Grounded 2 has arrived in Early Access, with content still limited compared to what the final release might offer. Judging by the development pace of the first title, we could be looking at roughly two years before it’s complete. Even so, what Obsidian Entertainment is proposing already gives us a clear idea of the direction they want to take.
One of the most notable changes is the move to Unreal Engine 5, removing the technical limitations of the original and greatly improving graphical fidelity. Effects like lighting, reflections, and textures look fantastic, and it’s now easier to distinguish objects that previously blended into the environment.
The game world has also expanded thanks to its new narrative: instead of a backyard, we now explore a recreational park, a larger and more varied setting that offers multiple threats and exploration opportunities. While many enemies return such as ants, spiders, ladybugs, larvae, and slugs also new creatures have been added, including praying mantises, butterflies, scorpions, and flying cockroaches. Standout locations include a hot coal field simulating a volcanic area and expanded ant caves redesigned to impress.
One of the most interesting additions is the class-based armor system, which allows you to take on roles like mage, warrior, or explorer, adding a more creative and strategic layer to gameplay. You can also raise insects to ride and use them for transportation or to carry resources—something that could even evolve into the ability to fly.
Equipment management has also improved. Previously, dying meant your armor broke and you lost your resources and weapons. Now you only lose easily recoverable resources; your armor can be repaired, and your favorite weapons always stay with you.
The story takes place some time after the first game: the company responsible for shrinking the children has moved to a park, and the original protagonists are miniaturized again without explanation. With prior experience, they’re more efficient at surviving. A new villain is introduced, posing as an ally and constantly assigning you missions. Unlike the first game, where the plot advanced every five hours of gameplay, here the narrative is more consistent and acts as the driving force of the experience.
Overall, Grounded 2 preserves the essence of the original but expands it in more efficient ways, delivering a more enjoyable experience both solo and in co-op. However, it’s still a work in progress: it lacks content and suffers from several bugs that can be annoying.
Final Score: 4/5