More players are about to enter Brookhollow Park.

We're excited to share that Grounded 2 launches on PlayStation 5 on August 11, bringing an entirely new community of players into the park as we continue growing the game throughout our early access development period.

Since day one, Grounded has been built alongside its community. Some of the biggest features, improvements, and changes in the original game came directly from player feedback, and that's something we've carried forward into Grounded 2.

Whether you're stepping into the park for the first time or you've already been surviving your way through Brookhollow Park, August 11 is shaping up to be a big day.

Launching alongside the PlayStation 5 release is our next major content update, Into the Abyss.

This update opens the pond, giving players an entirely new area to explore both above and below the water's surface. It's one of the biggest additions to the game so far and brings new locations to discover, new progression paths to pursue, and new dangers waiting both above and below the water.

The pond is more than just a body of water. Players will explore new areas like the Mountains, the Bayou, and the depths below the surface, each offering new discoveries and challenges. As they progress, diving suits will allow them to stay underwater longer and reach previously inaccessible areas, while familiar creatures like the koi fish and diving bell spider return alongside new surprises waiting to be uncovered.

Players will also get their hands on the Toe-biter, a new amphibious Buggy capable of traversing both land and water. Whether you're exploring the shoreline, searching for hidden secrets, or trying to escape whatever is chasing you, the Toe-biter opens up entirely new ways to experience the pond.

We're especially excited for players to see what the team has been building. The pond gave us an opportunity to revisit underwater exploration with everything we've learned from the original Grounded, while continuing to expand what Grounded 2 can be.

August 11 marks the next milestone for the game. New players will be joining the adventure, existing players will have a massive new area to explore, and Brookhollow Park will continue growing with every update still to come.

We'll see you in the park.

Grounded 2 is currently available in Game Preview for XBOX Series X|S, XBOX on PC, and ROG XBOX Ally handhelds, in Early Access on Steam, and you can play it on Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass. Play it on both XBOX Series X|S and XBOX on PC at no additional cost with XBOX Play Anywhere. Coming to PlayStation 5 on August 11, 2026.

On your mark, get set, Buggy Racing! Thank you so much for everyone who provided feedback and bug reporting during our PTB period. Playgrounds Mode has been updated and includes a brand-new starting map and Buggy Racing! The 0.4.1 Update also includes Steam Deck Support, and a much-needed fix for our PVP Community. Happy brawling!

Grounded 2 Executable Swap:

• We have officially changed our exe version: WinGRTS → Win64.
  • As of this update, Steam Deck Users can now link a Microsoft account and play online with their friends/use crossplay functionality.

Note:

• With this executable change, all player settings will be reset as a result of this change. This is a one-time reset, and we plan on saving your settings in the future permanently. We do apologize for any inconveniences this may cause you.

Playgrounds - Buggy Racing and New Map is now available!

• New Playground Starting Map - Lakeside Loop
• New Racing Mode for Playgrounds that allows players to build their own racetracks:
  • 1-4 Players can race each other on buggies in either point-to-point or lap races
  • New Playground objects to allow players to make their own racetracks
    • Race Start - Allows players to begin the race
    • Race Waypoint - A basic checkpoint illuminated by a short column of light
    • Race Waypoint Gate - A rectangular gate illuminated around the edges.
    • Sticky Sap - Something to slow down the racers.
    • Speed Boost Pad - Something to give racers a temporary speed boost

Bug Fixes:

