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        <title><![CDATA[Grounded 2]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://grounded2.obsidian.net/rss]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Recent news for Grounded 2]]></description>
        <language>en</language>
        <pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0700</pubDate>

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                <title><![CDATA[Patch 0.4.0.2 Has Been Released]]></title>
                <link>https://grounded2.obsidian.net/news/grounded-2/patch-0-4-0-2</link>
                <description><![CDATA[<p>Hello friends,</p>
<p>We are releasing patch 0.4.0.2.3661 on all available platforms. Thank you so much for your patience while we get fixes out. If you come across any additional issues, please contact us on our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://grounded2.obsidian.net/issue-tracker/#contact">Issue Tracker</a>.</p>
<p>General Change:</p>
<ul><li>Spider Webs will now de-spawn after 24 hours. This change was made to help players who did not get the spider web fix in 0.4.0.1<ul><li>This only functions when the player is not near it</li></ul></li></ul>
<p>Bug Fixes:</p>
<ul><li>Fixed an issue where Buggies had trouble hitting resources up close<ul><li>it should now be easier to bust resources on the Ladybug Buggy</li></ul></li><li>Fixed an issue where a Buggy could permanently become unavailable if it died after the player</li><li>Fixed a crash when loading your world<ul><li>This is also the same bug where you would lose progress in your world after re-loading your same save</li></ul></li><li>Fixed an issue where the Client would not have their Buggy assigned upon relogging in</li><li>Fixed Various Performance Issues around the park and Various forms of optimization has occurred in 0.4.0.2<ul><li>This will not fix all hitches, but it should be significantly better. We plan to have more optimization fixes in our next update.</li></ul></li><li>Fixed an issue where you were unable to swap camera modes after getting stuck in a spider web</li><li>Fixed an issue where the Space Bar | or A on controller, had no effect when customizing the SCAB.2k</li><li>Fixed an issue where “A Strange Warning” quest could not be completed on a specific save</li></ul>]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[]]></author>
                <guid>https://grounded2.obsidian.net/news/grounded-2/patch-0-4-0-2</guid>
                <pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Hotfix 0.4.0.1 Has Been Released]]></title>
                <link>https://grounded2.obsidian.net/news/grounded-2/hotfix-0401</link>
                <description><![CDATA[<p>Greetings Friends! Thank you for reporting these issues to us. We are releasing the 0.4.0.1 Hotfix for Grounded 2 on all available platforms. If you don't see the update right away, please try restarting your console or verifying your game files. </p>
<p>If you come across other issues, please contact us at <a rel="external nofollow noopener" href="https://grounded2.obsidian.net/issue-tracker/#contact" target="_blank">Support</a>. Thank you.<br></p>
<h3>Bug Fixes:</h3>
<ul><li>Fixed a bug where the host would be forced to re-select a teen after a client joining a session</li><li>Fixed a bug on Steamdeck that forced joystick icons on screen</li><li>Fixed a bug where spider webs took over The Park causing Performance drops<ul><li>This is retroactive to your save file, but the spider webs are still present by default. We suggest that you remove them</li></ul></li><li>Improved Buggy Calling inside the Black Anthill</li></ul>]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[]]></author>
                <guid>https://grounded2.obsidian.net/news/grounded-2/hotfix-0401</guid>
                <pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Beat the Heat Update – Your Lizard Has Arrived]]></title>
                <link>https://grounded2.obsidian.net/news/grounded-2/update-0-4</link>
                <description><![CDATA[<p>You asked for something bigger than bugs, and now it’s here.</p>
<figure class="yt-link"><a href="https://youtu.be/LwUbkw4kMKQ" aria-label="Grounded 2 - Beat the Heat Update Trailer" target="_blank"><img src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LwUbkw4kMKQ/maxresdefault.jpg" data-image="f7m36j6chc9v"></a></figure>
<p>The Beat the Heat update is now live in <em>Grounded 2</em>, bringing a new boss fight, a new buggy progression system, and a wave of content, improvements, and community-requested features across the park.</p>
<h2><strong>Meet King Dozer</strong><strong><br></strong></h2>
<figure><img src="https://d1079ywfijtdjs.cloudfront.net/grounded2/grounded2-bth-hoops.jpg" data-image="uv5tj2ez6bwe"></figure>
<p><strong><br></strong>During your adventures out in the park you might find King Dozer, a massive horned lizard and one of the most dangerous creatures we’ve added yet.</p>
<p>This is a full boss encounter — one you’ll need to prepare for. You’ll summon it, face it head-on, and survive long enough to take it down.</p>
<figure><img src="https://d1079ywfijtdjs.cloudfront.net/grounded2/grounded2-bth-gear.jpg" data-image="c6ds3v6hgqq0"></figure>
<p>If you do, the rewards speak for themselves:</p>
<ul><li>New weapons and armor crafted from its scales</li><li>Unique gear that reflects just how dangerous it is</li><li>Furniture and trophies to prove you took it down</li></ul>
<h2><strong>A New Way to Grow Your Buggies</strong></h2>
<p>This update brings a community-requested feature that we are excited to further develop alongside you, our community.</p>
<p>Buggy Progression is here and it introduces a full system for upgrading your buggies and making them a core part of your build.</p>
<p>Using Moldy Milk Molars, you can invest directly into your buggy’s growth:</p>
<ul><li>Increase health, damage, and effectiveness</li><li>Improve how they gather and support you</li><li>Bring early buggies into tougher fights</li></ul>
