Multiplayer

Grounded 2 supports full online multiplayer with cross-platform compatibility. Whether you want to host your own world or join a friend’s adventure, this guide explains everything you need to get started.

Game Modes

Multiplayer supports both co-op story progression and free exploration. All players share the same world, and progress is saved to the host’s world file.

• Max players: 4
• Platforms: PC (Steam, Microsoft Store) and Xbox (One, Series X|S)
• Crossplay: Supported between all platforms

How to Host an Online Game

To create your own multiplayer world:

1. From the main menu, select Multiplayer.
2. Choose Host Online Game.
3. Pick Continue (existing save) or New Game (start fresh).
4. (Optional) Add a password to restrict who can join.
5. Choose your preferred world type and game mode.
6. Invite friends via:
   1. Steam (PC players)
   2. Xbox/Microsoft account (Xbox or MS Store players)
7. Once your friends join, select your characters and start the session.

All progress is saved on the host's machine or account.

How to Join a Friend’s Game

If someone else is hosting:

1. Go to the Multiplayer menu.
2. Select Join Online Game.
3. Browse available lobbies or search for your friend's game.
4. Alternatively, have your friend invite you directly through Steam or Xbox.

Note: If the lobby doesn’t appear, direct invitations are more reliable—especially for newly created worlds.

Joining via Invite

• Steam: Accept from Steam overlay or messages.
• Xbox App (PC): Press `Windows + G` to open the Game Bar and accept the invite.
• Xbox Console: Open your notifications or messages.

Enabling Crossplay

Grounded 2 supports seamless crossplay between Xbox and PC platforms.

To enable it:

1. Launch the game and go to the main menu.
2. Press `F1` or click the Enable Crossplay button (bottom-right corner).
3. Log into your Microsoft account when prompted.

Once logged in, cross-platform friends will appear, and you can host or join games across devices.

Shared World System

Grounded 2 uses a host-based save system. Only the host's world is saved, but:

• Friends’ inventory and progression carry over.
• Shared crafting and structures remain in the host world.

Future updates may include cloud-based or persistent shared world saves.

Known Multiplayer Issues

• Lobbies may not appear for all users.
• Crossplay requires Microsoft login.
• NAT type or strict firewalls may block invites or game joins.

For best results, ensure:

• You are logged into the correct Steam/Xbox/Microsoft account.
• Your game is updated to the latest version.
• Crossplay is enabled if playing across platforms.

Tips for Multiplayer Play

• Use voice chat or ping markers for better coordination.
• Share resources and build collaboratively.
• Assign roles (builder, scout, fighter) for efficiency.