• Fixed a bug where every perfect block was stunning the attacking Character in PvP.
• Fixed a bug where Handy Gnat did not have unlimited range.
• Fixed a bug where hanging stuffed creatures would fall after changing the mode.
• Fixed a bug where incorrect death messages were displayed after death from gizmo.
• Fixed a bug where knocked over Mallet get back to its previous position after updating the game to the newest version.
• Fixed a bug where opening the Building Grid or crafting menus would cause a crash on lower end PCs.
• Fixed a bug where Player on Steam Deck was always joining first Multiplayer lobby listed instead of the selected one.
• Fixed a bug where Steam players sometimes were unable to see hosted games.
• Fixed a bug where the sizzle from gizmo would not stop increasing.
• Fixed a bug where title was freezing when Client was sorting mixed and unstacked Smoothies of different types.
• Fixed a bug where Web Master mutation could be quickly upgraded by repeatedly using Web Throw ability on a Snail hidden in its shell.
• Fixed a bug where Wooly Whoppers were not available in Playgrounds.
• Fixed an issue where Arachnophobia Safe Mode would not affect the O.G.R.R. Wolf Spider Creature Card preview in SCA.B 2K’s Data menu.
• Fixed an issue where certain resources would not count toward Rock Cracker Mutation progression.
• Fixed an issue where player could attack their own Black Ant Buggy.
• Fixed an issue where Player could reach a specific spot in the King Dozers Arena corner which rendered them immune to most of the King Dozers attacks.
• Fixed an issue where the Player was unable to delete the save file associated with a Playgrounds map that was published multiple times.
• Fixed an issue where the player would disappear and lose all movement input after being AFK in Handy Gnat.
• Fixed an issue where the Shared World logout save would be deleted upon renaming a prior save and restarting the title.
• Fixed an issue where the title would crash after removing/recycling the ladder.
• Fixed an issue where turning on “Read to Me” and setting subtitles to All would crash a game on Steam Deck.
• Fixed an issue with a “Customize” Keybind still working after changing or deleting the mapping.
• Fixed an issue with displaying wrong error message when trying to publish a playground, while being disconnected from the internet.
• Fixed an issue with Ladybug ram attack dealing multiple hits while sprinting around the King Dozer hitboxes.
• Fixed an issue with picture overlapping with the text and the main widget in the Playground’s creation screen.
• Fixed an issue with the Creator and Download Code not updating after the first map was selected.
• Fixed an issue with the items in the upgraded Buggy’s storage being deleted after the Player’s death.
• Fixed an issue with the Orb Weaver Buggy taking twice as long to hatch.
• Fixed an issue with the Steam Deck hard locking in certain menus.
• Fixed an issue with Xbox Network Login screen remaining on the Main Menu screen on Steam Deck.

Bug Fixes From PTB to Live:

• Fixed Various Stability Issues

Thank you so much for your continued support and we look forward to seeing your Buggy racecourses! Please join our Official Discord Server and share your Playgrounds with us, we are very eager to check them out and might do a Playgrounds showcase live on our dev streams.

As always, stay safe and stay Grounded.

Grounded 2 Executable Swap:

• We have officially changed our exe version, from WinGRTS → Win64.
  • As of this update, Steam Deck Users can now link a Microsoft account and play online with their friends/use crossplay functionality.

Note:

• With this executable change, all player settings will be reset as a result of this change. This is a one-time reset and we plan on saving your settings in the future permanently.

Playgrounds - Buggy Racing and New Map is now available!

• New Playground Starting Map - Lakeside Loop
• New Racing Mode for Playgrounds that allows players to build their own racetracks:
  • 1-4 Players can race each other on buggies in either point-to-point or lap races
  • New Playground objects to allow players to make their own racetracks
    • Race Start - Allows players to begin the race
    • Race Waypoint - A basic checkpoint illuminated by a short column of light
    • Race Waypoint Gate - A rectangular gate illuminated around the edges.
    • Sticky Sap - Something to slow down the racers.
    • Speed Boost Pad - Something to give racers a temporary speed boost

Please note that this is the first iteration of Buggy Racing, more will be added based on your feedback. 

Stay safe, and stay Grounded!

Helpful links:

• Public Test Patch Notes
• How to Access the Public Test
• How to Report a Bug
• Saving Your Game Save File

We are releasing patch 0.4.0.2.3661 on all available platforms. Thank you so much for your patience while we get fixes out. If you come across any additional issues, please contact us on our Issue Tracker.

General Change:

• Spider Webs will now de-spawn after 24 hours. This change was made to help players who did not get the spider web fix in 0.4.0.1
  • This only functions when the player is not near it

Bug Fixes:

• Fixed an issue where Buggies had trouble hitting resources up close
  • it should now be easier to bust resources on the Ladybug Buggy
• Fixed an issue where a Buggy could permanently become unavailable if it died after the player
• Fixed a crash when loading your world
  • This is also the same bug where you would lose progress in your world after re-loading your same save
• Fixed an issue where the Client would not have their Buggy assigned upon relogging in
• Fixed Various Performance Issues around the park and Various forms of optimization has occurred in 0.4.0.2
  • This will not fix all hitches, but it should be significantly better. We plan to have more optimization fixes in our next update.
• Fixed an issue where you were unable to swap camera modes after getting stuck in a spider web
• Fixed an issue where the Space Bar | or A on controller, had no effect when customizing the SCAB.2k
• Fixed an issue where “A Strange Warning” quest could not be completed on a specific save

If you come across other issues, please contact us at Support. Thank you.

