Grounded 2 is now available in early access on Steam for PC and in Xbox Game Preview for Xbox. It’s also included with Xbox Game Pass. Announced just last month during Xbox’s Summer Game Fest 2025 showcase, the sequel arrives quickly with major upgrades.
The new omni-tool replaces the axe, shovel, and hammer, freeing up inventory space and cutting down on clutter. That alone is a huge improvement from the original.
You can also now raise and ride ants or spiders. These mounts let you move faster across the map and carry more, making resource runs and exploration more efficient.
Only two mounts are available at launch, but more are expected during the early access period.
Grounded 2 early access brings big improvements, but the grind is still there
To mark the release, Xbox and Microsoft are giving away a Red Ant plush large enough to sit on, just like in the game.
The game still suffers from grindy progression and a lack of clear direction at times, but its systems and world remain engaging. It’s available now, and updates are on the way.
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