Grounded 2 refines survival crafting and rewards early access play

Polygon reports that Grounded 2, from Obsidian Entertainment, trims many of the genre’s more tedious chores and remains worth playing in early access.

The review highlights the Omni-Tool — a shovel, axe, hammer and wrench in one that never breaks — which reduces the early-game grinding that marked the first Grounded. The Picnic area delivers satisfying traversal challenges and small scenic moments, while bug companions improve solo play. The writer also says they were able to craft more varied weapons early on, including poison weapons, a staff that launched fireballs, a high-powered bow and a large club that could stun enemies.

Obsidian is preparing a free winter update that adds a new zone the team called the "real" start of Grounded 2; early impressions from the update's public beta testing suggest it leans further into traversal and gives enemies species-specific fighting styles, such as crickets that kick and can block projectiles. The piece concludes many of the first game’s fiddly obstacles are gone and the sequel appears set to get even better.

Key Topics

Tech, Obsidian Entertainment, Omni Tool, Picnic Area, Survival Crafting