Grounded 2 vs Grounded 1 – What’s New?

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In early June, an Xbox Games Showcase took place, and within this event, it was unexpectedly revealed that Grounded will be getting a sequel. The new game promises to deliver a richer narrative, deeper mechanics, as well as quality of life enhancements and fresh features – some of which have been eagerly anticipated by the community. This article highlights ten significant changes between the original Grounded games, with the aim of making the sequel bigger, better, and more enjoyable than its predecessor.

Sequel’s world is much larger

In the sequel of “Grounded,” which is set in 1992, the same four teenagers from the first game are back, but now they’re a bit older and more skilled to handle bigger dangers. Unlike before, they have been miniaturized once more, but this time in a much larger world compared to the original’s backyard. The story unfolds in Brookhollow Park, where the expanded play area introduces various biomes such as insect networks beneath the earth, toxic wastelands, and frozen landscapes created by an overturned ice cream truck. These diverse environments offer players a wider range of areas to explore.

The Buggy System

Enthusiasts of “Grounded” have been yearning for this feature more than any other: the option to climb and travel on insects, commonly referred to as “bugs”. This widespread demand might be why a sequel has been developed, since the original game’s backyard setting and the technical constraints of Xbox One made bug riding impractical. Though the concept was hinted at, it couldn’t be implemented due to these factors. Now, with a broad and intricate world to traverse, what could be more fitting for players than to journey on their personal bug – affectionately named Buggies within the game.

Riding bugs, and the things you can do

Primarily, navigating through the sequel’s Buggy System by riding insects serves as the main mode of transportation. Dashing swiftly over the ground not only offers practical advantages such as improved quality of life and a great deal of enjoyment, but also extends beyond simple travel from one point to another in the shortest time possible. These mounts play crucial roles in combat, resource collection, and base construction. Intriguingly, Grounded 2 has seamlessly integrated bug riding into all aspects of survival in the sequel, as demonstrated by the gameplay shown so far. To start your journey in Grounded 2’s early access phase, you’ll have access to two unique bugs: the Red Ant Soldier and Orb Weaver Spider.

Red Ant Soldier

In Grounded 2, each Buggies has distinctive skills and areas of expertise; some excel in combat scenarios, others shine in crafting and construction. The Red Ant Soldier is exceptionally fast, yet it also boasts a slower, methodical gathering mode for automatically accumulating resources. Furthermore, the Red Ant Soldier can direct a duo of worker ants to accompany you, helping with resource collection and, if necessary, combat. While ants are proficient in battle, a team consisting of three insects along with you, dismounted and fighting together, should be capable of handling any medium-sized threat that may appear within Brookhollow Park.

Orb Weaver Spider

Although Red Ant Soldiers may serve more practical uses, Orb Weaver Spiders are remarkable in battle; they’re intimidating, agile, and swift with powerful strikes, equipped with a variety of combat-focused abilities and attacks. They can emit an ear-piercing scream capable of stunning weaker enemy insects. Additionally, they can spin webs that ensnare enemies in sticky nets, temporarily paralyzing them. Their main disadvantage is their vulnerable defense, but as their agility improves, this weakness should not pose a significant issue.

Ziplines won’t feature (at least to begin with)

To ensure a comprehensive exploration of all the recently introduced features, as well as some upcoming ones, Grounded 2 chose to eliminate certain features from the original Grounded. This move allows for new elements such as the Buggy System to develop and grow based on community input. One feature that won’t be available during Grounded 2’s early access phase is ziplines. However, they are not permanently removed; they will return later, integrated smoothly to harmonize with the newly developed and refined traversal mechanics.

New creatures

In the detailed video of Grounded 2, several previously confirmed creatures like blue butterflies, caterpillars, snails, and a new scorpion have been spotted. Additionally, there are many more creatures to discover, some of which are new additions while others are returning. The praying mantises seem to be common in this sequel’s environment, and mosquitoes appear to be more abundant too, particularly near the game’s water-logged areas. Cockroaches can be found lurking in toxic, waste-filled regions.

Layed combat strategy, and new battle mechanics

In Grounded 2, they’ve built upon the combat system from the original game by introducing more complex layers. While it appears that they’re mainly focusing on making the enemy bugs harder to defeat by enhancing their attack and defense stats, as well as adjusting speeds, there’s more to it than that. The mix of light and heavy attacks, along with blocking, which players of the first game are familiar with, is being expanded in the arsenal of the bug enemies. In addition, Grounded 2 introduces a new combat skill for players: a dedicated dodge move. This can be used to escape danger or quickly counterattack in close quarters. However, it’s important to note that enemy bugs are also getting the ability to dodge in this sequel.

Clearer player archetypes

In the upcoming game Grounded 2, we’re expanding on the combat strategy by offering players distinct playstyles based on revamped mutations. Unlike its predecessor, Grounded 1, where mutations were present but primarily passive, in the sequel, mutations will influence fighting styles, survival skills, exploration, and combat ability, among other things. This combination of mutations will result in more unique player characters such as low defense, high attack rogues, ranged specialists, tank-like marauders, and affect laden mages, to name a few. Furthermore, Grounded 2 has the potential to create truly exceptional character archetypes, like an assassin build: agility with light armor, dual poison dagger wielding, powerful backstab attacks, and increased stamina for multiple evasions.

New Omni-Tool encapsulates streamlined inventory

In Grounded 2, enhancements to the quality of life also apply to its enhanced inventory management system, and this is most evident through the introduction of the Omni-Tool. Essentially a versatile 4-in-1 tool, the Omni-Tool consolidates an axe, hammer, shovel, and wrench into a single multi-function utility, aimed at saving valuable storage space. While it’s not for combat, it serves multiple purposes during exploration, scavenging, gathering resources, crafting, and construction. With the Omni-Tool in your pack, you’re well-equipped for all these tasks.

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2025-07-15 16:41