Grounded 2 Release Date, Platforms & Game Pass Guide 2025

The backyard survival adventure continues with Grounded 2, the highly anticipated sequel from Obsidian Entertainment. Building on the beloved "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids!"-inspired premise that made the original game a surprise hit, this expanded sequel offers a larger world, more dangerous insects, and enhanced survival mechanics.

Whether you're a Game Pass subscriber or planning to purchase directly, here's everything you need to know about accessing this exciting co-op survival experience.

About the Original Grounded

Before diving into the sequel, it's worth understanding what made the original Grounded special. Released in 2020, the first game challenged players to survive in a backyard as tiny insects, using everyday objects as massive survival tools. The game quickly gained a dedicated following for its unique premise, challenging co-op gameplay, and constant evolution through regular updates.

The original Grounded proved that Obsidian Entertainment could excel in the survival genre, combining base-building, resource management, and exploration in a setting that felt both familiar and fantastical. Its success paved the way for this much larger, more ambitious sequel.

Pricing and Edition Options

Navigating the purchase options for Grounded 2 is straightforward, with choices tailored for different types of players.

Available Editions

The game is available in two main editions:

• The Standard Edition is priced at $29.99 USD and provides full access to the game during its Game Preview and Early Access period.
• For those looking to get a little more, the Founder's Edition is available for $39.99 USD. This version includes exclusive bonus content to enhance your backyard survival experience.
• If you've already purchased the Standard Edition but want the extra perks, a Founder's Pack Upgrade can be purchased separately for $10.00 USD.

Xbox Game Pass and Play Anywhere

A fantastic way to jump in is via Xbox Game Pass, as Grounded 2 was a day-one release on the service on July 29, 2025. Subscribers to any tier—Console, PC, or Ultimate—get immediate access without needing a separate purchase. This continues Microsoft's strategy of offering its first-party titles to subscribers right at launch.

No matter how you choose to play, the game supports Xbox Play Anywhere; a single purchase in the Xbox ecosystem grants you the game on both console and PC with full cross-save functionality.

Release Date and Game Pass Availability

The wait is over! Grounded 2 officially launched into its Game Preview and Early Access period on July 29, 2025. True to Microsoft's strategy for its first-party titles, the game was available on Xbox Game Pass right from day one, serving as the final addition to the service's second wave of July 2025 games.

Access for Subscribers

For subscribers, accessing the adventure is straightforward:

• Console Game Pass members can jump in on Xbox Series X|S.
• PC Game Pass subscribers get the Windows PC version.
• Game Pass Ultimate tier members enjoy access across Xbox consoles, PC, and even cloud gaming.

It's important to note that the Steam version is separate and requires a direct purchase, as it is not included with a Game Pass subscription.

Player-Friendly Features

This release also champions player-friendly features:

• Xbox Play Anywhere: A single purchase within the Xbox ecosystem grants you the game on both console and PC with cross-save support.
• Cross-Platform Play: Fully enabled, allowing friends to explore the expanded backyard of Brookhollow Park together regardless of their chosen Xbox platform.

Platform Strategy: Xbox, PS5 & Backward Compatibility

Navigating platform availability is crucial, and the strategy for Grounded 2 offers a clear example of the industry's shift toward new-generation hardware.

Native and Cloud Availability

The game is specifically optimized for Xbox Series X|S and PC, with no native backward compatibility for the Xbox One. This decision is largely driven by the game's significantly larger size and the advanced technical demands that require newer hardware for optimal performance, as detailed on its official Xbox page.

However, Microsoft provides an alternative path for last-gen players through its cloud ecosystem:

• Xbox One owners can stream Grounded 2 via Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta)
• Service inclusion with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription
• Requirements include minimum 20 Mbps internet speed on consoles and availability in supported regions
• Performance considerations depend on connection quality and location

Modern Platform Approach

This approach highlights a modern platform strategy: while native support is reserved for newer consoles, cloud technology bridges the gap.

It allows players on older hardware to access next-gen titles like this Day One Game Pass release, ensuring broader accessibility without compromising the technical vision for the game.

The cloud-first approach represents Microsoft's commitment to making their games available across multiple device types while maintaining the quality standards that define current-generation gaming.

PlayStation 5 Status

Following Microsoft's established exclusivity pattern, the game will not be available on PlayStation 5 at release, mirroring the four-year console exclusivity period observed with the first Grounded.

What to Expect: Game Features and Improvements

Get ready to shrink down for another co-op survival adventure when Grounded 2 arrives. Developed once again by the talented team at Obsidian Entertainment, this highly anticipated sequel will continue the beloved "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids!"-inspired premise that made the first game a hit.

Launch and Development

The game debuted in a "Game Preview" state, allowing players to jump in during its early access phase and experience its evolution firsthand, much like the original title. Fans can expect the sequel to continue offering a thrilling co-op survival adventure set in a vast, dangerous backyard.

Enhanced Experience

While specific new gameplay mechanics and improvements are still under wraps, the core experience builds upon the foundation that made the original successful:

• Expanded World: More areas to explore in Brookhollow Park • Dangerous Wildlife: New and more challenging insects and creatures • Enhanced Survival Mechanics: Deeper gameplay systems for veteran players • Co-op Focus: Seamless multiplayer experience for tackling challenges together

Frequently Asked Questions

System Requirements

What are the minimum PC requirements for Grounded 2? While specific requirements haven't been detailed, players should expect higher demands than the original due to the expanded world and enhanced graphics. A modern gaming PC with at least 16GB RAM and a dedicated graphics card is recommended.

Can I play on Xbox One? No, there's no native Xbox One support. However, Xbox One owners with Game Pass Ultimate can stream the game via Xbox Cloud Gaming, subject to internet speed and regional availability requirements.

Multiplayer Features

How many players can play together? The game supports up to 4 players in co-op mode, allowing friends to tackle the backyard survival challenge together.

Is cross-platform play supported? Yes, Xbox Play Anywhere ensures that players on Xbox Series X|S and PC can play together with full cross-save functionality.

Do I need Xbox Live Gold for multiplayer? No, Xbox Live Gold is not required for Grounded 2 multiplayer. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can access all multiplayer features through their subscription.

Conclusion

Grounded 2 represents an exciting evolution of the backyard survival genre, offering both accessibility through Game Pass and premium edition options for dedicated fans. With its July 2025 release, players can immediately dive into the expanded world of Brookhollow Park, whether they're playing on next-gen hardware or streaming via cloud gaming.

The game's platform strategy demonstrates Microsoft's commitment to making their first-party titles widely available while maintaining technical quality standards that push current-generation hardware capabilities. Whether you're a returning fan of the original or new to the survival genre, Grounded 2 offers an accessible entry point through Game Pass while providing the depth and content that survival game enthusiasts crave.