<p>You’ll also unlock mutations that reinforce each buggy’s role. Some are always active based on the creature, while others trigger from your actions, giving you more control in the park.</p>
<figure><img src="https://d1079ywfijtdjs.cloudfront.net/grounded2/grounded2-bth-barrel.jpg" data-image="10y4zn8v2qck"></figure>
<p>The Buffin’ Barrel lets you evolve your buggy to the next tier, increasing its power and what it can gather so it scales with you instead of falling behind.</p>
<p>And new additions like the Black Soldier Ant Buggy expand your options even further.</p>
<h2><strong>The Park Is Expanding</strong></h2>
<figure><img src="https://d1079ywfijtdjs.cloudfront.net/grounded2/grounded2-bth-sinkhole.jpg" data-image="783ak6d4db68"></figure>
<p><strong><br></strong></p>
<p>There’s more happening across Brookhollow Park than ever before.</p>
<p>A new point-of-interest landmark and anthill named the Sinkhole Anthill are appearing, along with new creatures, resources, and gear to chase down. You may also encounter O.G.R.R. creatures in the picnic and garden areas, adding new threats to familiar spaces.</p>
<figure><img src="https://d1079ywfijtdjs.cloudfront.net/grounded2/grounded2-bth-ogrr.jpg" data-image="olu5tdq0utqe"></figure>
<p>Building continues to expand with new sets and parts, plus utility structures like the Buggy Buff Hut and EverChar Roasting Spit, a new cooking device that can handle more food at once while keeping your base well lit.</p>
<h2><strong>More Ways to Fight and Survive</strong></h2>
<p>Combat and survival continue to evolve.</p>
<p>You can now block while using a bow, adding more control to ranged fights. O.R.C. creatures have also picked up new abilities, including lasers and healing, making encounters less predictable.</p>
<p>We’ve also made improvements across the board:</p>
<ul><li>Reworked poison gas and related gear</li><li>Smoother inventory navigation</li><li>Clearer bandage healing values in menus</li></ul>
<h3><strong>Seasonal Content: Easter</strong></h3>
<figure><img src="https://d1079ywfijtdjs.cloudfront.net/grounded2/grounded2-bth-easter.jpg" data-image="2gcbgewcay1m"></figure>
<p><strong><br></strong></p>
<p>The Easter update is live alongside Beat the Heat.</p>
<p>Easter Eggs can now be found around the park, dropping marshmallows used in new Ranger Station recipes. Craft and eat s’mores for a sugar rush or build a Marshmallow Chair for your base when the recipe releases later this month (so stock up and start saving those marshmallows)!</p>
<h3><strong>Make the Park Your Own with Playgrounds</strong></h3>
<p>Playgrounds Mode is ready, giving you the tools to shape the park your way. Create arenas, challenges, puzzles, or anything you can imagine, then share your creations with the community.</p>
<p>You can also dive into a growing collection of player-built worlds that are already live and waiting to be explored.</p><h3><strong>A New Ominent Training Video has Appeared</strong></h3>
<p>Lead Community Scientist 347 and Field Intern 678 are here with a new mandatory update seminar for you to view as they discuss the new update.</p><figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/BWesO5gI30c" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure>
<p></p>
<p>_______</p>
<p><em>Grounded 2</em> is in Early Access, and we’re continuing to build the game alongside the community. This update brings in some of your requested features, along with new challenges to take on.</p>
<p>Jump in, take on King Dozer, and let us know how it feels. Join the Discord and help shape what comes next.</p>
<h3>Patch&nbsp;Notes</h3>
<p>Beat the Heat patch notes can be <a href="https://forums.obsidian.net/topic/137732-beat-the-heat-update-your-lizard-has-arrived/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">found here</a>.</p>]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[]]></author>
                <guid>https://grounded2.obsidian.net/news/grounded-2/update-0-4</guid>
                <pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Things are Getting Heated in the Beat the Heat 0.4.0 Public Test]]></title>
                <link>https://grounded2.obsidian.net/news/grounded-2/beattheheat-ptb</link>
                <description><![CDATA[<p>Things are getting heated in the Beat the Heat update&nbsp;in the 0.4.0 Public Test Build!</p>
<p>We’re excited to announce that the Beat the Heat Public Test is now live. We'd be very grateful for you all to participate in this optional test phase for the new upcoming update.</p>
<p>Please note that this is the development phase of the update, and there is always a risk when testing out new features. Any progress you make on the test server may or may not carry over, so please keep this in mind when you join.</p>
<p>After joining the test server, be sure to join our <a href="http://discord.gg/groundedthegame">Discord server</a>! There, you can chat with other players who are testing, easily share your feedback and suggestions with the community and the dev team directly, and stay up to date with the latest news from us. You can also access the Public Test Build patch notes on the Discord server or <a href="https://forums.obsidian.net/topic/137671-beat-the-heat-public-test-040/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">visit our forums</a> to see what is included in this test.</p>
<p>We hope you enjoy your time in the Public Test Server and stay tuned for more Grounded 2 news.</p>
<p>Stay safe, and stay Grounded!</p>
<p>Helpful links:<br></p>
<ul><li><a href="https://forums.obsidian.net/topic/137671-beat-the-heat-public-test-040/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Public Test Patch Notes</a></li><li><a href="https://grounded2.obsidian.net/public-test-build" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How to Access the Public Test</a></li><li><a href="https://grounded2.obsidian.net/issue-tracker" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How to Report a Bug</a></li><li><a href="https://forums.obsidian.net/topic/118706-saving-your-game-save-files/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Saving Your Game Save File</a></li></ul>]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[]]></author>