Bug Fixes:

• Fixed a bug where the host would be forced to re-select a teen after a client joining a session
• Fixed a bug on Steamdeck that forced joystick icons on screen
• Fixed a bug where spider webs took over The Park causing Performance drops
  • This is retroactive to your save file, but the spider webs are still present by default. We suggest that you remove them
• Improved Buggy Calling inside the Black Anthill

The Beat the Heat update is now live in Grounded 2, bringing a new boss fight, a new buggy progression system, and a wave of content, improvements, and community-requested features across the park.

Meet King Dozer

During your adventures out in the park you might find King Dozer, a massive horned lizard and one of the most dangerous creatures we’ve added yet.

This is a full boss encounter — one you’ll need to prepare for. You’ll summon it, face it head-on, and survive long enough to take it down.

If you do, the rewards speak for themselves:

• New weapons and armor crafted from its scales
• Unique gear that reflects just how dangerous it is
• Furniture and trophies to prove you took it down

A New Way to Grow Your Buggies

This update brings a community-requested feature that we are excited to further develop alongside you, our community.

Buggy Progression is here and it introduces a full system for upgrading your buggies and making them a core part of your build.

Using Moldy Milk Molars, you can invest directly into your buggy’s growth:

• Increase health, damage, and effectiveness
• Improve how they gather and support you
• Bring early buggies into tougher fights

You’ll also unlock mutations that reinforce each buggy’s role. Some are always active based on the creature, while others trigger from your actions, giving you more control in the park.

The Buffin’ Barrel lets you evolve your buggy to the next tier, increasing its power and what it can gather so it scales with you instead of falling behind.

And new additions like the Black Soldier Ant Buggy expand your options even further.

The Park Is Expanding

There’s more happening across Brookhollow Park than ever before.

A new point-of-interest landmark and anthill named the Sinkhole Anthill are appearing, along with new creatures, resources, and gear to chase down. You may also encounter O.G.R.R. creatures in the picnic and garden areas, adding new threats to familiar spaces.

Building continues to expand with new sets and parts, plus utility structures like the Buggy Buff Hut and EverChar Roasting Spit, a new cooking device that can handle more food at once while keeping your base well lit.

More Ways to Fight and Survive

Combat and survival continue to evolve.

You can now block while using a bow, adding more control to ranged fights. O.R.C. creatures have also picked up new abilities, including lasers and healing, making encounters less predictable.

We’ve also made improvements across the board:

• Reworked poison gas and related gear
• Smoother inventory navigation
• Clearer bandage healing values in menus

Seasonal Content: Easter

The Easter update is live alongside Beat the Heat.

Easter Eggs can now be found around the park, dropping marshmallows used in new Ranger Station recipes. Craft and eat s’mores for a sugar rush or build a Marshmallow Chair for your base when the recipe releases later this month (so stock up and start saving those marshmallows)!

Make the Park Your Own with Playgrounds

Playgrounds Mode is ready, giving you the tools to shape the park your way. Create arenas, challenges, puzzles, or anything you can imagine, then share your creations with the community.

You can also dive into a growing collection of player-built worlds that are already live and waiting to be explored.

A New Ominent Training Video has Appeared

Lead Community Scientist 347 and Field Intern 678 are here with a new mandatory update seminar for you to view as they discuss the new update.

_______

Grounded 2 is in Early Access, and we’re continuing to build the game alongside the community. This update brings in some of your requested features, along with new challenges to take on.

Jump in, take on King Dozer, and let us know how it feels. Join the Discord and help shape what comes next.

Patch Notes

Beat the Heat patch notes can be found here.

We’re excited to announce that the Beat the Heat Public Test is now live. We'd be very grateful for you all to participate in this optional test phase for the new upcoming update.

Please note that this is the development phase of the update, and there is always a risk when testing out new features. Any progress you make on the test server may or may not carry over, so please keep this in mind when you join.

After joining the test server, be sure to join our Discord server! There, you can chat with other players who are testing, easily share your feedback and suggestions with the community and the dev team directly, and stay up to date with the latest news from us. You can also access the Public Test Build patch notes on the Discord server or visit our forums to see what is included in this test.

