If you’ve spent any time dodging giant wolf spiders or building weed-stem fortresses, you’ve probably heard the rumblings. Obsidian Entertainment basically caught lightning in a bottle with the first game. Now, the big question on everyone’s lips is simple: will Grounded 2 be on Game Pass? Honestly, the answer is a massive "Yes." But there’s a bit more to the story than just a simple checkmark on a subscription service.
As of right now, in early 2026, we aren't just guessing anymore. Grounded 2 launched into Xbox Game Preview on July 29, 2025. If you have an active subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass, you can literally go download it this second. Microsoft and Obsidian didn't make us wait. They followed the exact same playbook they used for the original title, which means it’s a "Day One" inclusion.
Why Grounded 2 is a Game Pass Lock
It makes total sense when you think about it. Obsidian Entertainment is a first-party Xbox studio. Ever since Microsoft bought them back in 2018, everything they touch—from Avowed to The Outer Worlds 2—lands on Game Pass the moment it hits the digital shelves.
Grounded 2 is no exception.
The game is currently in "Early Access," or what Xbox calls Game Preview. This is a specific phase where the developers at Obsidian, alongside their partners at Eidos-Montréal, are still adding content, fixing bugs, and listening to the community. Usually, people are skeptical of early access. But with Grounded 2, the foundation is already massive. We’re talking about a sequel that’s way bigger than the original backyard.
What You Get on Day One
If you’re playing via Game Pass, you aren't getting a "lite" version. You get the same build as everyone else. Right now, that includes:
- Act 1 of the Story: A pretty meaty chunk of narrative that sets the stage for why we’re shrunk down again.
- Brookhollow Park: This isn't just a backyard anymore. It’s a full-on public park with different biomes.
- Buggy Mounts: You can actually ride certain insects now, which is a total game-changer for getting across the map.
- The Archetype System: A new way to specialize your character’s skills so your co-op team feels more like a balanced RPG party.
Will Grounded 2 Stay on Game Pass Forever?
Usually, when people ask will Grounded 2 be on Game Pass, they’re worried it might leave. Since Obsidian is owned by Microsoft, this is effectively a "permanent" title. Unless something wild happens with the licensing—which is unlikely since Microsoft owns the IP—you won’t see this leaving the service.
It’s a "Day One" and "Forever" type of situation.
Even when the game eventually leaves Game Preview and hits its 1.0 "Full Release" (which director Chris Parker has hinted might be a year or two away), it’ll stay on the service. You won't have to buy the "full" version later if you're already a subscriber.
The Difference Between Game Pass Tiers
One thing that trips people up is the pricing and the specific tier you need.
If you are on the Standard Xbox Game Pass (the one without online multiplayer), you can play the game, but you're going to be stuck playing solo. Since Grounded 2 is built from the ground up for co-op, you really want to be on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. That gives you the multiplayer access you need to run around Brookhollow Park with three of your friends.
If you're on PC, PC Game Pass covers everything you need.
The Founder's Edition Catch
Now, here is where it gets a little tricky. There is a "Founder’s Edition" (specifically called the Minotaurs, Myrmidons, and Mants: Oh My! edition) that launched alongside the preview.
Game Pass does not include the Founder’s Edition extras. If you want those specific character skins, the digital artbook, or the "Tools of Yore" decorative set, you usually have to buy the "Founder's Pack" upgrade separately for about $10. The base game is "free" with your sub, but the fancy hats are going to cost you a few extra bucks.
What Most People Get Wrong About Grounded 2
There’s a common misconception that Grounded 2 is just a DLC or an expansion for the first game. It really isn't. The move to Unreal Engine 5 has changed the physics and the lighting entirely.
The first game was great, but it was limited by the "backyard" scope. By moving the action to a public park, Obsidian has created "vertical" gameplay that wasn't possible before. You’re climbing picnic tables that feel like mountains and navigating "fallen over" trees that are basically entire levels in themselves.
Also, don't expect a finished product yet.
Some players jump in through Game Pass and get frustrated by a bug or a missing feature. Remember: this is Game Preview. Obsidian is targeting "meatier" updates every four to five months rather than small monthly patches. We already know a "Winter Update" is bringing a community garden area, and a massive Summer update is planned for later in 2026.
Is It Worth Playing Right Now?
If you already have Game Pass, there’s zero risk. Just download it.
If you’re considering subscribing specifically for this, I’d say it depends on your love for the first one. It is very much "Grounded, but more." The bugs are smarter, the building is more complex, and the map is significantly less claustrophobic.
Actionable Next Steps:
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- Check your subscription: Ensure you have Ultimate if you plan on playing with friends on console.
- Download the Preview: It’s roughly a 40GB download, which is surprisingly lean for how much detail is in the park.
- Don't delete Grounded 1: If you haven't finished the "Fully Yoked" content in the first game, keep it installed. Grounded 2 is its own beast, and the first game is still a masterpiece that’s worth finishing.
- Join the Discord: Since it’s in early access, the devs are actually watching the feedback channels. If you find a bug in Brookhollow Park, report it.
Grounded 2 is a cornerstone of the 2026 Xbox lineup. Whether you're riding a buggy across a picnic table or crying because a scorpion just wrecked your base, it's an experience that’s best served through the subscription you're probably already paying for.