Players setting new records on Steam within days of Grounded 2's early access launch
Grounded 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the popular survival game, has made a strong start since its launch into early access on July 29. The game has been enjoying significant success, with impressive numbers on Steam and positive feedback from players.
The 24-hour peak for Grounded 2 on Steam reached an impressive 44,540 players, a notable increase from the original game's all-time peak of 32,012. This success doesn't seem to be limited to Steam numbers alone, as Grounded 2's numbers on Xbox Game Pass for console and PC Game Pass are not publicly available, but the game is expected to be compatible with the Xbox ROG Ally, set to release later this year.
Xbox's VP of Game's Marketing, Aaron Greenberg, has hailed Grounded 2's success, posting about it on X on July 31, 2025. The game is currently sitting at the top of the Steam charts, a testament to its popularity.
Grounded 2's success is not just about the numbers, though. The game has been enjoyed by many people, with the immediate content in its early access release receiving high praise. Obsidian, the game's developer, aims to maintain this momentum with a series of major updates planned through late 2025 and into 2026.
The Fall 2025 update introduces the AXL tarantula boss, new gear, furniture, recipes, quality-of-life improvements like a building grid, and buggy pouches. The Winter 2025 update adds revamped systems from the original Grounded, new bug mounts (ladybug, cricket, earwig), gear sets, base defense items, Steam Deck verification, Steam Deck-specific crossplay, and enhanced ASUS ROG Ally support.
Summer 2026 will bring further expansions, including improved swimming, water bug mounts, aquatic equipment, and the ability to build "watery bases." More zones and revamped features from Grounded 1 will continue to be added beyond this point.
Handheld optimizations for Grounded 2 seem to be a priority, with support for Steam Deck and the ASUS ROG Ally confirmed. The game is also planned to release on Xbox Game Pass, with frequent content updates aligning with Game Pass availability.
However, the long-term success of Grounded 2 is still uncertain due to the incomplete content in the early access version. The game remains in early access with these updates scheduled before the full 1.0 release, which may come around 2027, based on the original game's early access timeline.
It's reasonable to anticipate similar success for Grounded 2 on Xbox Game Pass, given the game's initial reception. Obsidian aims to have Grounded 2 Steam Deck Verified in its Winter Update, further enhancing the game's portability and accessibility.
In conclusion, Grounded 2 is off to a strong start, with impressive numbers, positive feedback, and an exciting roadmap of updates ahead. Whether you're a fan of the original game or new to the series, Grounded 2 offers a compelling survival experience that's worth checking out.
[1] Source: Obsidian's official Grounded 2 roadmap [2] Source: Aaron Greenberg's post on X [3] Source: Comparison of Grounded's and Grounded 2's early access timelines
- Microsoft's Xbox Series X has been further enriched with the addition of Grounded 2, the popular survival game, which has been enjoying significant success since its launch into early access on Steam and Xbox Game Pass.
- Obsidian's update schedule for Grounded 2 includes support for various gadgets such as the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and even Windows PCs, aiming to expand its accessibility and gaming experience across multiple platforms.
- The upcoming Winter 2025 update for Grounded 2, planned for both Steam Deck and Xbox, will include popular features like the Steam Deck verification, crossplay, and enhanced support for the ASUS ROG Ally, emphasizing Microsoft's continued focus on gaming technology.
- While Grounded 2's long-term success is still uncertain, it's plausible to expect similar success on Microsoft's platforms, given the game's initial reception and the planned support for Xbox Game Pass and Xbox-compatible devices like the ROG Ally.
