Grounded 2

Our analysis

Strong survival crafting with compelling story but significant optimization issues. 20+ hours.

Our analysis

Grounded 2 in Early Access is still fun, with ant mounts and emergent insect fights, but it is riddled with bugs like unbound keybinds and terrain snags and feels like a DLC reusing Grounded's assets at £25, so he gives it a middle thumb for now.

Our analysis

A fun, content-rich early-access survival sequel that fans of the original will enjoy, set in the large new Brook Hollow Park with a stronger antagonist-driven story, charming writing, and standout additions like rideable buggies and the excellent ice cream cart dungeon. The big drawback is how familiar it feels, with biomes, crafting, and base building left largely untouched and the buggies somewhat reducing the sense of danger. Early-access bugs are present but expected, with hope it evolves like the first game did.

Our analysis

Grounded 2's early-access build already eclipses the stellar original. Mountable insect pets, leveled-up RPG specs, and a meaningfully improved story make this one of the best survival games the reviewer has played, with caveats for incomplete content and technical issues.