                <guid>https://grounded2.obsidian.net/news/grounded-2/beattheheat-ptb</guid>
                <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Playgrounds Mode is Here!]]></title>
                <link>https://grounded2.obsidian.net/news/grounded-2/playgrounds-live</link>
                <description><![CDATA[<h1>Your Playground. Your Rules. Now in <em>Grounded 2</em>.</h1>
<p>
                                              
  </p>
<p>With Playground Mode in Grounded 2, Brookhollow Park becomes more than a   place to survive. It becomes your development sandbox.</p>
<p> This new suite of tools gives players the power to build reactive encounters,   scripted events, and entirely custom game modes inside the world of Grounded 2.   Whether you’re designing a battle-ready arena, setting up situations that can   surprise your friends with challenges, building a puzzle gauntlet, or experimenting   with something completely unexpected, Playground Mode is designed to be both   powerful and approachable.</p>
<figure><img src="https://d1079ywfijtdjs.cloudfront.net/grounded2/playgrounds-tiny-bug.jpg" data-image="8jt9o6opplsb"></figure>
<p> </p>
<p>
  </p>
<p>At the core of the experience are modular, logic-driven tools that can be linked   together to create dynamic outcomes. <br><br>Using a Trigger Volume, you can define an invisible area that activates the moment   a player steps inside the designated zone. Connect that to a Random Chance tool,   then link it to multiple Creature Spawners, and you’ve built a lightweight RPG-style   encounter system. Each time someone crosses the threshold, the can produce a   different result, keeping encounters unpredictable and replayable.<br></p>
<figure><img src="https://d1079ywfijtdjs.cloudfront.net/grounded2/playgrounds-ui.jpg" data-image="819f3ce9nnzv"></figure>
<p>And that’s only the beginning.</p>
<p>Chain tools together to create escalating combat waves, hidden traps, branching   paths, or randomized survival challenges. Combine creature spawners with build   kits, interactive gadgets, and environmental setups to craft structured arenas or   experimental modes. Want to design an arena with rotating enemy pools? A   reactive puzzle room triggered by movement? An ambush zone that activates   when players least expect it? The tools are flexible enough to support it.</p>
<figure><img src="https://d1079ywfijtdjs.cloudfront.net/grounded2/playgrounds-design-mode.jpg" data-image="kug5yawh09aa"></figure>
<p>
  Playground Mode is built for players who enjoy experimenting with systems, but   you don’t need development experience to get started. Place. Connect. Test.   Iterate. Adjust the chaos until it feels just right.</p>
<figure><img src="https://d1079ywfijtdjs.cloudfront.net/grounded2/playgrounds-gizmo.jpg" data-image="uce28xbwalsv"></figure>
<p>
  And when you’ve created something you’re proud of, share it — and dive into what   others have built.</p>
<p>Players can download, play, and vote on community-created playgrounds, discover   new challenges, inventive encounters, and unexpected twists on survival. Whether   you’re testing your skills in a player-designed arena or exploring a cleverly scripted   puzzle experience, there’s always something new to try.</p>
<figure><img src="https://d1079ywfijtdjs.cloudfront.net/grounded2/playgrounds-hoops.jpg" data-image="mk3x4qg77a49"></figure>
<p>
  Some of the most memorable moments in Grounded, and now in Grounded 2, have   come from player creativity: ambitious builds, inventive challenges, and   unexpected ideas that push the game in new directions. Playground Mode opens   the door for even more experimentation and discovery.</p>
<p>Brookhollow Park is your canvas.</p>
<p>We can’t wait to see what you create.<br></p><figure class="yt-link"><a href="https://youtu.be/o60O2XcJ4_k" aria-label="Grounded 2 – Developer Vlog 04: Playgrounds Tutorial" target="_blank"><img src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/o60O2XcJ4_k/maxresdefault.jpg" data-image="xgpkm3f8k5v6"></a></figure>
<p></p>]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[]]></author>
                <guid>https://grounded2.obsidian.net/news/grounded-2/playgrounds-live</guid>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Build bigger. Experiment freely. The park is yours in the Playgrounds PTB]]></title>
                <link>https://grounded2.obsidian.net/news/grounded-2/playgrounds-ptb</link>
                <description><![CDATA[<p>Playgrounds Mode <strong>makes its return from </strong>the original Grounded and can now be launched from the Main Menu, giving creators instant access to build, experiment, and share. </p>
<p><strong>Two Maps Available</strong> </p>
<ul><li>The Grassbox: The fan-favorite returns from Grounded. </li><li>Brookhollow Park: The park you know and love from <strong>Survival</strong> Mode.</li></ul>
<p><strong>Classic Tools, New Possibilities</strong> <br> </p>
<ul><li>The Handy Gnat <strong>is back in action</strong> to help you build with precision and includes a new feature to help players get to hard-to-reach areas. </li><li><strong>Familiar Gizmos and Gadgets return alongside new additions, like the O.R.C. </strong>Transmission Device</li></ul>
<p>Playgrounds will also include the following from Grounded 2:</p>
<ul><li>Buildings, utilities, decorations, resources, and consumables</li><li>Creatures and their variants</li><li>Resources and materials</li><li>Weapons, tools, and equipment</li></ul>
<p>Please note that this is just the first round of Playground features and items available in this mode, more will continue to be added throughout development.</p>
<p>Stay safe, and stay Grounded!</p>
<p>Helpful links:<br></p>
