Grounded 2 expands on everything fans loved about the original while introducing entirely new mechanics, biomes, and combat depth. This follow-up to Obsidian’s surprise survival hit was announced during the Xbox Games Showcase, and it’s already shaping up to be a significant step forward for the series. From rideable insects to new mutations and combat mechanics, here are the biggest new features you’ll find in Grounded 2 when it hits early access.
Buggy System and Combat Mounts
The number-one request from players of the first Grounded—bug mounts—is finally real. In Grounded 2, you’ll be able to ride insects across the park. Each mount, known in-game as a “buggy,” has unique abilities.
The Red Ant Soldier is great for fast travel and resource gathering, even calling in worker ants to assist. The Orbweaver Spider, meanwhile, is a full-on combat mount. It can scream to stun enemies and shoot webs that temporarily trap targets. While it lacks high defense, it’s fast and lethal.
These mounts are tightly integrated into every part of the game, including traversal, combat, and base-building.
New Setting: Brook Hollow Park
The original’s backyard is gone. Grounded 2 moves the action to Brook Hollow Park, a larger and more dynamic setting that enables Obsidian to add varied biomes. These include a frozen area created by a tipped-over ice cream truck, underground insect hives, garbage wastelands, and even toxic zones.
The time period has advanced to 1992, and players once again take control of the original four shrunken teens, now slightly older and more experienced. Their new playground offers bigger threats, deeper mysteries, and a lot more surface area to explore.
Streamlined Systems: No Zip Lines, New Omni Tool
Zip lines won’t be available at launch in Grounded 2—they’ve been temporarily removed to make way for the new traversal mechanics and mounts. However, they’re expected to return later in early access in a way that better integrates with the sequel’s upgraded systems.
In the meantime, Obsidian is giving players the Omni Tool, a combined axe, hammer, shovel, and wrench. This multi-purpose device streamlines crafting and inventory management, and will be a vital part of daily survival.
Combat Overhaul and Mutation Builds
Grounded 2 significantly upgrades combat with the addition of a dodge mechanic—a welcome change that enhances both movement and melee options.
The sequel also improves on the mutation system. Instead of just passive perks, Grounded 2 adds active mutations that shape your entire playstyle. From stealth assassins with poison daggers to tanky brawlers or ranged sharpshooters, the system now supports clearer player archetypes and combinations.
Specific builds teased so far include a rogue class with boosted dodge stamina, high critical hit rates, and dual-wielded poison blades. Expect even more archetypes as the game evolves in early access.
Bonus: New Creatures and Environmental Threats
A larger world means more bugs. Among the confirmed new additions are caterpillars, snails, scorpions, cockroaches, mosquitoes, and blue butterflies. Some creatures return, while others are entirely new threats to study, fight, or avoid.
The presence of cockroaches in toxic zones and roaming praying mantises suggests a darker tone in some biomes, and adds new layers to the survival mechanics.
