Obsidian Entertainment’s Grounded 2 is heading into early access on July 29, 2025, launching via Steam’s Early Access programme and Xbox Game Preview – and it’s bringing scorpions, rideable bugs, and a whole new park to explore.
The original Grounded launched in early access back in July 2020 before hitting full release in September 2022, going on to attract over 13 million players on Xbox and PC alone. Three years on, Obsidian announced the sequel at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, with Grounded 2 picking up two years after the events of the first game and transplanting its shrunken teenagers into the far more dangerous Brookhollow Park.
What’s in the Early Access version?
The early access build gives players a meaningful amount of content to dig into. According to the Steam page, players can work through Act 1 of the story, explore a large section of Brookhollow Park, try out three different Buggies, and jump into online co-op with friends – all with the new archetype system in tow.
Buggies are the headline new mechanic: rideable, friendly bugs that fight alongside you. Fire Ant Buggies can call in Worker Ants to assist in battle, while Orb-weaver Spider Buggies can roar to stun enemies, according to Obsidian’s Summer Game Fest 2025 preview. Returning enemy bugs like ants, spiders, ladybugs, and bees are joined by newcomers including scorpions, caterpillars, snails, and butterflies.
Platforms, pricing, and preorders
Grounded 2 launches on Xbox and PC (Steam and Microsoft Store) on July 29, 2025. As of the primary source, no pricing has been confirmed and the game is not available for preorder – players can wishlist it on Steam or Xbox in the meantime. Obsidian has confirmed that Grounded 2 is available at a lower price during Early Access, with the price expected to rise as more content is added ahead of the full 1.0 release – mirroring the approach taken with the original Grounded. When the full version is announced, its MSRP is expected to be confirmed at that time or shortly afterwards.
The full 1.0 version of Grounded 2 – which will include the complete story and all content developed throughout early access – has no confirmed release date yet. Obsidian has said the timeline will depend on community feedback and how much content gets added before launch.