addition of rideable insect mounts continues Grounded 2’s focus on creative mobility options.
New Creatures and Returning Challenges
The Garden biome introduces several new enemies designed to test player reflexes and tactics. Creatures such as coordinated Earwigs, heavily armored Potato Beetles, and the Woolly Aphid provide a mix of combat patterns and behaviors that require careful planning. In addition to these new threats, familiar figures like the Masked Stranger continue to make appearances, while larger threats such as the Snake Colossus maintain a looming presence within the park.
These encounters are designed to blend environmental hazards with creature behavior, requiring players to adapt to both predictable and unexpected challenges. The update reinforces the survival aspects of Grounded 2 while maintaining the cooperative and strategic elements the game is known for.
Mutation System and Gear Updates
The Toxic Tangle update introduces adjustments to the mutation system, splitting abilities into active and passive types. Active mutations operate as before, while passive mutations now apply automatically depending on weapon loadout. This change reduces menu management during combat and allows players to focus on strategy and timing.
In addition to mutation updates, new gear, weapons, and armor sets have been added, along with expanded trinkets and tools. These additions offer new combinations for players to customize their playstyle and respond to the evolving challenges of the Garden biome.
Expanded Building Options
Base-building features have been improved with new construction kits and building components. The update introduces sets such as the Pumpkin Set and a refreshed Mushroom Kit, along with improvements to snapping mechanics and parity between building pieces. New items like floor hatches, scale roof sets, and updated stairs give players more flexibility to design functional or decorative bases.
For those interested in cooperative or creative play, the MIX.R and O.R.C. wave challenges provide additional gameplay scenarios that test both combat skills and defensive planning. The Founder’s Pack has also been updated with decorative items like the High Roller’s Dice Bag and Champion’s Banner, offering further customization options.
Preparing for Playgrounds Mode
Alongside Toxic Tangle, Grounded 2 will bring back Playgrounds Mode, entering Public Test Beta in February. Playgrounds Mode will allow players to create mini-games, custom arenas, and challenge maps, using the core tools introduced in the original Grounded. This mode emphasizes player creativity and supports both competitive and cooperative gameplay within custom-designed spaces.
The developers have indicated that future updates will continue to expand Brookhollow Park, adding both environmental and gameplay content that encourages exploration, survival, and creative play.
Availability
The Toxic Tangle update for Grounded 2 is now live across all supported platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and early access on Steam. Players can experience the update through Xbox Game Pass, allowing both solo and co-op exploration, crafting, and base-building across the expanded Garden biome.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Toxic Tangle update in Grounded 2?
The Toxic Tangle is the first major content update for Grounded 2, adding a new Garden biome, new creatures, gear, building sets, mutations, and the Ladybug Buggy mount.
Where can I play the Toxic Tangle update?
The update is available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and in early access on Steam. It is included with Xbox Game Pass.
What new creatures are in the update?
New enemies include Earwigs, Potato Beetles, and the Woolly Aphid. Familiar enemies and story characters, like the Masked Stranger and the Snake Colossus, also return.
What is the Ladybug Buggy?
The Ladybug Buggy is a rideable mount that can traverse terrain, attack enemies with a water cannon, and perform a ramming charge. It regenerates health over time and adds mobility options for players.
How has the mutation system changed?
Mutations are now split into active and passive types. Active mutations operate as before, while passive mutations automatically apply based on weapon loadouts, reducing menu management during gameplay.
What improvements were made to building?
The BUILD.M toolkit received new sets like the Pumpkin Set, Mushroom Kit updates, floor hatches, scale roofs, and improved snapping. These changes allow more flexible and detailed base construction.
When will Playgrounds Mode return?
Playgrounds Mode will enter Public Test Beta in February, offering tools for custom mini-games, arenas, and challenge maps.
Can I play Toxic Tangle solo or co-op?
The update supports both solo and cooperative play, allowing players to explore, craft, fight, and build together in the Garden biome.
