Grounded 2: Launch Details and Early Access Strategy

Obsidian Entertainment's highly anticipated survival-crafting sequel, Grounded 2, is set to launch into Steam Early Access and Xbox Game Preview on July 29, 2025. This article provides a comprehensive guide to its global release times and delves into the developer's new early access strategy, which promises larger, less frequent updates. Discover when you can embark on this miniature adventure and what to expect from its development cycle.

The highly anticipated sequel, Grounded 2, is gearing up for its early access debut, offering a fresh take on the beloved "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids"-inspired survival genre. Following its recent announcement at the Xbox Game Showcase, players are eagerly awaiting the chance to delve into its unique miniature world. This launch coincides with other significant releases in the crafting and simulation space, including a major update for Abiotic Factor and the cozy decorating elements of Tales of the Shire, making it a busy period for fans of these genres. To ensure a smooth start for all, the detailed release schedule by region aims to clarify any timezone confusion, enabling players worldwide to prepare for their first forays into the shrunken backyard.

Global Launch Schedule for Grounded 2

Grounded 2 is launching tomorrow, July 29, 2025, at 10 am PT on both Steam Early Access and Xbox Game Preview. This coordinated global release aims to provide simultaneous access to the game across various regions. For players in different time zones, this translates to specific release moments: 10 am PT for Los Angeles, 12 pm CT for Chicago, and 1 pm ET for New York, all on July 29. Moving eastward, London will see the launch at 6 pm BST, Berlin at 7 pm CEST on the same day. For those across the Pacific, the game becomes available on July 30: 1 am CST in Beijing, 2 am KST in Seoul, 2 am JST in Tokyo, 3 am AEST in Sydney, and 5 am NZST in Auckland.

For those eager to jump into the shrunken world, Grounded 2 will be accessible through two primary platforms. Xbox Game Pass subscribers can access the game preview directly via the Microsoft Store, providing a convenient entry point for existing members. Alternatively, players can purchase the early access version on Steam, granting immediate access to the game upon its release. This dual-platform approach ensures broad availability for a diverse player base. While the initial release focuses on early access, players can anticipate a continually evolving experience as Obsidian Entertainment refines and expands the game based on community feedback. The detailed launch times across various time zones ensure that players globally can mark their calendars and be ready to embark on this new miniature adventure as soon as it becomes available in their region.

Evolution of Grounded 2 Early Access

While there isn't a definitive full launch date for Grounded 2 1.0, the development approach for this sequel is markedly different from its predecessor. The original Grounded remained in early access for approximately two years, undergoing numerous iterative updates. For Grounded 2, Obsidian Entertainment is shifting its strategy, opting for less frequent but substantially larger updates, targeting a new release every four to five months. This change in pace is a direct response to lessons learned from the first game, where more frequent, smaller updates proved challenging to manage. The new model is expected to deliver more impactful and comprehensive additions to the game with each cycle, providing players with "longer, meatier updates" that enhance the experience in significant ways.

This revised early access model signifies a commitment to delivering more polished and substantial content with each update. Instead of a continuous stream of minor patches, players can look forward to fewer but more significant milestones that introduce considerable new features, mechanics, and story elements. Chris Parker, the director, emphasized that this shift is aimed at streamlining the development process and ensuring a higher quality of content delivery, moving away from the challenges associated with rapid monthly updates. This patient approach allows the development team to focus on more ambitious implementations and rigorous testing, ultimately leading to a more refined and robust game. Players are encouraged to provide feedback, which will be instrumental in shaping the game's evolution throughout its extended early access period, fostering a collaborative development environment that benefits from community insights.