<ul><li><a href="https://forums.obsidian.net/topic/136257-public-test-patch-notes-for-update-020/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Public Test Patch Notes</a></li><li><a href="https://grounded2.obsidian.net/public-test-build" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How to Access the Public Test</a></li><li><a href="https://grounded2.obsidian.net/issue-tracker" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How to Report a Bug</a></li><li><a href="https://forums.obsidian.net/topic/118706-saving-your-game-save-files/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Saving Your Game Save File</a></li></ul>
<p></p>
<ul></ul>]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[]]></author>
                <guid>https://grounded2.obsidian.net/news/grounded-2/playgrounds-ptb</guid>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Patch 0.3.0.3 Has Been Released]]></title>
                <link>https://grounded2.obsidian.net/news/grounded-2/patch-0-3-0-3</link>
                <description><![CDATA[<p>Hello, everyone! Patch 0.3.0.3 is now available for all players. Please update your game once the patch appears. If the update doesn’t show up right away, try verifying your game files or restarting your console.</p>
<p>As always, thank you for your continued patience and support. Your feedback, bug reports, and suggestions play a huge role in helping us improve Grounded 2. If you encounter any additional issues, please reach out to <a href="https://grounded2.obsidian.net/issue-tracker#contact">Obsidian Support</a>.</p>
<h2><strong>General Changes:</strong></h2>
<ul><li>Quartzite and Marble are now on a 1-week respawn timer</li><li>Added St. Patrick’s resources and items</li><li>Earwig attacks have been changed to now allow perfect blocking on certain attacks</li></ul>
<h2><strong>Bug Fixes:</strong></h2>
<ul><li>Resolved an issue where Cactus Flowers had trouble spawning on older saves</li><li>Addressed a problem that caused UI keybinds to become unusable when rebound</li><li>Corrected an issue where talking to Sloane would display “Text Block” and lock players out of future progression</li><li>Fixed an issue preventing clients from sleeping</li><li>Corrected ORC Waves so they now spawn in the correct scenarios</li><li>Resolved an issue where Corn Hog did not drop Corn Hog Chunks</li><li>Improved Lint and Pinecone pieces so they are now bigger and easier to pick up</li><li>Fixed an issue where the ladybug could deal significantly more damage than intended</li><li>Implemented various crash and stability fixes
<ul><li>Resolved a crash that could occur when typing on Xbox with a mouse and keyboard</li><li>Fixed a crash when navigating to the chat box in a multiplayer pre-game lobby</li><li>Addressed various other scenarios</li></ul></li><li>Fixed an issue where the croquet mallet would not fall for a client</li><li>Improved quest flow around Save/Loads and loading autosaves</li></ul>]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[]]></author>
                <guid>https://grounded2.obsidian.net/news/grounded-2/patch-0-3-0-3</guid>
                <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Grounded 2 Update: The Toxic Tangle – Available Now!]]></title>
                <link>https://grounded2.obsidian.net/news/update-0-3</link>
                <description><![CDATA[<p>The garden is awake.</p>
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hV5XHIaNN64" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure>
<p>Ominent’s experiments have taken a sour turn, and a strange new corruption is spreading across Brookhollow Park. Tang now stains the soil, seeps into water, and clings to unsuspecting creatures—and it’s up to you to survive whatever’s brewing beneath the surface. </p>
<figure><img src="https://d1079ywfijtdjs.cloudfront.net/grounded2/news-toxic-tangle-update-armor.jpg " data-image="al919fxeae7e"></figure>
<p>Welcome to The Toxic Tangle, the first major content update for <em>Grounded 2</em>, available now for all players. This update expands the park with a new biome, new creatures, armor and weapons, trinkets, building sets, and a few threats that may be more than they appear. </p>
<h3><strong>A Whole New Garden</strong> </h3>
<p>Overgrown vines choke the greenhouse, creating twisting paths and hidden crawlspaces. These massive monstrosities and staggering structures all combine to produce that <em>'</em>how do I get up there?' moment. The Garden biome is ripe for exploration, stacked with vertical climbs, secret stashes, and probably a bug or two you didn’t see coming. </p>
<figure><img src="https://d1079ywfijtdjs.cloudfront.net/grounded2/news-toxic-tangle-update-garden.jpg " data-image="0vy45iuwh67s"></figure>
<p>From the pumpkin patch to the carrot jungle, every corner offers something to harvest, hoard, or accidentally aggro. It’s big, it’s messy, and it’s absolutely crawling with trouble. Bring your best gear—and maybe a backup plan. </p>
<h3><strong>The Ladybug Buggy Rolls In</strong> </h3>
<p>One of <em>Grounded’s</em> most iconic bugs is finally rideable—and she’s not here to play nice. </p>
<figure><img src="https://d1079ywfijtdjs.cloudfront.net/grounded2/news-toxic-tangle-update-mount.jpg " data-image="uyp6a9xdh0vo"></figure>
<p>The Ladybug Buggy is a heavy-duty, tank-style mount equipped with a pressurized water cannon. Use it to blast airborne pests out of the sky, rinse away sour Tang buildup, or just give your enemies a bad day. It can also ram headfirst into foes with a powerful charge and slowly regenerates health over time. </p>
<p>If you ever jumped on a ladybug in the first <em>Grounded</em> and wished you could stay there, this one’s for you. </p>
<h3><strong>New Threats (and Familiar Faces)</strong> </h3>
<p>The Garden is full of life, but not all of it wants to share the space. </p>
<p>New creatures like the coordinated Earwigs, the bulky Potato Beetles, and the soon-to-be fan-favorite, the Woolly Aphid, will challenge your reflexes, your timing, and your trust in anything with antennae. </p>
<figure><img src="https://d1079ywfijtdjs.cloudfront.net/grounded2/news-toxic-tangle-update-aphid.jpg " data-image="a6ow3bavl381"></figure>
<p>You might also want to keep your eyes open. The Masked Stranger may have retreated after your first encounter, but she’s not gone—and she may not be alone. </p>
