Grounded 2 Hits Early Access on PS5 — Is It Worth Jumping In Now?
Obsidian Entertainment's survival game Grounded 2 is now available on PS5, bringing a new underwater combat system and more
By Jules Whitmore · Updated August 16, 2026 at 3:11 PM

Introduction to Grounded 2
Grounded 2, the latest survival game from Obsidian Entertainment, has finally made its way to the PS5, marking a significant milestone in its early access journey. The game's arrival on the PlayStation 5 is accompanied by the 'Into the Abyss' update, which introduces a fully rebuilt underwater movement and combat system. This update is not just a minor tweak but a major overhaul of the game's design, aiming to address criticisms of the original's clunky water zones.
The 'Into the Abyss' Update
The 'Into the Abyss' update is the fourth major update for Grounded 2 since its early access launch in July 2025. It replaces the original underwater combat system with a three-dimensional combat environment designed from scratch. This change promises to enhance the gameplay experience, especially for those who found the previous system lacking. The update also marks the game's debut on the PlayStation 5, expanding its player base beyond Xbox and PC users.
Gameplay and Features
Grounded 2 follows the story of teenage heroes who find themselves shrunk down to the size of insects. The game takes place in Brookhaven Park, which provides a vast, uncharted terrain to explore and survive in. With the introduction of the 'Into the Abyss' update, players can now delve into underwater worlds, complete with new places to explore, a new progression system, underwater base building, and new creatures to battle. The update also includes an amphibious buggy, known as the Toe Biter, to aid in underwater exploration.
PS5 Debut and Accessibility
The game's launch on the PS5 is seen as a second launch for the project, according to game director Chris Parker. This strategic move aims to bring in a new audience while providing existing players with significant new content. Grounded 2 is available on the PS5 in early access, joining its existing platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Steam. Subscribers to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass can access the game at no additional cost, making it more accessible to a wider range of players.


Community and Development
Grounded 2 has already seen significant success, with over 3 million players within two weeks of its early access launch. The game was also nominated for Best Early Access Game at the Golden Joystick Awards 2025. The community's response and the game's performance have likely influenced the decision to expand to the PS5, ensuring that the game reaches its full potential across various platforms.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
As Grounded 2 continues to evolve with new content and updates, its early access status means that there is still much to come. With no official 1.0 release date announced, players can expect further areas, creatures, and systems to be added, enhancing the gameplay experience. For those considering jumping into Grounded 2 now that it's available on the PS5, the game offers a unique blend of survival mechanics, exploration, and combat, set in a fascinating, albeit dangerous, world.
The future of Grounded 2 looks promising, with its expansion to the PS5 marking a new chapter in its early access journey. As the game continues to grow and improve, it will be interesting to see how it evolves and what new features and content are added to keep players engaged.
Final Thoughts
Grounded 2's arrival on the PS5, coupled with the 'Into the Abyss' update, is a significant step forward for the game. It not only broadens the game's audience but also addresses some of the criticisms from its early access launch. For fans of survival games and those looking for a new challenge, Grounded 2 is certainly worth considering, especially with its accessible pricing through Xbox and PC game passes.
The game's potential for growth and the developer's commitment to updating and expanding the game's content make it an exciting prospect for both new and veteran players. As Grounded 2 continues on its path towards a full release, it will be intriguing to see how it develops and whether it can live up to the expectations of its growing community.