Grounded 2

Grounded 2’s early access debut is a stellar starting point, despite a rocky technical performance.

Obsidian's survival-crafting sequel establishes a much stronger foundation for the future, though it'll take some time for it to lose its early-access feel.

The beautiful thing about Grounded 2 is that, so long as you put in the effort, it's often accommodating to your makeshift solutions.

Grounded 2 builds on the first game with a larger map, faster travel, and smarter tools that make survival more streamlined. Brookhollow Park feels alive with new creatures and biomes, while buggies and the Omni-Tool keep you moving and gathering without the grind. The story is clearer, and mutations give you more ways to play. Early Access bugs are there, but the improvements already make this a stronger, more focused sequel.

Despite its rough edges, Grounded 2 has managed to remain true to the original while significantly expanding its gameplay and mechanics. I can't wait to see what Obsidian will be adding to the game next, but even as it stands, I consider it to be one of the most fun and unique takes on the survival genre I’ve had the pleasure of playing.

Grounded 2 is really a horrifying survival horror game that is expertly cloaked as a fun backyard adventure. It builds on the original game in significant ways while preserving all that made it great. After considering user comments, Obsidian created a world that feels bigger, more vibrant, and much scarier. It's hilarious, eerie, and completely captivating.

Overall, so far Grounded 2 is not only a worthy successor but one that will eventually become far superior to the original.

Grounded 2 is close to being the definitive survival game starring tiny teenagers lost in a park. It succeeds in maintaining the strengths of the original and incorporating cool new features like the bugs, but it could be even better if it fixes its technical flaws and maintains a strong pace of future updates.

Grounded 2 doesn't stray far from its predecessor, and in the crowded survival-crafting genre, it struggles to stand out. Still, for fans of the series, it offers just enough to be worth a look.

The core strengths of the original are here and intact, from the gorgeous world and solid survival mechanics, to another intriguing story to unpack, but I can’t help but feel there should have been more from the start that feels truly new. Still, it is a lot of fun, and as we begin another early access journey, this peblet and clay foundation is pretty solid – I can’t wait to see what else is in store.