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Rideable Bugs: Grounded 2's Big Leap
While the first Grounded had small "pets," Grounded 2 is taking a massive leap with rideable insect mounts, or "Buggys." This is being touted as the biggest addition yet and the main reason for the sequel's rapid development. The original game, constrained by the Xbox One, simply couldn't handle such a complex feature. Now, with a "higher baseline" (newer consoles and PC focus) and Unreal Engine 5, the dream of riding bugs is finally a reality. Grounded 2 isn't just a new story; it's about overcoming technical barriers to deliver a highly anticipated fantasy.
Your Buggy Companions
Players have long asked for rideable bugs, and Obsidian was "very keen to honor" this request. Grounded 2's map will initially match the first game's size but plans to expand threefold through updates. Buggys are crucial for "making exploration far faster" in this significantly larger environment. The technical limitations of the first Grounded were the "main reason" for the sequel, specifically to enable features like Buggys.
Meet Your Mounts
So far, Fire Ants and Red Ants are confirmed mounts. These ant allies offer various benefits:
- Hauling: They "help you transport supplies."
- Digging: They "even help you dig."
- Squad Up: A red ant soldier mount can "enlist up to two red ant workers to follow you around."
Orb Weaver Spiders are also confirmed as "Buggys," excelling in combat:
- Heavy Hitters: They "hit like a tonne of bricks."
- Speed Demons: "Terrifyingly fast" in a fight.
- Stun Shriek: They can "belt out a shriek that can stun other critters."
Good news for arachnophobes: the game's arachnophobia mode will apply to rideable spiders too. This means ants are for utility and support, while spiders are for high-impact combat and speed, adding a new layer of strategy to your adventures.
Bonding with Your Bug
While specific taming mechanics aren't detailed, the mention of "tamed bugs" and "enlisting" implies more than just catching them. Developers hope players will "appreciate the method and process of getting and maintaining and interacting with Buggys." This suggests a deeper system, possibly involving crafting, feeding, or special challenges, making your Buggys feel more like true companions than simple vehicles.
Technical Leap & Partnership
Grounded 1 simply "couldn't handle mountable bugs... or really much in the way of new content at all" due to its technical limitations on Xbox One. The move to Unreal Engine 5 and a "higher baseline" directly enabled features like Buggys and a much larger world. Obsidian is even co-developing with Eidos Montreal (known for Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy), a partnership that "makes it easier for Obsidian to add new creatures, Buggys, and areas over time."
Community & Future Bugs
Obsidian is launching Grounded 2 in Game Preview again, aiming for "dialogue between players and developers." They're eager for feedback on Buggys and expect to add "new Buggys" as the game evolves. With the larger backyard, we can expect "a lot more variety when it comes to our buggy friends and foes." This collaborative approach means players will directly shape the future of these exciting new mounts.
Conclusion: Bug Mounts - Grounded 2's Game Changer
Buggys – rideable ants and spiders – are the cornerstone of Grounded 2. They fulfill player requests, enable faster exploration, and add strategic depth to combat in the game's vastly expanded world. With a long-term vision for new Buggys and community-driven development, Grounded 2 is set to deliver a deeper, more expansive, and technically advanced survival experience, largely thanks to its innovative Buggy system.