These are the 5 things we love, but also hate, about Grounded 2
As avid explorers of the miniature world, we at Magisk Modules have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of Grounded 2 ever since the original game captivated us with its unique premise and engaging survival mechanics. The early access launch has been a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with moments of pure joy and frustrating setbacks. After countless hours spent shrinking down, building bases, and battling colossal insects, we’ve compiled a detailed list of 5 things we absolutely love about Grounded 2, alongside 5 aspects that have left us scratching our heads and hoping for improvements.
5 Things We Adore in Grounded 2
1. The Unparalleled World Expansion and Environmental Storytelling
Grounded was always visually appealing, but Grounded 2 elevates the experience to a whole new level. The scale of the backyard feels even more immense, with distinct biomes that are not only aesthetically diverse but also teem with unique creatures, resources, and environmental hazards. The sprawling Whispering Wetlands, for example, are a stark contrast to the arid Desiccated Desert, each offering specialized challenges and rewards.
What truly impresses us is the subtle environmental storytelling. The remnants of human activity – abandoned toys, discarded tools, and overgrown structures – paint a vivid picture of the backyard’s history and the events leading up to the kids’ miniaturization. Investigating a dilapidated sandbox, for example, reveals faded crayon drawings hinting at past adventures, while discovering a rusted toolbox near a towering oak tree suggests a previous attempt at backyard maintenance. These small details add layers of depth and intrigue, making the world feel alive and breathing. Moreover, the improved weather effects and day/night cycle dramatically impact gameplay, forcing players to adapt to changing conditions and creating a dynamic and immersive experience. Dense fog rolls in during the early morning, obscuring vision and making navigation treacherous. Torrential downpours can flood low-lying areas, forcing players to seek higher ground or risk being swept away. The attention to detail in the environmental design is truly remarkable and keeps us constantly engaged.
2. Revamped Combat System with Strategic Depth
The combat in Grounded 2 feels significantly more refined and strategic than its predecessor. While the original relied heavily on frantic button mashing, Grounded 2 introduces a deeper system of parrying, blocking, and dodging, demanding precise timing and tactical awareness. Each weapon type feels distinct, with its own strengths, weaknesses, and unique attack patterns. The spear, for instance, is excellent for keeping enemies at bay, while the hammer is ideal for breaking through armored defenses.
Enemy AI has also been noticeably improved. Insects now exhibit more complex behaviors, coordinating attacks, flanking players, and exploiting vulnerabilities. A group of soldier ants, for example, might attempt to surround a player, while a bombardier beetle launches ranged attacks from a distance. This forces players to think strategically about their approach to combat, utilizing the environment to their advantage and coordinating with teammates in multiplayer. Furthermore, the introduction of new status effects, such as poison, bleeding, and stun, adds another layer of complexity to combat. Players must now consider the long-term effects of their attacks and equip themselves with appropriate gear to counteract these ailments. The result is a combat system that is both challenging and rewarding, requiring skill and strategy to master.
3. Enhanced Base Building and Crafting Options
Base building was a core element of the original Grounded, and Grounded 2 expands upon this foundation with a plethora of new structures, materials, and customization options. The introduction of tiered building materials, such as reinforced stem walls and pebblet brick foundations, allows players to create more durable and elaborate bases. The ability to customize the appearance of structures with different paint colors and decorative elements adds a personal touch to each player’s homestead.
The crafting system has also been significantly expanded, with a wider range of recipes for tools, weapons, armor, and consumables. The introduction of new resource types, such as fungal spores and iridescent scales, requires players to explore previously uncharted areas of the backyard and experiment with new crafting combinations. The addition of specialized crafting stations, such as the oven and the distillery, allows players to create more advanced items and further enhance their survival capabilities. The integration of blueprints and schematics allows players to plan out their base designs in advance and efficiently gather the necessary resources. This streamlining of the building process makes it easier than ever to create elaborate and functional bases.
4. The Intriguing Story and Compelling Characters
Grounded 2 delves deeper into the mystery surrounding the kids’ miniaturization, expanding upon the original story with new characters, plot twists, and revelations. The introduction of Dr. Tully, a brilliant but eccentric scientist, adds a new layer of intrigue to the narrative, as players uncover his secrets and learn about his role in the backyard experiment. The interactions between the kids feel more authentic and nuanced, with each character grappling with their own personal struggles and motivations.
The main storyline is complemented by a series of side quests and optional objectives that further flesh out the world and its inhabitants. Investigating abandoned research facilities, uncovering hidden messages, and solving environmental puzzles reveals fragments of the past and provides clues to the overall mystery. The integration of audio logs and holographic recordings adds a personal touch to the narrative, allowing players to connect with the characters on a deeper level. The voice acting is superb, bringing the characters to life and adding emotion to the storyline. The writers have done an excellent job of crafting a compelling and engaging narrative that keeps players invested in the fate of the kids.
5. Improved Multiplayer Experience with Shared Progression
Grounded 2 significantly enhances the multiplayer experience, making it easier than ever to team up with friends and explore the backyard together. The introduction of dedicated servers provides a more stable and reliable connection, reducing lag and disconnects. The implementation of shared progression allows players to contribute to a common base, share resources, and complete quests together. This fosters a sense of cooperation and teamwork, making the multiplayer experience more enjoyable and rewarding.
