Grounded’s Shrinking Adventure Might Be Getting Bigger on More Consoles

Obsidian’s Grounded was a surprise success when it launched fully in 2022 after a strong early access phase. The backyard survival adventure, with its unique twist of kids shrunk down to insect size and forced to craft, explore, and survive among lawn hazards, quickly built a loyal fan base. And while the original was tied to Xbox and PC, Grounded 2 might not stay exclusive for long.

At the recent Develop: Brighton 2025 conference, Adam Brennecke, executive producer at Obsidian, dropped a not-so-subtle hint about the sequel’s future. When asked if Grounded 2 could expand to other platforms like PS5 or the incoming Switch 2, Brennecke responded with a grin, saying, “Well, Grounded was on all those platforms…”

Now that’s more than a slip. That’s a teaser. And the timing couldn’t be better, as platform exclusivity debates continue to swirl around Xbox’s changing strategy since the Microsoft-Activision Blizzard acquisition. Microsoft appears more open than ever to allowing Obsidian games to reach a wider audience. Will Grounded 2 for PS5 and Switch 2 happen?

Why Grounded 2 Going Multi-Platform Makes Sense

When the original Grounded hit early access in 2020, it was branded as a Microsoft first-party title exclusive to Xbox and PC. But in a move that raised eyebrows in January 2024, the game quietly launched on PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. That retroactive expansion, especially for a multiplayer-focused title, likely gave Obsidian a strong foundation in understanding cross-platform infrastructure.

Brennecke himself acknowledged the surprise launch during the conference. The team needed to adapt Unreal Engine 4 to the Switch’s limited hardware. It wasn’t impossible, just tricky. And all signs point to them doing it again, but from the start this time around. If Obsidian is already testing development pipelines across PS5 and Switch 2 hardware, it would mean no barrier stands in the way of a Grounded 2 Switch 2 release, or even a Day One PS5 launch.

Moreover, it’s increasingly evident that Xbox Game Studios is less concerned about total exclusivity and more focused on reach, engagement, and boosting Game Pass subs. That philosophy aligns perfectly with letting more players explore Grounded 2’s shiny ant hills and wasp nests, regardless of console choice.

Brennecke also highlighted the studio’s investment in expanding Grounded’s lore. While the first game left many questions unanswered (and some narrative bites half-chewed), the sequel is expected to double down on story content, new characters… and probably new bugs. The hint is clear: Grounded 2 isn’t just more of the same. That approach would almost certainly benefit from being available everywhere on Day One.

For fans of the original, this teetering between Xbox loyalty and broader console inclusion opens an intriguing possibility: multi-console crossplay. Though unconfirmed, Obsidian’s groundwork with Grounded’s cross-platform support may be part of their long-game plan for the sequel.

What Platforms Should We Expect for Grounded 2?

So far, Obsidian hasn’t officially confirmed platforms for the Grounded sequel. But putting two and two together after the Develop: Brighton panel, there’s a strong chance we’ll see the game on:

• Xbox Series X/S
• PC
• PlayStation 5
• Nintendo Switch 2

This wouldn’t just be fan service but tactical. The PS5 and Switch 2 have massive user bases that Obsidian simply can’t ignore. Whether or not that means the game appears on Game Pass and PlayStation Plus at the same time remains to be seen, but launch parity now looks more likely than ever.

The studio isn’t in the habit of losing momentum, and Grounded 2 looks set to capitalise on everything that made the original a cult hit—except now with more reach, faster tech, and, very possibly, a more expansive co-op experience from day one.

No preorder details, however, Grounded 2 is set to launch in early access, starting next week, on 29th July. Pricing, on the other hand, remains under wraps for now. Brennecke also suggested that the team is deep into development cycles, which means full release announcements might be around the corner before 2025 closes.

Until then, fans of survival, crafting chaos, and comedic backyard scale can only wait to see if a PlayStation or Switch reveal trailer drops soon. Either way, it’s clear: Obsidian’s next big title is sprouting outwards, platform by platform.