Grounded 2, Obsidian Entertainment’s latest survival title, has launched in Early Access on Xbox Series X/S and PC, and early comparisons between platforms reveal a game that is still struggling to find technical stability. While the ambition behind the project is evident, the current state of the game suggests that performance tuning is far from complete.
On Xbox Series X, Grounded 2 offers two visual modes—Quality and Performance. The Quality mode attempts to deliver better lighting fidelity and higher resolution visuals at a target of 30 frames per second, while the Performance mode aims for 60 frames per second. However, neither mode achieves consistent results. Performance mode, in particular, struggles to hold its intended frame rate, resulting in a gameplay experience that fluctuates under load. Additionally, noise artifacts can be observed in areas utilizing ambient occlusion. On the Xbox Series S, players are limited to a single mode that is capped at 30 frames per second, and it too suffers from similar visual inconsistencies.
The PC version offers a marginally better experience, particularly in terms of lighting and reflections, which outperform both console editions. Nevertheless, the PC build also appears to be hindered by technical limitations. Despite running on high-end hardware—including an RTX 5090—frame rates remain inconsistent, fluctuating between 40 and 60 frames per second at 4K resolution. Moreover, the game’s graphics settings are surprisingly limited, offering few options for tweaking performance.
A key factor contributing to these issues may be Grounded 2‘s transition to Unreal Engine 5. While the new engine introduces enhanced visual fidelity, it also demands more from hardware, and developers often require time to optimize their titles fully. Given the game’s Early Access status, it is reasonable to expect significant performance improvements in the coming months.
Despite its technical shortcomings, Grounded 2 introduces an array of promising upgrades. Building upon the foundation of the original game, the sequel expands its core mechanics and visual presentation. During a recent developer interview, one team member shared insight into the motivation behind the follow-up, noting that the original title had completed its narrative arc, but creative inspiration remained. “With Grounded One, we had a story to tell. It had a beginning, it had a middle, it had an end… as we were finishing Grounded One, we felt like Grounded 2 was a story that we wanted to make,” they explained.
Alongside a fresh storyline, the sequel features an expanded environment, more insect species, improved combat systems, and a 1990s-inspired art direction. According to the developers, players diving into Early Access will experience most of the first act, which already offers several hours of content.
Announced during the Xbox Games Showcase in June 2025, Grounded 2 is now available in Early Access for Xbox Series X/S and PC as of July 29. While the current build is marred by noticeable performance flaws, the project holds considerable potential. If Obsidian can address optimization and deliver on its gameplay promises, Grounded 2 may yet earn its place as a standout survival title in the months ahead.