We hope you enjoy your time in the Public Test Server and stay tuned for more Grounded 2 news.

Stay safe, and stay Grounded!

Helpful links:

• Public Test Patch Notes
• How to Access the Public Test
• How to Report a Bug
• Saving Your Game Save File

With Playground Mode in Grounded 2, Brookhollow Park becomes more than a place to survive. It becomes your development sandbox.

This new suite of tools gives players the power to build reactive encounters, scripted events, and entirely custom game modes inside the world of Grounded 2. Whether you’re designing a battle-ready arena, setting up situations that can surprise your friends with challenges, building a puzzle gauntlet, or experimenting with something completely unexpected, Playground Mode is designed to be both powerful and approachable.

At the core of the experience are modular, logic-driven tools that can be linked together to create dynamic outcomes.

Using a Trigger Volume, you can define an invisible area that activates the moment a player steps inside the designated zone. Connect that to a Random Chance tool, then link it to multiple Creature Spawners, and you’ve built a lightweight RPG-style encounter system. Each time someone crosses the threshold, the can produce a different result, keeping encounters unpredictable and replayable.

And that’s only the beginning.

Chain tools together to create escalating combat waves, hidden traps, branching paths, or randomized survival challenges. Combine creature spawners with build kits, interactive gadgets, and environmental setups to craft structured arenas or experimental modes. Want to design an arena with rotating enemy pools? A reactive puzzle room triggered by movement? An ambush zone that activates when players least expect it? The tools are flexible enough to support it.

Playground Mode is built for players who enjoy experimenting with systems, but you don’t need development experience to get started. Place. Connect. Test. Iterate. Adjust the chaos until it feels just right.

And when you’ve created something you’re proud of, share it — and dive into what others have built.

Players can download, play, and vote on community-created playgrounds, discover new challenges, inventive encounters, and unexpected twists on survival. Whether you’re testing your skills in a player-designed arena or exploring a cleverly scripted puzzle experience, there’s always something new to try.

Some of the most memorable moments in Grounded, and now in Grounded 2, have come from player creativity: ambitious builds, inventive challenges, and unexpected ideas that push the game in new directions. Playground Mode opens the door for even more experimentation and discovery.

Brookhollow Park is your canvas.

We can’t wait to see what you create.

Two Maps Available

• The Grassbox: The fan-favorite returns from Grounded.
• Brookhollow Park: The park you know and love from Survival Mode.

Classic Tools, New Possibilities

• The Handy Gnat is back in action to help you build with precision and includes a new feature to help players get to hard-to-reach areas.
• Familiar Gizmos and Gadgets return alongside new additions, like the O.R.C. Transmission Device

Playgrounds will also include the following from Grounded 2:

• Buildings, utilities, decorations, resources, and consumables
• Creatures and their variants
• Resources and materials
• Weapons, tools, and equipment

Please note that this is just the first round of Playground features and items available in this mode, more will continue to be added throughout development.

Stay safe, and stay Grounded!

Helpful links:

• Public Test Patch Notes
• How to Access the Public Test
• How to Report a Bug
• Saving Your Game Save File

As always, thank you for your continued patience and support. Your feedback, bug reports, and suggestions play a huge role in helping us improve Grounded 2. If you encounter any additional issues, please reach out to Obsidian Support.

General Changes:

• Quartzite and Marble are now on a 1-week respawn timer
• Added St. Patrick’s resources and items
• Earwig attacks have been changed to now allow perfect blocking on certain attacks

Bug Fixes:

• Resolved an issue where Cactus Flowers had trouble spawning on older saves
• Addressed a problem that caused UI keybinds to become unusable when rebound
• Corrected an issue where talking to Sloane would display “Text Block” and lock players out of future progression
• Fixed an issue preventing clients from sleeping
• Corrected ORC Waves so they now spawn in the correct scenarios
• Resolved an issue where Corn Hog did not drop Corn Hog Chunks
• Improved Lint and Pinecone pieces so they are now bigger and easier to pick up
• Fixed an issue where the ladybug could deal significantly more damage than intended
• Implemented various crash and stability fixes
  • Resolved a crash that could occur when typing on Xbox with a mouse and keyboard
  • Fixed a crash when navigating to the chat box in a multiplayer pre-game lobby
  • Addressed various other scenarios
• Fixed an issue where the croquet mallet would not fall for a client
• Improved quest flow around Save/Loads and loading autosaves