Grounded 2 is set to bring a new and exciting feature to the popular survival game series. In a recent hands-on demo, players were able to experience riding an ant like a horse. This addition adds a fun twist to the gameplay and highlights the game’s playful approach to the survival genre.
Riding an ant not only provides a new mode of transportation but also opens up strategic options for navigating the miniature world of Grounded 2. Fans of the original game can expect enhanced mechanics and more polished graphics in the sequel. The developers have also confirmed that Grounded 2 will include an arachnophobia mode for the new rideable spiders.
This mode significantly alters the appearance of spiders, replacing their typical features with harmless and cartoonish elements resembling balloon animals. Game director Chris Parker explained that implementing the arachnophobia mode for rideable spiders presented unique challenges. The team had to calculate feet and other aspects to ensure players could understand how to control the spiders in the game world.
Grounded 2 continues the story of kids shrunk down to miniature sizes, taking place two years after the events of the first game.
Rideable insects in Grounded 2
The original protagonists, now slightly older, find themselves shrunk again and navigating a familiar yet expanded world.
The introduction of Buggys, which allow players to ride various tamed insects like fire ants and orb weavers, is a significant change in Grounded 2. This feature was highly requested by fans, and Obsidian decided to leave the Xbox One behind to realize this vision, taking full advantage of newer hardware. To obtain a Buggy, players have to sneak into an insect nest, steal an egg, and bring it back to their base to hatch.
Each type of Buggy has unique abilities. For example, the Fire Ant Soldier can recruit Worker ants for aid, while the Orb Weaver has a roar attack that can stun enemies. Obsidian Entertainment has partnered with Eidos Montreal to further develop Grounded 2, making it easier to add new creatures, Buggys, and areas over time.
At launch, the game’s map will be the size of the original Grounded 1.0 map but is expected to expand to three times that size through updates during its Game Preview phase. Grounded 2 is slated to launch in Game Preview and Steam Early Access on July 29, 2025, available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Cloud, and PC. It will also be available at launch through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
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