Summary
Microsoft’s exclusivity strategy has allowed forGroundedto finally go multi-platform.Groundedwill soon be making its way out of Xbox exclusivity and onto PS5 and Switch, as well as PS4.
Obsidian’s 2022 hitGroundedhas been one of Game Pass' many success stories, with the exclusive title standing out among its survival peers. With itsBug’s Life-adjacent perspective, the game is a unique option on the market with arms crafted from tiny household relics and hulking insect monsters (thoughGrounded’s award-nominated arachnophobia accessibility featurehas gained notoriety for the opposite reason). After almost 2 years since it was released in early access, the game will be coming to Nintendo Switch, PS5, and PS4 platforms.
What Fans Can Expect From Grounded’s PlayStation and Switch Ports
According to Obsidian’s own website, there’s not much that’ll be differentcontent-wise aboutGrounded’s ports. In fact, everything points to there being parity between them. While this probably won’t attract any second purchases, it’s great that all platforms have equal access to the game’s features. However, there are some things that are worth noting for those in the market for one of these ports. These factors include additions that are coming as part of the port, surrounding changes, and places where there might be slight lapses in parity.
Crossplay
Obsidian has openly announced that there will be crossplay between the different versions ofGrounded. This serves as a good explanation for the lack of new port content, which is often a factor in ports that arrive years after a game is first released. Having parity between versions is essential for online crossplay, a feature that will undoubtedly be appreciated by fans. Microsoft is no stranger to working with other consoles to allow for crossplay, withMinecraftbeing the most notable example.Xbox is increasingly testing the waterswith multi-platform gaming, with the massive multiplayer titleSea of Thievesen route to PlayStation (which is yet another blow to Ubisoft’sSkull and Bones, something that’ll likely end up benefiting Microsoft).
Simultaneous 1.4 Update
Off the heels ofGrounded’s November 2023 update, another update will be coming for the title in April. The important thing about this update is that it will be released alongside these ports. When the 1.4 update goes out in April, it will come to each platform simultaneously. This entry in a string of consistent updates is a great sign for the game’s longevity, which is important now that it’s looking toward other platforms.
In addition, the simultaneous updating is also important. Cross-platform games have often had a spotty history with update parity, but unified updates are starting to become the norm. Games likeMinecraftandTerrariahave embraced update parity in recent years, and it looks likeGroundedis going in the same direction. With the title investing in cross-play over many different platforms, it’s importantforGrounded’s microscopic adventureto receive updates in equal measure. Hopefully, players will continue to see this update parity with any future patches or content additions that come to the game.
Downsizing On The Switch
Rarely does a Switch port get by without some compromises on frame rate and/or graphics, and theSwitch port ofGroundedlooks to be no different. Both the Switch and PS5 ports have their own trailers, each with a very similar format and clips that are either similar or exactly the same. This makes it easy to compare them and see the downscaled graphics on the Switch version, though the trailer’s lack of fidelity speaks for itself. In addition, there are moments where the frame rate drops in the trailer too. Still, there’s no reason forGroundedto necessarily turn into one of the Switch’s port horror stories (such as withApex Legends).
Grounded
WHERE TO PLAY
The world is a vast, beautiful, and dangerous place – especially when you have been shrunken to the size of an ant. Explore, build, and survive together in this cooperative survival-adventure. Can you thrive alongside the hordes of giant insects, fighting to survive the perils of the backyard?Uncover the mysteries while playing through the story!How did you wind up so small? Who did this to you? How do you go home? These are all answers you will uncover as you play through the story.Nowhere is safe – not even your base: Creatures can be found roaming the yard in a multitude of environments, such as the depths of the pond, the caverns of the termite den, and even the sweltering heat found in the sandbox. you may even attract them to different places in the yard by activating the MIX.R devices. However, the more you interfere with the creatures in the yard, the higher the chance that they come knocking at your own door, so you better prepare.
