Grounded Launches Exciting New Update

Obsidian Entertainment has launched patch 1.4.5 for Grounded, introducing native Steam support and enhancing the game's multiplayer functionality. Players are encouraged to update their game to take advantage of the latest improvements.

In Grounded, players find themselves shrunk to insect size, navigating a suburban backyard teeming with oversized bugs. This unique survival game blends crafting, exploration, and base-building as players uncover the mystery behind their miniaturization while facing threats from creatures like spiders and ants. Since its debut in July 2020, Grounded has consistently received updates and garnered acclaim for its fresh take on the survival genre.

Key Features of the New Update

One of the most significant changes in this update is the elimination of the need for a Microsoft account to engage in multiplayer on Steam. Players can now easily host or join games directly from their Steam friends list, streamlining the experience for those using Steam. However, the developers have clarified that a Microsoft account is still necessary for certain features, such as crossplay, shared worlds, and playgrounds.

The update also introduces a handy crossplay toggle in the main menu, allowing players to switch between “Crossplay State” (for gameplay with users on other platforms) and “Steam Native State” (for Steam-exclusive play). Players wishing to unlink their Microsoft account from their Steam account can now do so by navigating to the Options menu under the Game tab, where the option to unlink accounts is conveniently located at the bottom of the page.

This update follows the previous patch released in August, which added gyro-aiming support for Nintendo Switch users. This feature enhances ranged combat by allowing players to utilize motion controls, resulting in a more fluid gameplay experience.

Although patch 1.4.5 introduces important fixes, the Fully Yoked update earlier this year marked the conclusion of planned content updates for Grounded. This last major update brought exciting new features, including a New Game+ mode and unlockable weapons and tools after multiple playthroughs. Additionally, it introduced crossplay, enabling multiplayer sessions between Xbox, PC, PlayStation, and Switch players, greatly expanding the game's multiplayer potential.

As Grounded moves forward without new content updates, it remains to be seen whether a sequel will be in the works. For now, patch 1.4.5 offers Steam players an easier path to join multiplayer adventures.

Grounded Update 1.4.5 Patch Notes

Steam Native Support:

 - Steam players no longer need a Microsoft account to engage in multiplayer.

 - Players can host and join standard world multiplayer sessions with friends from their Steam list while not logged into a Microsoft account.

 - Note: A Microsoft account is still necessary for crossplay, shared worlds, and playground features.

Changes:

 - A crossplay toggle has been added to the main menu, allowing quick switching between "Crossplay State" and "Steam Native State."

 - Friends must be in the same state to see and join each other online.

- Account Management:

 - Players can unlink their Microsoft account from their Steam account through the Options menu under the Game tab, where they’ll find the "Unlink Microsoft Account" option at the bottom of the page.