The ability to customize character appearances and create unique loadouts adds a personal touch to the multiplayer experience. Players can choose from a variety of cosmetic items and equipment to differentiate themselves from their teammates. The integration of voice chat and in-game communication tools allows players to coordinate their actions and strategize effectively. The developers have also implemented anti-griefing measures to prevent players from sabotaging each other’s progress. This ensures that the multiplayer experience remains fair and enjoyable for all. The improvements to the multiplayer experience make Grounded 2 a truly collaborative and engaging game.
5 Things We Hope to See Improved in Grounded 2
1. Optimization Issues and Performance Stuttering
Despite the visual enhancements, Grounded 2 suffers from noticeable optimization issues, particularly on lower-end hardware. Frame rates frequently dip during intense combat encounters or when exploring densely populated areas of the backyard. Texture pop-in and stuttering can also be distracting, detracting from the overall immersion. While we understand that early access builds are often unoptimized, we hope to see significant improvements in performance in future updates.
The game’s system requirements seem disproportionately high compared to the actual graphical fidelity. Even on high-end PCs, achieving a stable 60 frames per second at maximum settings can be challenging. The developers need to focus on optimizing the game’s code and reducing the strain on hardware resources. Implementing features such as dynamic resolution scaling and adjustable graphics settings could help improve performance on a wider range of systems. Additionally, addressing the memory leaks and resource allocation issues could significantly reduce stuttering and improve overall stability.
2. Inventory Management and Clutter
The inventory system in Grounded 2 can feel cumbersome and disorganized, especially when gathering large amounts of resources. The limited inventory space forces players to make constant trips back to their base to deposit items, interrupting the flow of exploration. The lack of efficient sorting and filtering options makes it difficult to find specific items within the inventory. While we appreciate the realism of a limited inventory, we believe there is room for improvement in terms of organization and usability.
Implementing features such as stackable items, larger inventory slots, and customizable sorting options could greatly alleviate the inventory management issues. The addition of containers with different storage capacities would allow players to organize their resources more effectively. The ability to craft backpacks or other inventory-expanding items would provide players with more carrying capacity as they progress through the game. Furthermore, streamlining the crafting interface and providing more detailed item descriptions could help players make informed decisions about what to keep and what to discard.
3. Repetitive Combat Encounters and Enemy Variety
While the combat system is more strategic than its predecessor, the enemy variety can feel somewhat limited. After encountering the same types of insects repeatedly, the combat encounters can become monotonous and predictable. We would like to see more unique and challenging enemies introduced in future updates, each with their own distinct behaviors, attack patterns, and weaknesses.
The addition of boss encounters could also add a new layer of excitement and challenge to the game. These encounters could require players to utilize specific strategies and equipment to overcome formidable opponents. Introducing new enemy variants with different attributes and abilities could also help diversify the combat experience. For example, armored ants, poisonous spiders, or electrically charged beetles could pose unique threats to players. Furthermore, implementing dynamic enemy spawning patterns could create more unpredictable and engaging encounters.
4. Lack of Clear Direction and Tutorials
While we appreciate the freedom of exploration, Grounded 2 can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for new players. The lack of clear direction and tutorials can make it difficult to understand the game’s mechanics and progress through the story. We would like to see more guidance provided to new players, without sacrificing the sense of discovery and exploration.
Implementing optional tutorials that explain the basic gameplay mechanics, crafting system, and base building options could help new players get started. The addition of quest markers or objective prompts could provide players with a clearer sense of direction. The inclusion of an in-game encyclopedia or bestiary could provide players with information about the different insects, resources, and crafting recipes. Furthermore, streamlining the user interface and providing more helpful tooltips could make the game more accessible to new players.
5. Limited Customization Options for Player Characters and Bases
While the base building system offers a decent amount of customization, the options for customizing player characters are somewhat limited. We would like to see more cosmetic items, clothing options, and hairstyles added in future updates, allowing players to express their individuality and create unique avatars. The ability to further customize the appearance of bases with different paint colors, decorative elements, and architectural styles would also be a welcome addition.
Implementing features such as player-created emblems, custom banners, and personalized furniture could allow players to add a personal touch to their bases. The addition of new building materials with different textures and properties could provide players with more creative options. Furthermore, allowing players to share their base designs with other players could foster a sense of community and collaboration. The more customization options available, the more players can express their creativity and create a truly unique experience.
Final Thoughts
Grounded 2 is a promising sequel that builds upon the foundation of the original with significant improvements in world design, combat, base building, and storytelling. While the game suffers from some optimization issues, inventory management problems, and limited enemy variety, we are confident that these issues will be addressed in future updates. We are excited to see how Grounded 2 evolves during its early access period and look forward to exploring the backyard for many more hours to come. We will continue to provide updates and insights as we delve deeper into the miniature world of Grounded 2. Check back often for more guides, tips, and tricks to help you survive and thrive in the backyard.