Grounded 2 Early Access Review: The Kids Have Shrunk, but Everything Else Has Grown

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In the new version, it appears the children have shrunk yet again, but Obsidian Entertainment’s miniature survival game, Grounded, has continued to expand in scope. At first glance, little seems different in Grounded 2; the familiar quartet of teens are still smaller than an ant and find themselves embroiled in another struggle for existence amidst the diverse insect life within their surroundings. However, while the core concept and gameplay loop remain unaltered, Grounded 2 distinguishes itself as a sequel by significantly enhancing virtually every element.

In the ongoing Early Access version of ‘Grounded 2’, only parts of Brookhollow Park are accessible, with restricted areas barricaded by construction tape. However, there’s still plenty to enjoy in this game despite these limitations. Some features, such as the Custom Game mode for adjusting settings, are temporarily unavailable during Early Access. Nevertheless, I found the experience incredibly engaging while I was exploring, surviving, and constructing my base in a diminutive scale world.

Tiny Teens, Big Changes in Grounded 2

Upon starting the game, I immediately recognized an enhancement in its overall production quality. The sequel, named Grounded 2, begins with a compelling introductory cinematic featuring well-crafted animations that set the stage. In-game, I was struck by the upgraded visuals, particularly the enhanced lighting system that amplifies the game’s cartoonish aesthetic, injecting vibrancy and color into the graphics. Light seeping through grass planks and weed stems in my house, for example, was beautifully rendered, adding a sense of realism to the otherwise whimsical environment. The animations too felt more fluid, noticeably improving combat and parrying sequences.

In terms of a rephrased version, here’s an option: The user interface (UI) has experienced a total transformation, however, the wheel-style menu tabs might be a hit or miss for PC gamers-even though it works decently with a controller. Notably, the most impressive UI enhancement is the map. In contrast to the earlier game’s almost illegible low-tech map, Grounded 2‘s map is an intricate satellite image of the park, featuring boundaries that demarcate each biome. This upgrade makes navigation significantly easier with distinctive landmarks clearly marked.

Grounded 2‘s new Omni-Tool gives the game a quality-of-life boost.

A convenient enhancement to the UI is a radial menu, which enables players to swiftly create common items like bandages or rough ropes directly. This feature significantly reduces the time spent navigating through menus, particularly during the early stages of gameplay, where frequent crafting of such items is essential.

In a more simplified and natural way, my preferred enhancement to the quality of life is the introduction of the Omni-Tool in Grounded 2. This game has abolished the need for separate chopping, breaking, and digging tools, replacing them with a versatile, upgradeable device instead. What’s even better is that the Omni-Tool is context-aware – players no longer need to manage three tools on their hotbar. Instead, you press E when looking at something like grass or a submerged grub to use the tool. This not only frees up space in the hotbar and inventory but also maintains the pleasure of advancing through the tool tiers. Upgrades for the Omni-Tool’s functions can be made at Ranger Stations, using increasingly complex resources, just as the multiple tools it replaced did.

Grounded 2’s Buggies Are Its Defining Feature

Buggies! When I first played Grounded, my immediate thought was, “When can I ride the bugs?” And in this new version, that dream has been fulfilled. Buggies are durable insects you can ride, and they also serve as a battle companion, allowing for mounted combat as well as independent action during fights.

Buggies in this game offer numerous advantages to solo players. Not only do they provide storage space for inventory, but they also significantly increase movement speed, making navigation through the park easier. Furthermore, Buggies come with special abilities like chopping grass and carrying large stacks of planks. There’s even a Metroidvania-style aspect to Buggies, as they allow access to new areas to explore. For example, the ant Buggy can break through certain obstacles, while the orb weaver Buggy can move along webbed paths. Obtaining a Buggy is a complex process that matches the significance of this game-changing feature.

Grounded 2 Has a Smoother Start and Better Progression

In my gaming world, stepping into Grounded 2 feels like a whole new ballgame! Compared to the original where we were just dropped off with minimal guidance, this sequel is offering a smoother entry with an impressive Ominent Onboarding Facility. This place is perfect for learning the ins and outs of crafting and exploring the park, all while fitting neatly into the game’s narrative as essential training for Ominent employees. It’s like getting a guided tour before being set loose in the wild!

In the initial act of the game Grounded 2, the explorable zone is largely reminiscent of the earlier biomes seen in Grounded. The majority of this area is a grassy landscape peppered with debris, with larger features like trash cans and picnic tables offering exciting platforming obstacles. At this early stage in the game, the limited environmental variety might be overlooked as future updates are expected to introduce more intriguing and demanding biomes. However, there are notable exceptions, such as a region of the play area that’s covered in ice, which could potentially freeze unwary characters if they linger too long.

In this game, progression is driven by an engaging storyline that effectively leads players. Unlike certain open-world survival games, there’s no uncertainty about what to tackle next. The main mission also serves as a trail of breadcrumbs for crucial resources. There are additional activities to enjoy too, like hacking O.R.C. transmitters, typically discovered at the end of platforming challenges and often offering breathtaking views of the park landscape.

Grounded 2 Shows Promise, But You May Want to Wait

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my admiration for the epic boss fights in the upcoming sequel to Grounded. Despite its whimsical environment filled with teenagers, the final encounters rival even some of the formidable bosses from Dark Souls. With an expanded array of tools at my disposal, thanks to the addition of various bug types like snails and caterpillars in Grounded 2, the game’s level of build diversity is rapidly catching up to its soulslike peers.

So far, Grounded 2 appears larger, more visually appealing, and easier to play, with enhancements throughout that noticeably boost the gameplay experience. If Obsidian Entertainment maintains this trajectory, it’s challenging to envision a scenario where Grounded 2 isn’t hailed as a successful sequel. However, potential players might want to postpone playing for now-it can be disappointing when reaching the end of its currently restricted content. Awaiting the complete release could offer the best way to fully enjoy Grounded 2.

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2025-08-20 07:04