At Summer Game Fest, we had the opportunity to play Grounded 2, the highly anticipated sequel to Obsidian Entertainment’s well‑received survival adventure. Currently in Early Access for Xbox and PC, the game officially launches on August 11, 2026, with a full release also coming to PlayStation 5.

During our 30‑minute session, we played on the PS5 build, tasked with surviving a brutal encounter against a dragon‑like boss inside a literal furnace.

Grounded 2 Hands-on Preview

Our playthrough began at a shared base with three other players. I chose a Ranger build, specializing in long‑range combat with a bow and arrow. The base allowed us to cycle through food, boss items, and swap classes between Fighter, Mage, or Ranger depending on preference.

Grounded 2 also introduces flexible perspectives: a first‑person view for precise aiming and activity clarity, and a third‑person view for broader spatial awareness, especially useful for melee‑focused classes. I toggled between both to get a feel for the combat flow.

The highlight of the demo was the dragon boss battle. The fight only begins once all four players are ready, and when triggered, the dragon crashes down from the ceiling, scattering debris and immediately setting the tone.

Some players had access to insect pods, granting them mobility and unique abilities, such as water hoses, to aid in combat. Others, like myself, focused on ranged support, shifting aggro, and assisting teammates.

Midway through, the furnace environment itself became a hazard, dealing burning damage unless players repaired coolant systems along the sides. The boss actively tried to destroy these coolants, forcing us to balance survival mechanics with offensive pressure.

Teamwork was crucial as pods and water cannons could douse burning allies or revive downed teammates. Unfortunately, our coordination fell apart, and once defeated, we were forced to respawn outside the battleground, unable to rejoin until the entire team was wiped.

Despite the setback, Grounded 2 impressed with its blend of survival mechanics, class variety, and cooperative combat. The furnace battle showcased how environmental hazards and teamwork intertwine to create tense, memorable encounters.

Grounded 2 is launching on August 11 PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.