<p>Oh, and the Snake Colossus? You’ll know it when you see it. Probably right before it sees you.<br></p>
<h3><strong>Mutation Updates, BUILD.M Upgrades and More</strong></h3>
<p>Mutations have leveled up. They’re now split into active and passive types—actives still work the way you know and love, but passives now apply automatically based on your weapon loadout. That means less menu juggling and more time doing cool stuff, like perfect blocking a Tang-covered Rust Beetle or showing off your hybrid build mid-fight.</p>
<p>And for all the architects, decorators, and “I-just-need-one-more-wall-piece” players out there, this update’s for you. The builder toolkit gets a serious upgrade with new kits like the Pumpkin Set, a refreshed Mushroom Kit, Scale Roof Set, updated Acorn Stairs, and a community request for floor hatches. It's all about more pieces, better parity between sets, and smoother snapping to bring your backyard blueprints to life.</p>
<p>Whether you're crafting a greenhouse hideout, a pumpkin fortress, or a garden party palace, we can't wait to see what you build—and share. Tag us, drop it in Discord, or show it off wherever you hang out. We’ll be watching (with admiration, not binoculars).</p>
<p>The Garden MIX.R and O.R.C. wave challenges are also live, ready for anyone who thinks they're tough enough to survive the swarm. </p>
<p>Lastly, the Founder’s Pack also grows with this update, adding new base-building items like the High Roller’s Dice Bag, Champion’s Banner, and more ways to personalize your park adventure. </p>
<figure><img src="https://d1079ywfijtdjs.cloudfront.net/grounded2/news-toxic-tangle-update-mount2.jpg " data-image="43mmx6wlf5hu"></figure>
<h3><strong>What’s Next?</strong> </h3>
<p>Alongside this update, we’re preparing for the return of Playgrounds Mode, entering PTB (Public Test Beta) in February with all the core tools from the first <em>Grounded</em>. Whether you're building mini-games, boss arenas, or custom gauntlets, Playgrounds will give creators the tools they need to thrive. To keep an eye on what’s coming to Brookhollow Park, be sure to check out our updated roadmap for a sneak peek at what’s in store for <em>Grounded 2</em>. </p>
<p>There’s never been a better time to shrink down, suit up, and explore the weirdest corners of Brookhollow Park. The Toxic Tangle update for <em>Grounded 2 </em>is available now </p>
<h2><strong>A Message from the Scientists at </strong>Ominent </h2>
<p>Welcome back, Ranger. Ominent Practical Technologies has officially expanded operations into the Garden Patch, and with it comes new tools, new threats, and several things Corporate insists are <em>“completely under control.”</em> </p>
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/4p2f1EwEqKc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure>
<p>In this Developer Vlog, Lead Community Scientist Employee 347 walks you through what’s arriving with this new update — from quality-of-life upgrades to unsettling new discoveries lurking among the leaves. </p>
<h3><strong>Learn about:</strong>  </h3>
<p>🌱 <strong>The Garden Patch</strong> — a brand-new area featuring three new labs as Ominent expands its operational footprint  </p>
<p>🔍 <strong>PEEP.R 2K</strong> — upgraded SCA.B technology for scanning insects, gathering data, tracking materials, and zooming in on distant discoveries  </p>
<p>🏠 <strong>Coziness</strong> — decorate <del>o</del><del>ffices, labs, and field outposts*</del>&nbsp;your bases&nbsp;to earn morale-boosting perks, with multiple reward tiers planned  </p>
<p>🐞 <strong>Ladybug Buggy</strong> — ongoing research into insect domestication and mounted utilities  </p>
<p>🧪 <strong>New Status Effect: Tang</strong> — research into corrosion and acid exposure (results may vary by intern)  </p>
<p>🐜 <strong>New Creatures</strong> — including Black Ants, Fireflies, Wasps, Rust Beetles, Potato Beetles, Earwigs, Crickets, Wooly Aphids… and something <em>much</em> bigger </p>
<p>From upgraded research tools to cozy base incentives and unsettling new wildlife, The Toxic Tangle brings fresh challenges and discoveries to Brookhollow Park. Ominent thanks you for your continued service and reminds you to complete your self-evaluation forms in a timely manner. </p>
<p>Good luck out there, Ranger. And please remember: Ominent is not liable for injuries involving acid, corrosion, stingers, or unpaid interns. </p>
<p>The Toxic Tangle patch notes can be <a href="https://forums.obsidian.net/topic/137346-its-time-for-the-toxic-tangle/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">found here</a>.</p>
<p><em>*Edit: We are editing the description for the "🏠Coziness" section to reflect the game and not the tone of the Vlog.</em></p>
<p><br></p>]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[]]></author>
                <guid>https://grounded2.obsidian.net/news/update-0-3</guid>
                <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
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                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Time to Tangle with the 0.3.0 Public Test]]></title>
                <link>https://grounded2.obsidian.net/news/grounded-2/publictest-0-3</link>
                <description><![CDATA[<p>It’s time to tangle with the Toxic Tangle in the 0.3.0.1 Public Test Build!</p>
<p>We’re excited to announce that the Toxic Tangle Public Test is now live. We'd be very grateful for you all to participate in this optional test phase for the new upcoming update.</p>
<p>Please note that this is the development phase of the update, and there is always a risk when testing out new features. Any progress you make on the test server may or may not carry over, so please keep this in mind when you join.</p>
<p>After joining the test server, be sure to join our <a href="http://discord.gg/groundedthegame">Discord server</a>! There, you can chat with other players who are testing, easily share your feedback and suggestions with the community and the dev team directly, and stay up to date with the latest news from us. Yoi can also access the Public Test Build patch notes on the Discord server or <a href="https://forums.obsidian.net/topic/137241-public-test-notes-for-patch-0301/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">visit our forums</a> to see what is included in this test.</p>
