Grounded 2 conquers Steam in record time and sets a new trend

Grounded 2, the sequel to the successful miniaturized survival title developed by Obsidian, debuted strongly on Steam by registering over 49,500 concurrent players in its first hours, far surpassing the record of its predecessor, which had reached a peak of 32,012 users in 2021. Despite being available on Game Pass, this figure demonstrates the power of multiplatform releases and the continued relevance of the traditional purchase model on PC.

This data not only marks a milestone for the franchise, but also positions Grounded 2 as one of the fastest-growing launches within the genre. In less than half an hour, the second installment had already surpassed the all-time highs of the first game, which shows a strong renewed interest in the concept.

A broader, more dynamic, and collaborative world

The new gameplay features are one of the key factors behind its success. This installment moves the action to Brookhollow Park, an environment much larger and more varied than the backyard of the first game. Players find a world full of secrets, complex missions, and new strategic possibilities.

Among the main additions, the Buggy stands out, a utility creature that can be used as a mount, means of transportation, and combat support. Obtaining it requires completing challenging missions, which motivates both solo exploration and cooperation in multiplayer mode, available for up to four players.

In addition, the narrative has been improved, progression has become more accessible, and the variety of situations has been expanded, something appreciated by both veterans and new users.

Steam, Game Pass, and a model that combines the best of both worlds

Although Grounded 2 has been included in Game Pass since its launch, its success on Steam reveals that many players still prefer to purchase their games on platforms like Valve's, whether for social features, mods, performance, or simple habit.

This trend reinforces a growing idea in the market:  offering a game through multiple channels, without forced exclusivity, can boost its impact and ensure a broader active community from day one.

An active community and responsive developers

Obsidian has highlighted the value of early access and how player suggestions helped refine the final experience. Collaboration with Eidos Montreal also raised the technical level and ambition of the title, adding a more polished graphical finish and more complex challenges.

The community replied enthusiastically, valuing the fluidity of combat, the depth of the new map, and the opportunities for collaborative play. On social media, positive reviews, gameplay screenshots, and debates about the best strategies to survive in a world full of giant insects and deadly obstacles are multiplying.