Grounded 2 Is Coming to PlayStation 5: Xbox Exclusive Finally Leaves the Platform
Great news for PlayStation 5 players! Grounded 2 is officially coming to PS5 on August 11, 2026 , marking another major Xbox console exclusive moving beyond ...
Great news for PlayStation 5 players! Grounded 2 is officially coming to PS5 on August 11, 2026, marking another major Xbox console exclusive moving beyond the platform. This backyard survival sequel from Obsidian Entertainment will launch in early access on Sony's console, joining PC and Xbox Series where it first released in July 2025.
This announcement continues Microsoft's growing multiplatform strategy, with Grounded 2 becoming the latest Xbox-published title to lose its console exclusivity. Let's break down everything you need to know about this exciting release.
Grounded 2 PS5 Release Date and Price
When Does Grounded 2 Launch on PlayStation 5?
Grounded 2 will launch on PlayStation 5 on August 11, 2026, in early access. The game was first released for Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store on July 29, 2025, almost a year before the PS5 version.
What Will Grounded 2 Cost on PS5?
While the exact PlayStation Store price hasn't been confirmed yet, Grounded 2 costs $29.99 on Xbox and PC. The game is also playable via Game Preview for Game Pass subscribers on Xbox platforms.
Want to save money? Compare Grounded 2 CD key prices across multiple stores to find the best deal before the August 11 launch
What Is Grounded 2?
The Backyard Survival Sequel You've Been Waiting For
Grounded 2 is a co-op survival game where you play as tiny characters in someone's backyard. Think "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" meets Fortnite, where you fight ants, build bases, and survive alongside friends.
The sequel builds on the original Grounded's success, which reached more than 25 million players worldwide after going multiplatform in 2024. The first Grounded was one of the first titles from Xbox Game Studios to leave console exclusivity, releasing on PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch in April 2024.
New Features and Roadmap for Grounded 2
Playgrounds Update: Handheld Support and Custom Modes
The upcoming Playgrounds Update brings several exciting features:
Steam Deck Verified support for handheld gaming
ROG Ally support for smoother gameplay on handheld gaming PCs
Playgrounds Mode allows players to create, upload, and share custom playgrounds
Steam Deck cross-play improvements
Into the Abyss Update: Coming August 11, 2026
Coinciding with the PS5 launch, the "Into the Abyss" update will release on the same day. This major update includes:
Updates to swimming mechanics
New watery bases
New creatures to discover and fight
Support for additional languages
Cross-play improvements
Xbox Console Exclusives Moving Beyond the Platform
Microsoft's Multiplatform Strategy Explained
Grounded 2 marks another Xbox console exclusive, moving beyond the platform, continuing Microsoft's shift away from permanent exclusivity. This follows a broader initiative at Microsoft Gaming to make its output more widely accessible to players.
Other Xbox Games That Went Multiplatform
In 2024, Xbox announced four first-party games would go multiplatform:
Game - Released on PS5/Switch
Grounded - April 2024
Pentiment - 2024
Hi-Fi Rush - 2024
Sea of Thieves - 2024
Other upcoming Xbox titles heading to PS5 include:
Indiana Jones and The Great Circle (spring 2025)
The Outer Worlds 2 (day-one PS5 launch next year)
Doom: The Dark Ages
Are Xbox Exclusives Done Forever?
According to reliable Microsoft insider Jez Corden, the "era of permanent Xbox console exclusives is over". Every current and upcoming Xbox first-party game will reportedly launch on PlayStation platforms "over time".
Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has said the company has no "red lines" for which Xbox titles head to PlayStation, not even ruling out a PS5 release for the next Halo game.
H2: Why This Matters for PS5 Players
More Games, No Extra Console Needed
For PlayStation 5 owners, Grounded 2's release means:
Access to one of the best survival games in years without buying an Xbox.
Join 25 million+ players worldwide in the backyard survival experience.
Play with friends regardless of their console platform.
The Original Grounded Was Already a Hit on PS5
The first Grounded became quite successful after landing on PS5, proving the game works great on Sony's console. This makes Grounded 2's PS5 launch even more exciting for fans who enjoyed the original.
FAQs About Grounded 2 on PlayStation 5
Q1: Will Grounded 2 be available on Game Pass for PS5?
Ans: No, Game Pass is only for Xbox platforms. PS5 players will need to purchase Grounded 2 directly from the PlayStation Store, likely at $29.99.
Q2: Does Grounded 2 on PS5 support cross-play with Xbox and PC?
Ans: Yes! Grounded 2 includes cross-play support between PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, including Steam Deck cross-play in the Playgrounds Update .
Q3: Is Grounded 2 in early access on PS5?
Ans: Yes, the PS5 version will launch in early access on August 11, 2026. The game has been in early access since July 29, 2025, on Xbox and PC.
Q4: Will Grounded 2 get a full release after early access?
Ans: The producer hints that Grounded 2 will be in early access for roughly two years before the full release.
Q5: Can I play Grounded 2 on PlayStation 4?
Ans: No, Grounded 2 is only coming to PlayStation 5, not PS4. The original Grounded released on PS4 in 2024, but the sequel is PS5-only.
Q6: Why did Grounded 2 skip PS5 at launch?
Ans: Grounded 2 arrived on July 29, 2025, for Xbox and PC but skipped PS5 at launch as the initial release focused on being in Game Preview and Early Access. The PS5 version targets parity with the most recent content patch.
What Grounded 2 Fans Are Saying?
Players are excited about the PS5 launch, with many calling it "the best news for PS5 users" since the game finally confirms its summer release date. The survival-coop concept continues to attract fans who love base-building and creature combat in a shrink-sized world.
Some fans note there are already 29 great games like Grounded on PlayStation 5, but Grounded 2's unique bug-sized survival experience stands out.
Final Thoughts
Grounded 2's August 11, 2026, PS5 launch represents more than just another game release; it signals Microsoft's permanent shift toward multiplatform publishing. For PlayStation players, this means access to quality Xbox titles without needing an Xbox console.
The backyard survival sequel brings co-op gameplay, base-building, and creature combat to PS5 in early access, with the Into the Abyss update launching simultaneously. Whether you're a Grounded veteran or new to the series, PS5 owners can finally join the microscopic survival adventure.
Don't wait until launch day! If you're on Xbox or PC, compare Grounded 2 CD key prices now and get the game at the best price before the PS5 version arrives