The highly anticipated sequel to Obsidian's backyard survival hit has finally arrived — and yes, if you're wondering “is Grounded 2 on Xbox Game Pass?”, the answer is a resounding yes. 

Released as a Day One title in Game Preview form, Grounded 2 is now available to download and play via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. But that’s just the beginning of the story. Below, we dive into everything you need to know: from release timing and new gameplay features to supported platforms and pricing.

1. Grounded 2 Release Date
2. What’s New in Grounded 2?
3. Is Grounded 2 Available on Xbox Game Pass?
4. Grounded 2 on Xbox: Console Compatibility
5. Is Grounded 2 Coming to PS5?
6. How Much Does Grounded 2 Cost?
7. Fixing FPS Drops in Grounded 2 Using LagoFast

1. Grounded 2 Release Date

Grounded 2 officially launched on July 29, 2025, at 10 AM Pacific Time. Unlike a traditional full release, this launch is part of Xbox’s Game Preview program — similar to early access — where the game is actively being developed based on player feedback.

Despite being a preview, Grounded 2 is already fully playable and includes a substantial portion of the new content, though only around 20% of the final map is available at launch. That’s still the size of the entire map from the first Grounded game, so there’s plenty to explore.

2. What’s New in Grounded 2?

Grounded 2 is more than just a sequel — it’s a full evolution of the original formula. Here are the most exciting changes:

New Setting: Brookhollow Park

Say goodbye to the backyard. The action now takes place in a massive, explorable park, introducing new verticality, biomes, and environmental storytelling.

Mounts and Rideable Insects

You can now tame and ride bugs like ants and spiders — a long-requested feature that adds mobility and combat options.

Unreal Engine 5 Upgrade

Grounded 2 uses Unreal Engine 5, bringing sharper textures, improved lighting, and smoother animations to every blade of grass and creepy-crawly enemy.

New Tools and Crafting Overhaul

A redesigned Omni-Tool system streamlines resource gathering, crafting, and combat customization.

New Creatures and Threats

From butterflies to scorpions, the enemy roster is bigger, more dynamic, and more dangerous than ever.

While Grounded 2 builds on its predecessor’s DNA, it’s clear that Obsidian is aiming for a richer, more ambitious survival experience.

3. Is Grounded 2 Available on Xbox Game Pass?

Yes. Grounded 2 is available on Xbox Game Pass starting Day One, but there’s a catch:

• Included in Game Pass Ultimate
• Included in PC Game Pass
• Not included in standard Console Game Pass (no Day One)

To access Grounded 2, you’ll need either Game Pass Ultimate (which includes cloud, console, and PC) or PC Game Pass. This aligns with Microsoft’s approach to prioritizing Ultimate and PC tiers for day-one releases.

4. Grounded 2 on Xbox: Console Compatibility

Grounded 2 is available on:

• Xbox Series X | S
• Windows PC
• Cloud gaming (via Game Pass Ultimate)

Unfortunately, if you’re still using an Xbox One, the game is not natively supported. However, you can try accessing it through Cloud Gaming, provided your subscription includes it and your network supports stable streaming.

5. Is Grounded 2 Coming to PS5?

As of now, Grounded 2 is not available on PlayStation 5, nor has Obsidian announced any release plans for Sony’s platform.

Given that Obsidian Entertainment is a Microsoft-owned studio, Grounded 2 is currently exclusive to the Xbox ecosystem. There have been rumors of Xbox games making their way to other platforms in the future, but no official confirmation exists for Grounded 2 on PS5.

Supported Platforms

Here’s a full list of where you can play Grounded 2:

6. How Much Does Grounded 2 Cost?

If you're not a Game Pass subscriber, Grounded 2 is available as a paid early access title on Steam and the Xbox Store:

• Standard Edition: $29.99
• Founder’s Edition: $39.99 — includes bonus cosmetics, digital artbook, and soundtrack
• Upgrade from Standard to Founder’s: $9.99

Keep in mind: the price may increase after the Game Preview period ends. So if you’re considering buying it outright, now might be the best time.

For Game Pass subscribers, of course, it’s included at no additional cost.

7. Fixing FPS Drops in Grounded 2 Using LagoFast

Some users on Reddit have reported low FPS, stuttering, or graphical lag when playing Grounded 2, especially on mid-range PCs or over cloud connections. Since the game is still in early access and running on Unreal Engine 5, performance hiccups are to be expected.

If you're experiencing any of the following:

• Game feels sluggish or unstable
• Sudden frame drops during exploration
• Long load times in co-op

You can optimize your performance using LagoFast Game Booster, a tool built to reduce lag, balance FPS, and optimize network traffic for online and survival games like Grounded 2.

How to Use LagoFast for Grounded 2:

Step 1: Click the button below to download LagoFast for free and install it on your PC.

Free Trial

Step 2: Launch the LagoFast client after installation, then type "Grounded 2" into its search bar and click the result.

Step 3: Click "Select Server" to choose the closest or lowest-latency server node, then click "Smart Boost" to activate real-time optimization.

Step 4: Once optimization starts, you'll see reduced packet loss and ping in-game. Click "Start Game" to return to Grounded 2 and enjoy lag-free gameplay!

LagoFast will intelligently route your traffic, reduce packet loss, and stabilize FPS — especially helpful for users playing on Wi-Fi, mid-spec rigs, or via Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Final Thoughts

Grounded 2 marks a strong return to Obsidian’s unique blend of survival, exploration, and storytelling — this time with a broader scope, more polish, and even bigger bugs. While it’s still in Game Preview and some features are missing or in development, early impressions from players have been largely positive, especially among solo adventurers.

If you’re a fan of survival games like Subnautica or Valheim, or if you enjoyed the first Grounded, this one is worth jumping into — especially since it’s available right now on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.