Set a few years after the original, Grounded 2 moves the action to Brookhollow Park. This new area is massive, nearly as large as the original backyard. Meanwhile, players return as the now-older teen survivors. This time, they face even deeper secrets tied to the shady Ominent corporation.

• Bug Mounts: Yes, you can ride red ants and orb-weaver spiders. These mounts help with travel, combat, and building.
• Improved Arachnophobia Mode: Spiders now look like balloon animals if you turn this mode on—even the rideable ones.
• Omni-Tool: You no longer need to switch tools. The new Omni-Tool combines hammer, axe, and shovel into one.
• Better Combat: New dodge mechanics and smarter enemies make battles more intense.
• New Biomes: You can explore snack stands, anthills, tipped-over carts, and more hidden zones.

Aspect	Grounded	Grounded 2
Map Size	Backyard	Brookhollow Park (similar size)
Mounts	None	Ride ants and spiders
Tools	Separate hammer/axe/shovel	Unified Omni-Tool
Accessibility	Arachnophobia mode	Expanded mode for mounts too
Combat	Standard bug fights	Smarter AI, dodging, bigger threats

In conclusion, although the main idea remains unchanged, the overall experience feels completely new.

Grounded 2 goes live in Game Preview on July 29, 2025. It will be available through Xbox Game Pass and Steam Early Access.

Obsidian plans to share a public roadmap, just like the original. As updates roll in, the game will evolve based on community feedback.

Grounded 2 improves on nearly every part of the first game. In particular, the addition of mounts, smarter tools, and more vibrant biomes shows that Obsidian is listening. Moreover, the fact that it’s coming to Game Pass on day one makes it even easier to jump in.

Whether you’re a returning fan or a new player curious about survival in a shrunken world, Grounded 2 could be your next big summer game.

Get ready to dive back into the grass when Grounded 2 launches this July.