I wasn't expecting Grounded 2 to arrive so soon after the first, but I'm already quite excited to delve into the undergrowth. The original is a delightful spin on survival games, and teaming up with friends to overcome the threat of giant ladybugs and spinders ended up being one of my surprise favorite co-op experiences in recent years. Now, it's back, and the sequel is arriving via Xbox Game Preview very soon.
The first Grounded took a little while to click for me, but that means I'm already eager to give survival game that leant into the shrunken setting. There was certainly plenty of room to build on those ideas, however, so I'm rather curious to see what we might get from a sequel – there's already the promise of a "much larger world," approximately three times the size of the original.
The same cast of four are returning, although they're now a couple of years older – it's 1992, so the world and technology has changed a bit, but we're still in that era of classic early-'90s nostalgia, and that's reflected in the objects you'll see dotted around the park you're in.
Having been rapidly abandoned, the area is filled with a mix of biomes. In one area, an ice cream vendor's cart that was tipped over has created a frozen cavern filled with unique creatures. Another region features an anthill where toxic chemicals were left nearby, creating a haven for deadly cockroaches.
To help you take on the threats, there are new dash moves to give you more ways to get out of danger or leap in to attack. The combat looks much more dynamic, with a rock-paper-scissors system of light attacks, heavy attacks, and blocks. There should be potential for all manner of builds, from stealthy rogues and ranged archers to spell-slinging mages.
You won't have to wait long to give it a go, either. Grounded 2 arrives via Xbox Game Preview on Tuesday July 29, 2025.
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