Get ready to shrink down again! Grounded 2 is launching in Early Access on July 29th, and it looks like a huge step up from the first game. You can expect a much bigger world, an engaging new story, and a ton of new gameplay features to explore. While developers are keeping some surprises for the full launch, a lot has already been revealed.
Table of Contents
- 🌳 What’s the New Map Like in Grounded 2?
- 🗺️ What Can You Discover in Brook Hollow Park?
- 🤖 What Happened to Burgle and Dr. Tully?
- 🦋 What New Insects Will You Face in Grounded 2?
- 🐜 Can You Finally Ride the Bugs in Grounded 2?
- ⚔️ How Is Combat Changing in Grounded 2?
- ✨ What Are the New Character Archetypes and Mutations?
- ⚙️ Are There Any Gameplay Improvements and New Modes?
- More Topics
🌳 What’s the New Map Like in Grounded 2?
Say goodbye to the backyard and hello to Brook Hollow Park! This new setting is massive. The playable area in early access will be about the same size as the entire map from the first game. By the time of the full release, the park is expected to be three times larger.
This huge new space will host the first act of the game’s story, so you’ll have plenty to do right from the start.
🗺️ What Can You Discover in Brook Hollow Park?
The park is filled with interesting landmarks. You’ll find a giant statue, a Billy Hogs hot dog stand, and even a tipped-over ice cream cart that you can enter through a cone. Crows are making a comeback, confirmed by a feather found at the top of the climbable statue.
You’ll also find more of those ominous Ominent lab facilities. Some are overrun with insects, and one even has a “Level 10” sign, hinting at deep dungeons to explore. New biomes are also present, including a sizzling area with hot coals and what looks like a poisonous gas area near a large trash can.
🤖 What Happened to Burgle and Dr. Tully?
The story trailer drops some worrying clues. A reporter mentions that Dr. Tully and the teens are missing after receiving a statue in their honor. To make things even more mysterious, an object that looks like Burgle’s headless body can be seen in the park.
One wild theory suggests you might even enter Burgle’s body, as a clip showed him being used as a level map inside a lab. We’ll have to play to find out the truth!
🦋 What New Insects Will You Face in Grounded 2?
Brook Hollow Park is crawling with new life. You can expect to encounter brand-new insects like butterflies, scorpions, caterpillars, and praying mantises as regular enemies. A bumpy bug, possibly a cockroach, has also been spotted.
The presence of rat skeletons could mean rats are returning, or perhaps something that preys on them. The developers also hinted at a potential tarantula boss fight.
🐜 Can You Finally Ride the Bugs in Grounded 2?
Yes! One of the most exciting new features is the buggy system, which lets you mount and ride certain insects. These buggies can move faster, fight alongside you, and even have their own inventory. You can even build directly from their backs!
A special “gather mode” allows your buggy to automatically pick up nearby loot for you. In early access, you can acquire two buggies: the all-around useful red ant soldier and the combat-focused orb weaver spider, which can use special web paths. You’ll get them by finding an egg and incubating it at your base.
⚔️ How Is Combat Changing in Grounded 2?
Combat is getting a strategic upgrade. Some insects can now block your attacks, so you’ll need to time your strikes carefully. You’ll also have a new dodge or dash mechanic to give you more mobility in a fight.
Grounded 2 also introduces a light character archetype system. You won’t be locked into a class, but you can specialize your playstyle. The four initial archetypes are Warrior, Ranger, Mage, and Rogue.
✨ What Are the New Character Archetypes and Mutations?
Each archetype offers a different way to play. The Warrior uses heavy weapons and shields, the Ranger uses bows, the brand-new Mage uses candy staves, and the Rogue uses dual-wielded daggers with a venomous dash attack.
The Mutation system returns to help you customize your build. You can unlock mutations that boost your skills with specific weapons, like bows or swords. Other mutations, like Guard Dog and Frenzy, give you powerful bonuses during defense events or when you’re enraged.
⚙️ Are There Any Gameplay Improvements and New Modes?
Grounded 2 brings some great quality-of-life updates. A new omni-tool will replace individual tools like your axe and shovel, saving valuable inventory space. The game is also designed so new players can jump right in without playing the first one.
You’ll have multiple difficulty settings, with friendly fire only being active on the hardest “Woah” mode. A creative mode will also be available, letting you build freely with or without bugs present.
More Topics
- Grounded 2 – Guide to Core Survival, Combat, and Building Fundamentals
- Grounded 2 – 8 Locations for a New Base
- Grounded 2 – How to Switch Arrow Types
- Grounded 2 – How to Get More FPS
- Grounded 2 – How to Unlock Floors and Ceilings
- Grounded 2 – How to Disable DoF and Enable FSR
- Grounded 2 – How to Enable HDR