<p>We hope you enjoy your time in the Public Test Server and stay tuned for more Grounded 2 news.</p>
<p>Stay safe, and stay Grounded!</p>
<p>Helpful links:<br></p>
<ul><li><a href="https://forums.obsidian.net/topic/137241-public-test-notes-for-patch-0301/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Public Test Patch Notes</a></li><li><a href="https://grounded2.obsidian.net/public-test-build" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How to Access the Public Test</a></li><li><a href="https://grounded2.obsidian.net/issue-tracker" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How to Report a Bug</a></li><li><a href="https://forums.obsidian.net/topic/118706-saving-your-game-save-files/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Saving Your Game Save File</a></li></ul>]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[]]></author>
                <guid>https://grounded2.obsidian.net/news/grounded-2/publictest-0-3</guid>
                <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 20:26:00 -0800</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[The December Feature Update is Here]]></title>
                <link>https://grounded2.obsidian.net/news/grounded-2/dec-features-update</link>
                <description><![CDATA[<p>Happy Holidays Grounded friends! This month we are releasing the first of our "Feature Updates". If you missed our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19_AxAhd_EA" data-prosemirror-content-type="mark" data-prosemirror-mark-name="link">Developer Fireside Chat Stream</a> last month, Game Director Chris Parker and Executive Producer Marcus Morgan announced that we will be introducing "Feature Updates" during Grounded 2's development in Early Access. Feature Updates are different from Content Updates (like the Winter Update, more news coming in January 2026). Feature Updates will be smaller updates that focus on but not limited to, tech, performance, and new gameplay mechanics, such as the return of Coziness and the new and improved PEEP.R 2K.</p>
<p>In the future, we will also be opening Feature Updates into the Public Test Beta as we want to get your help with trying out new features and getting your feedback. With your help, we will continue to build Grounded 2 together into a much better game. As always, please contact us via our <a href="https://grounded2.obsidian.net/#contact" data-prosemirror-content-type="mark" data-prosemirror-mark-name="link">Issue Tracker</a> for your support needs.</p>
<p>Now without further ado, the 0.2.2 December Feature Update! </p>
<h2><u>Returning Features</u></h2>
<ul><li>Holiday Wreath</li><li>Redesigned Holiday Tree</li><li>Holiday Sign Set</li><li>Colorful lights spread in the Park</li><li>Firework Launcher - New Years Only!</li></ul>
<h2><u>New Features & Content</u></h2>
<ul><li>Holiday Lights decoration for base building</li><li>Ambient sounds of Christmas in the background</li><li>Main menu key art</li><li>Main menu theme with sleigh bells</li></ul>
<h3>Coziness</h3>
<p>Coziness is back in Grounded 2! If you’re not familiar with the Coziness System, decorate your base and unlock perks!</p>
<figure trebuchet="" ms",="" "helvetica="" neue",="" helvetica,="" tahoma,="" sans-serif;="" font-size:="" 13px;="" font-style:="" normal;="" font-variant-ligatures:="" font-variant-caps:="" font-weight:="" 400;="" letter-spacing:="" orphans:="" 2;="" text-align:="" start;="" text-indent:="" 0px;="" text-transform:="" none;="" widows:="" word-spacing:="" -webkit-text-stroke-width:="" white-space:="" background-color:="" rgb(255,="" 255,="" 255);="" text-decoration-thickness:="" initial;="" text-decoration-style:="" text-decoration-color:="" initial;"="" style="display: block; outline: none !important; position: relative; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px; clear: both; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "><img src="https://d1079ywfijtdjs.cloudfront.net/grounded2/dec-feature-coziness.jpg" data-image="79s80a99hsp8" style="border: 0px; height: auto !important; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; outline: none !important; box-sizing: inherit;"></figure>
<p></p>
<ul><li>Up to tier 3 coziness is available to you in 0.2.2<ul><li>Tier 4 is coming in the Winter Update!</li></ul></li><li>Hauling hero mutation is making a comeback.</li></ul>
<p>Level 1:</p>
<ul><li>Fireplace Hearth and Core Chimney Pieces</li><li>Coziness Hunger Rate Buff</li><li>Clover Awning Pieces</li></ul>
<p>Level 2:</p>
<ul><li>Thatch Chimney Roof Pieces</li><li>Thatch Awnings</li><li>Acorn Shelf</li><li>Coziness Thirst Rate Buff</li><li>Bunk Bed</li></ul>
<p>Level 3:</p>
<ul><li>Crow Chimney Roof Chimney pieces</li><li>Crow Awnings Pieces</li><li>Trash Can</li><li>Picture Frame</li><li>Scorpion Lamp</li><li>Scorpion Chair</li><li>Scorpion Bed</li></ul>
<h3>PEEP.R 2K</h3>
<p>Welcome to the new and improved version of the PEEP.R 2K</p>
<figure trebuchet="" ms",="" "helvetica="" neue",="" helvetica,="" tahoma,="" sans-serif;="" font-size:="" 13px;="" font-style:="" normal;="" font-variant-ligatures:="" font-variant-caps:="" font-weight:="" 400;="" letter-spacing:="" orphans:="" 2;="" text-align:="" start;="" text-indent:="" 0px;="" text-transform:="" none;="" widows:="" word-spacing:="" -webkit-text-stroke-width:="" white-space:="" background-color:="" rgb(255,="" 255,="" 255);="" text-decoration-thickness:="" initial;="" text-decoration-style:="" text-decoration-color:="" initial;"="" style="display: block; outline: none !important; position: relative; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px; clear: both; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "><img src="https://d1079ywfijtdjs.cloudfront.net/grounded2/dec-feature-peepr-2k.jpg" data-image="2u69s4wkho8c" style="border: 0px; height: auto !important; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; outline: none !important; box-sizing: inherit;"></figure>
