The December Feature Update for Grounded 2 introduces a focused selection of new mechanics, returning systems, and engine upgrades aimed at improving the overall experience during Early Access. Coziness returns with several unlockable tiers, offering decorative incentives and meaningful perks for base building. The update also enhances the PEEP.R 2K, bringing new navigation tools, expanded viewing modes, and additional resource tracking features.
Players can expect noticeable boosts in performance thanks to an upgrade to Unreal Engine 5.6.1 and improved stability across large saves. Holiday themed decorations, ambient sounds, and new menu elements round out the update, while an extensive list of gameplay, environmental, UI, audio, and stability fixes helps ensure a smoother and more consistent adventure.
Patch Notes
Returning Features
- Holiday Wreath
- Redesigned Holiday Tree
- Holiday Sign Set
- Colorful lights in the Park
- Firework Launcher available during New Years
New Features and Content
- Holiday Lights decoration for base building
- Ambient Christmas themed background sounds
- Updated main menu key art
- Updated main menu theme with sleigh bells
Coziness
- Coziness system restored with decorative progression and perks
- Up to tier 3 available in version 0.2.2, with tier 4 planned for the Winter Update
- Hauling Hero mutation returns
Level 1
- Fireplace Hearth and Core Chimney pieces
- Coziness Hunger Rate Buff
- Clover Awning pieces
Level 2
- Thatch Chimney Roof pieces
- Thatch Awnings
- Acorn Shelf
- Coziness Thirst Rate Buff
- Bunk Bed
Level 3
- Crow Chimney Roof pieces
- Crow Awnings
- Trash Can
- Picture Frame
- Scorpion Lamp
- Scorpion Chair
- Scorpion Bed
PEEP.R 2K
- Available in first and third person views
- Includes scrollable and collapsible Chopping List
- Dynamic compass icon added for orientation
- Resource tracker now highlights marked resources when nearby and can be toggled
- Backpack display rules updated to show the first dropped pack on HUD
- PEEP.R view can force display of additional backpacks
- Trail marker icons can be hidden through the PEEP.R
- Added zoom functionality
- Additional features planned for the Winter Update
Performance and Engine Upgrades
- Upgraded to Unreal Engine 5.6.1
- Improved FPS across all platforms
- Reduced hitching and stuttering in the Park
- More consistent overall framerates
- Added DLSS and FSR upscaling options for PC with multiple quality presets
Major Bug Fixes
- Improved performance on extremely large saves
- Water droplets no longer appear floating in mid air
- Fixed client attacks occurring while loading
- Buggies no longer disrupt interactions during building or harvesting
- Updated Omni Tool behavior for clearer interaction priority
- Corrected handheld related issues
Gameplay Fixes
- Corrected hand closing during crouching with dual wield weapons
- Photo Mode exploit preventing kills removed
- Multiple stuck locations resolved across various regions
- Backpacks now recover correctly when falling Out of the World
- Fixed Ice Sickles repair issue
- Resolved stretching of character model after unequipping Axl Talon
- Updated interaction behaviors for quests and challenges
- Adjusted weapon stats and bonuses, including Pinch Whacker and Scorpion set
- Fixed issues affecting arrows, bug loot, resource scanning, enemy behavior, vegetation placement, and world traversal
- Improved interactions with bridges, containers, and scenery objects
- Multiple fixes for enemy aggression, movement, and combat logic
- Addressed issues with camera stability, jumping, resource despawns, and interaction prompts
Environment Art
- Corrected water textures, clipping issues, and misplaced objects
- Fixed various texture artifacts across the Park
- Resolved lighting problems in several areas
- Corrected collision for specific rocks and environmental objects
- Fixed floating grass, improperly placed raw science, and clipping issues
- Improved lighting in the Lab dome
Performance and Stability
- Enhanced performance for large world saves
- Save game list now loads without long delays
- Resolved FPS drops after loading certain autosaves
UI and UX
- Corrected HotPouch binding instructions
- Fixed survival guide button prompt
- Health bars for select buildings now display properly
- Pause menu view switch now responds to mouse input
- Container backgrounds now display correctly
- Chopping List now scrolls properly
- Settings changes now save upon exiting menus
- Corrected language switching behavior
- Improved object placement rules for clients
- Fixed issues with HotPouch ghost items and unscrollable quests
Audio
- Fixed delayed mushroom destroy sound
- Corrected projectile sound behavior
- Improved sound playback for Ranger Station
- Assigned missing web bridge impact sounds
- Adjusted teen voice over concurrency
Save, Load, and Persistence
- Fixed chill resistance stacking with torches
- Corrected fog of war behavior for clients
- Resolved issues affecting weapon pickup, chill reduction stacking, and low FPS after certain autosaves
- Prevented brief pause menu access after loading
- Fixed teen body disappearance on session exit
- Corrected Acorn Turret falling issue
- Fixed snail damage behavior at distance
- Restored proper persistence for thrown weapons and cross character saves
Localization
- Addressed multiple localization related issues
Grounded 2 is a cooperative survival adventure set in Brookhollow Park, where players work together to craft, explore, and confront oversized threats after being shrunk to insect size. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment and Eidos Montreal, it launched into Early Access on July 29, 2025, and is currently available on PC and Xbox Series X/S, including access through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
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