Grounded 2 Winter Update: New Map, Insects, and Mounts Confirmed
Obsidian Entertainment and Eidos Montréal just pulled back the curtain on the massive Winter Update for Grounded 2. Creative directors Justin Vazquez and Chris Parker confirmed a sprawling new zone, fresh insect threats, and a mount system during the New Game+ 2026 conference.
Learn more about the Game Preview launch of Grounded 2!
Grounded 2 Expands Into the Community Garden
This update pushes the backyard boundaries eastward. Players will move past the iconic Tully statue into a massive community garden. This isn’t just a reskin of old areas; it’s a vertical playground designed to make you feel smaller than ever.
The new biome features a humid greenhouse, a dense vegetable patch, and a sprawling pumpkin field. Each sub-zone offers unique resources and environmental hazards that force players to rethink their survival strategies and base builds.
Grounded 2 is bringing a new free update to the game and introducing a new biome in Brookhollow Park – the community garden! Along with the new area there will be:
— New Game Plus (@NewGameShowcase) January 8, 2026
– New creatures
– New weapons and armors
– New building materials – including the return of mushroom bricks
– A new… pic.twitter.com/NEz4wbPtxD
New Insects and Combat Tactics
The gear loop remains the core of the experience: hunt, harvest, and craft. The Winter Update brings back familiar foes like Wasps and Black Ants, but they’ve been overhauled to fit the sequel’s improved combat mechanics.
Veterans should watch out for the Cricket, a massive new creature with high-impact jumping attacks. Additionally, Earwigs now hunt in pairs—one focuses on ranged harassment while the other closes in for melee strikes. This synergy requires tighter teamwork to survive.
Rideable Ladybugs: The Backyard Tanks
The community finally gets its wish with the introduction of rideable Ladybugs. These aren’t just for travel; they act as living tanks. You can raise them from eggs, customize their stats, and bring them into the heat of battle.
What sets the Ladybug apart is the back-mounted water cannon. This allows for mobile artillery strikes against flying pests. When you dismount, your Ladybug stays in the fight, drawing enemy aggression and protecting your flank while you gather resources.
Verdict: Ready for the Winter Update?
Grounded 2 is doubling down on the “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” fantasy with meaningful mechanical depth. The addition of specialized mounts like the Ladybug tank suggests the developers are listening to player feedback regarding combat variety and traversal.
The release date might drop as early as Tuesday, January 13, during the “Casually Grounded 2” stream. For now, Game Pass subscribers can jump in and prepare their bases for the garden expansion.
Which insect are you most excited to turn into a suit of armor?
A video game enthusiast ever since I first got my hands on a Game Boy. Over the years, I've played many different games across various genres, discovering hidden gems and niche titles along the way. I'm also passionate about technology, always up-to-date with the latest news and insight in the PC and Console market. Ready to share and bring you the latest news !
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