Grounded 2

Expanded sequel with more content but hampered by resource-gating and grind in solo play.

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

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.

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.