<ul><li>Now Available in First and Third person views!</li><li>The PEEP.R now includes the Chopping list, it's scrollable and collapsible</li><li>The PEEP.R now includes a dynamic compass icon, to help players navigate and orient themselves</li><li>Resource tracker helps you locate the resources that are marked in the Resource finder view of the map, tracked resources are highlighted when they are in the player vicinity. This option can be activated and de-activated.</li><li>Backpack display rules have changed a bit. You will now see the HUD of the first backpack you dropped when dying. Opening the PEEP.R will now let you see all of them.</li><li>You can now also force the display of more backpacks in the PEEP.R, additionally you can decide to hide trail markers icons from your HUD in the PEEP.R view.</li><li>You can now use your PEEP.R to zoom in and out!</li></ul>
<p><em>More features to the PEEP.R will be added in the Winter Update!</em></p>
<h3>Performance and Engine Upgrades</h3>
<ul><li>We’ve updated to Unreal 5.6.1<ul><li>Players should notice a noticeable FPS bump by default without upscaling enabled</li><li>Less Hitching/Stuttering when navigating The Park</li><li>Smoother Overall and Consistent Framerates across the board for all platforms</li></ul></li><li>PC Specific: DLSS & FSR<ul><li>This update adds support for DLSS and FSR Upscaling on PC</li><li>You can choose between different quality upscaling quality levels:<ul><li>Native AA/Auto</li><li>Quality</li><li>Balanced</li><li>Performance</li><li>Ultra Performance</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>
<h3>Bug Fixes:</h3>
<h4><strong>Major Bug Fixes:</strong></h4>
<ul><li>Improved Performance on Extremely Large Saves</li><li>Droplets of Water should now no longer appear floating invisible mid-air</li><li>Fixed a issue where clients could be attacked while loading into their game</li><li>Buggies no longer stay in your face, so when trying to build or harvest, players should be less disrupted by a buggy coming over and stealing the interaction priority</li><li>Various Omni-Tool improvements based on community feedback have been addressed<ul><li>Looking at any item that the omni-tool can interact with will remain the priority over a building that’s in the vicinity of player’s cursor, guaranteeing that the actions prompted in the HUD remains in line with the other priority rules:  <ul><li>Interaction actions are based on how close you are to something </li><li>Interaction actions are based on if you look at that interactable</li></ul></li></ul></li><li>Various Handheld bugs were fixed</li></ul>
<h4><strong>Gameplay</strong></h4>
<ul><li>Teen’s left hand now closes properly when crouching with dual-wielded weapons equipped</li><li>Photo Mode can no longer be exploited to kill jumping creatures</li><li>Fixed a bug where a character could get stuck in a spiderweb in the Fire Pit area</li><li>Players should no longer get stuck in the corridor leading to the Axl arena</li><li>Fixed a spot in the Ice Cart area where player could get stuck</li><li>Players should no longer get stuck in a specific place in the trashcan</li><li>Recover Backpacks should now work properly be recovered when they were falling Out of the World</li><li>Fixed a bug where AXL Wall Mount did not guarantee a temporary effect for Players activating it on the edge of its range</li><li>Fixed an issue where player could not repair Ice Sickles after a failed defense attempt</li><li>Unequipping Axl Talon will no longer cause the character model to stretch in photomode</li><li>Resolved an issue where killing one enemy would complete objective to defeat O.R.C. guards at Stone Stash</li><li>Addressed an issue where Player could swap arrows while ranged weapon is charging</li><li>Fixed a bug where some parts of the Universal Galvanic radio had collision issues</li><li>Resolved an issue where Players were able to complete “Ready, Aim…” ranger challenge by shooting the Berries</li><li>Fixed an issue where Pinch Whacker had same speed stat as Red Ant Club but attacked way faster</li><li>Scorpion set bonus effect now properly triggers</li><li>Fixed a bug where it was not possible to move items with the LMB</li><li>Addressed an issue where it was possible to enter inaccessible places through the hedge</li><li>Players can now walk onto the Juice Box from the Web Bridge</li><li>Fixed a bug where looting creatures was problematic near nearby resources</li><li>Items left in Statue Lab now longer fall Out of the World</li><li>Fixed an issue with visible Out of the World from the window</li><li>Players should no longer get temporarily stuck between Picnic Table’s wooden planks</li><li>Fixed the issue where fighting a Mosquito would prompt nearby Blue Butterflies to aggro</li><li>Milkweed related resources should properly appear in the resource scanner map</li><li>Fixed a bug where multiple Husky Weeds were growing in one place</li><li>Saps should no longer blocking movement</li><li>Spicy Candy located on top of the Trashcan is now reachable</li><li>Fixed an issue where Scorpions spawned after Ice Sickles quest could not do damage to Player after jumping to a certain spot</li><li>Buggies will now properly drop a backpack on Woah! difficulty</li><li>Fixed an issue where a gap inside hedge led to an unfinished area</li><li>Resolved an issue where the Player could get stuck between two specific bushes</li><li>The Fluffy Dandelion Tuft will no longer drain stamina</li><li>Fixed a bug where Player’s backpack could become inaccessible underneath flashcard</li><li>Resolved a bug where Resource Finder did not update locations of resources taken from chests</li><li>Gnats have returned to the pond in front of the starting area</li><li>Fixed a bug where Omni-Tool UI would disappear when hovering over more than one OmniToolable object</li><li>Addressed an issue where stacking palisades on top of each other was not possible</li><li>Blocking animation for Staves was too slow, it is now faster</li><li>Fixed an