Grounded 2 is almost here, and players won’t have to wait for its full release to start exploring the new version of Brookhollow Park. Obsidian is launching the sequel into Early Access on July 29, 2025, giving fans a chance to play early and watch the game evolve with regular updates. This approach mirrors the first game’s rollout and is designed to let player feedback shape development.
If you’re wondering how to jump in early, here’s everything you need to know about access, editions, and what’s included from day one.
Grounded 2 – How do you get Early Access?
There are two ways to get Early Access to Grounded 2:
- Through Game Pass: Players with Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass can download and play at no extra cost. For online console multiplayer, Game Pass Core or higher is required.
- By Purchasing the Game: If you’re not using Game Pass, you can buy either the Standard Edition or the Founder’s Edition directly on Xbox or Steam.
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The Standard Edition costs $29.99 USD and provides full access during Early Access. The Founder’s Edition costs $39.99 USD and includes extra cosmetics, emotes, a digital artbook, and the game’s soundtrack. If you start with the Standard Edition, you can upgrade later for $10 USD to unlock these extras without losing progress.
So, your game progress carries across Xbox and PC thanks to Xbox Play Anywhere. This way, you can switch between platforms without starting over.
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What comes with Grounded 2 Early Access?
Obsidian isn’t treating this as a barebones preview. From the start, Early Access to Grounded 2 introduces new features that build on the first game’s backyard survival formula:
- Expanded Map: Brookhollow Park is bigger, more vertical, and more dangerous, with new areas to explore and fresh threats lurking in the grass.
- Buggy Mounts: You can now hatch and raise insect companions, use them for traversal, and even have them fight alongside you.
- New Playstyles: Archetypes let you tailor your character to your preferred approach — whether that’s brute force, stealth, or precision.
- Base-Building Upgrades: Crafting systems have been expanded, offering more flexibility in designing and defending your bases.
- Deeper Story Elements: There’s a new presence in the backyard, hinting at a more narrative-driven experience than the first game.
These features will expand over time as Obsidian adds updates based on player feedback. You can expect new areas, enemies, and systems to arrive steadily throughout the run.
