I had played the first Grounded when the game was only in its very first stammering. At the time of early access, I had completed what turned out to be only about 20 % of the final campaign, but I still enjoyed the duet experience with a friend. It was easy to perceive all the potential and the innovative character. In addition, having grown up with the darling films, I reduced children and a life as a creature, which clearly inspired the game, I felt directly targeted. Unfortunately, I have never returned there, for lack of time and lack of partner to try the following versions. With Grounded 2, I told myself that it was the perfect opportunity to start again. So what is this early version worth out of the oven worth?
Grounded 2 technical sheet
- Release date: July 29, 2025 (early access)
- Style : Action, adventure and survival game
- ESRB/PEGI classification: T (13+) / pegi 12
- Developers : Obsidian Entertainment et Eidos Montréal
- Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
- Operating language: Offered in French
- Test carried out on: Xbox Series X
- Available on: Xbox Series X|S, PC et via Cloud
- Price during the test: 39,99 $ CAD / 29,99 €
- Official website
- Digital version sent by the editor
Lessons from the first that serve the second game
First, my first reflex was to tell me that the game was surprisingly complete for a version in Game Preview. We immediately feel that it is not a simple prototype or a draft: a well -structured narrative frame is already in place, guiding the player efficiently through a series of main and secondary quests with an appreciable length. These missions are well punctuated and manage to maintain interest without ever giving the impression of going around in circles.
In parallel, a host of annexed challenges punctuate exploration, making it possible to accumulate research points. The latter are used to unlock a range of manufacturing recipes, already particularly large at this stage. The feeling of progression is constant, and the potential of the crafting system, as dense as it is promising, makes you want to experience everything.
Grounded 2 is also doing an excellent job to gradually familiarize us with its many survival concepts. Each mechanics are introduced with clarity, step by step, so that you never feel overwhelmed, even if the game is full of complex options and systems. This well -balanced educational approach allows all types of players to adapt naturally to the miniature environment and the dangers hidden there. We feel that Obsidian learned precious lessons from the development of the first opus: here, everything is better structured, more fluid, more intuitive. It is a real step forward, which testifies to the maturity acquired by the studio since its beginnings in this universe.
Fun even solo
One of the aspects that made me hesitate to dive into this Game Preview, it was the fear of not being able to play it solo. However, this concern quickly dissipated by discovering that the menu clearly proposes to launch a part in solo or multiplayer. Of course, I would probably have had even more pleasure in a group, whether to build immense structures or to face certain tough enemies. Nevertheless, I sincerely amused myself, to the point of having constantly desire to turn on my Xbox to plunge it.
It is mainly thanks to a catchy experience, carried by a solid feeling of progression. During my first underground expedition, I drooled: I had some cold sweats, I often bit the dust, but I also learned to unbalance the warrior ants and to heal myself effectively. And Grounded 2 rewarded me well with my efforts, especially with a powerful mount, nicknamed Bugie, which greatly facilitated my trips and my clashes.
Moreover, the playability has won in depth compared to the first game. The combat system now offers a good variety of approaches. The perfect blocking is still there, but we can also dodge, and the enemies are also more dynamic. We can even fight on the back of our buggie or use it as a companion attack. Depending on the situation, we can stay at a distance while she takes the blows, or take the role of the tank yourself. It is a beautiful evolution, which makes the gameplay more dynamic and adaptable to our style.
A unique environment
Then I love the artistic direction of Grounded 2. It’s crazy how much everyday objects such as a pine cone, hot dog or old camera may seem impressive when reduced to the size of an ant. Even the weeds that invade my terrain and make me hard life almost seemed to me beautiful. Obviously, what is even more mind -blowing is to cross a huge spider in an underground corridor or a powerful beetle that arises by surprise, pliers in front and sharp tail ready to strike.
For a Game Preview, the game is also huge. The starting environment is already larger than that of the first opus, and I quickly realized it. By trying to hatch my ant egg, I was struggling to find more acorns for manufacturing. So I went in exploration for a long time and I have never reached a real limit. This little getaway allowed me to discover magnificent insects: a big caterpillar, splendid butterflies and even a rather voracious larva. I can’t wait to face them.
Visually, Grouped 2 is very successful, but it is especially in terms of performance that we feel that it is an early access. I underwent some slowdowns, sometimes even in full fight, which made the situation less than ideal and sometimes downright risky. Fortunately, these drops of fluidity only lasted for a few moments and everything came back to normal quickly. We can excuse this at this stage of development, but sincerely I hope that these problems will be corrected in the close future.
Manage your survival
Grounded 2 retains all the fundamentals of a good survival game, while making them more accessible and engaging. There is the classic management of hunger, thirst and health, but also a particularly rich craft system. Each resource collected, whether fibers, pieces of insects or unusual materials, can be transformed into tools, weapons or structures. Base construction plays a key role, as much to protect yourself as to organize strategically. I admit that I tested this last aspect a little.
The progression also involves analyzing objects collected, which unlocks new recipes and strengthens the feeling of constant discovery. Even solo, the day-free cycle, environmental threats and the need to plan your actions give real tension.
One of the best improvements in Grounded 2 lies in the introduction of Omni-Tool. No more inventory congestion with separate axes, hammers and shovels: this multifunction tool includes all these basic actions in a single indestructible object, always accessible. This greatly simplifies resource management and fluidifies exploration.
There is also a better user interface, more readable, as well as optimization of the manufacturing system and equipment. Mutations and skills, clearer to activate and combine, allow you to adapt your style of play easily. In short, Obsidian has improved the player’s quality of life without betraying the essence of the gameplay, making each interaction more intuitive and less restrictive.
Verdict sur Grounded 2 (Game Preview)
In recent years, I have avoided making game preview, by frustration against unfinished games, but also for lack of time because I discover new games to test almost every week. So I prefer to stick to games in version 1.0. With Grounded 2I see more than ever that the Game Preview are not all equal, and it is certainly very playable. It already offers a rich experience, well structured with a real concern for detail and a gratifying progression. If Obsidian and Eidos keep this pace and continue to enrich its content, Grounded 2 could become a benchmark of its kind as soon as its official release. In the meantime, this early version clearly deserves the detour.