issue where recycling Hatchery with ready-to-hatch buggy would result in obtaining unusable egg</li><li>Fixed a bug where Praying Mantis wouldn't leave its leaf if the Player engages first</li><li>Resolved a bug where Praying Mantis doesn't engage when the Player walks under its leaf</li><li>Fixed a bug where Praying Mantis in Entrance area quickly loses aggro when Player hides behind a nearby coin</li><li>Addressed a bug where multiple Husky Weeds were growing in one place</li><li>Fixed a bug where particular raw science was placed behind invisible wall</li><li>Resolved a bug where looting creatures was problematic near nearby resources</li><li>Fixed a bug where creatures would not attack walls blocking MIX.R</li><li>Aphids will no longer climb onto cut grass</li><li>Fixed a bug where multiple Husky Weeds were growing in one place</li><li>Resolved a bug where dropped resources would despawn after moving away from them</li><li>Fixed an issue where Blue Butterflies had too wide hitboxes on their wings</li><li>Players should now properly interrupt Mantis’s light attacks</li><li>Baits should now get consumed by a creature when used</li><li>Fixed an issue where water droplets were visibly floating in air after chopping grass</li><li>Resolved a bug where the third person camera would become unstable while moving between the player and a big asset</li><li>Players can no longer jump while sitting in any chair</li></ul>
<h4><strong>Environment Art:</strong></h4>
<ul><li>Fixed an issue where certain water textures were clipping through the ground</li><li>Fixed a bug where particular raw science was placed behind invisible wall</li><li>A window in the starting location no longer clips through the wall</li><li>Fixed an issue where Image Plane on Sign Frames would not render correctly</li><li>Addressed an issue where black spots appeared on some stones</li><li>Fixed one-sided textures in the Fire Pit area</li><li>Planks on the park now have the correct textures and are no longer pink</li><li>Fixed collision of a rock near the Fire Pit</li><li>Summoned Buggies should no longer spawn in textures</li><li>Fixed various texture artifacts</li><li>Fixed the issue where acorn was missing a chunk of its top part texture</li><li>Resolved a lighting issue with the nasty water puddle in front of the Toxic Anthill South Entrance</li><li>Fixed a bug where Ranger Outpost entrance light signs had different color than the light they emit</li><li>Lighting has been improved in the Lab dome</li><li>Resolved a bug where Husky Weed was clipping into the statue</li><li>Fixed floating grass blades near the KLB11 News Camera</li><li>Fixed an issue with Buried Treasure clipping with a Waffle Cone</li><li>Addressed an issue where Billy Hog on the top of the Fire Pit was clipping through a plate</li></ul>
<h4><strong>Performance & Stability</strong></h4>
<ul><li>Performance has been improved for large world saves.</li><li>The Saved Games list now loads promptly, removing the prolonged “Processing” prompt</li><li>Fixed a bug where game was running in low FPS after loading autosave created upon starting an ORC Wave</li></ul>
<h4><strong>UI/UX</strong></h4>
<ul><li>Resolved an issue where the bindings for assigning an item to the HotPouch were different</li><li>Fixed a bug where the survival guide specified that the 'H' key should be pressed instead of held to open the emotes radial</li><li>The health bar will now properly display for some buildings in the Building Grid</li><li>The switch view button in the pause menu responds to mouse clicks as intended.</li><li>Storage UI backgrounds in containers are free of graphical artifacts</li><li>Fixed a bug where Chopping List could exceed Player’s screen and could not be scrolled</li><li>Resolved an issue with placeholder option change notification</li><li>Changes in Game Settings will automatically save upon exiting menu</li><li>Fixed a bug where the game language did not change immediately after being set</li><li>Object placement by clients is now possible, even at a distance from the character.</li><li>Fixed an issue where a ghost item appeared in inventory when assigning it to HotPouch with keyboard</li><li>Fixed a bug where Player was unable to scroll “Wait, there’s more!” quest</li></ul>
<h4><strong>Audio</strong></h4>
<ul><li>Fixed an issue where mushroom destroy sound was delayed</li><li>Addressed a bug where staff projectile sound was audible with sound settings set to 0</li><li>Fixed an issue where there were no sounds when hitting Ranger Station while playing as a Client</li><li>Resolved an issue where web bridges didn't have impact SFX assigned</li><li>Fixed concurrency set on all teens voice over</li></ul>
<h4><strong>Save/Load & Persistence</strong></h4>
<ul><li>Fixed a bug where Player could stack chill resistance with torch equipped while performing save/load cycle</li><li>Fixed an issue where fog of war was reappearing for Clients after Save/Load cycle</li><li>Addressed a bug where the Client could damage a snail through the shell if far from the Host</li><li>Fixed a bug where Client sometimes was unable to pick up weapons thrown by the Host</li><li>Fixed an issue where chill reduction would permanently increase for each save/load with torch equipped</li><li>Fixed a bug where game was running in low FPS after loading autosave created upon starting an ORC Wave</li><li>Resolved a bug where Player was able to Pause Menu for a brief moment after loading the game</li><li>Teens’ bodies now disappear upon leaving the session</li><li>Fixed a bug where entering the Acorn Turret right after loading the game would cause the player character to fall through the textures</li></ul>
<h4><strong>Localization:</strong></h4>
<ul><li>Various localization bugs have been addressed.</li></ul>]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[]]></author>
                <guid>https://grounded2.obsidian.net/news/grounded-2/dec-features-update</guid>
                <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 17:13:00 -0800</pubDate>
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