Plants vs. Zombies 3: Evolved has officially launched in early access on mobile devices, marking a major step forward for a game that’s been in various stages of development for roughly nine years. The early access rollout begins today in Ireland and the Philippines, with more regions set to follow in the coming months ahead of a worldwide launch later in 2026.

PvZ 3 is now in Early Access 🌱

Starting today in Ireland & the Philippines, we’re beginning our global rollout, with more regions coming in the months ahead.

This is just the beginning! We’ll be growing and evolving the game with your feedback throughout development.

Learn… pic.twitter.com/Mi0LMgOYXC

— Plants vs. Zombies (@PlantsvsZombies) April 7, 2026

PopCap Games, the studio behind the beloved tower defence franchise, confirmed the news alongside EA this week. The game is available on both iOS and Android, and the plan is to keep early access running continuously through to the full global release.

What’s Changed Since The Seedling Build

This isn’t the first time players have gotten their hands on PvZ3. PopCap ran an earlier test phase last autumn called the Seedling Build, which launched in select regions to gather player feedback. That feedback has directly shaped what’s arriving in early access, with several notable changes making their way into this version of the game.

Levels are now longer with more substantial battles, giving players more room to experiment with higher-tier plant combinations. PopCap has also slowed down the pace at which new plants are introduced, aiming to let players build deeper familiarity with each one before moving on. The avatar system that appeared in the Seedling Build has been removed entirely, putting the focus back on the plants themselves.

Perhaps the biggest structural shift is a narrower gameplay focus. Rather than spreading across a wider neighbourhood setting, the experience now centres on the player’s own lawn, which is where the core tower defence action plays out.

How Plants vs. Zombies 3: Evolved Plays

At its core, PvZ3: Evolved sticks with the lane-based tower defence formula the series is known for. The twist this time around is a plant merging system tied to a meteorite belonging to Crazy Dave. Players can combine plants in various ways to create new hybrid variants, and naturally, Dr. Zomboss is trying to steal the meteorite for himself. That conflict forms the backbone of the game’s progression.

Read More: Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted Review – A Nostalgic Comeback That Misses Its Bloom

Read More: Pokemon Showdown Vs Pokemon Champions, Will They Coexist After Release?

PopCap has described the early access period as a living development phase. New systems, features, and content will be added over time, while elements that aren’t working will be cut. Community feedback remains central to the process, much as it was during the Seedling Build.

When Will PvZ3 Launch Worldwide

A specific global release date hasn’t been confirmed yet, but PopCap has said the worldwide launch is planned for later in 2026. Between now and then, early access will expand to additional regions gradually. Players who join during early access will retain their progress through to the full launch.

For a franchise that’s been quiet on the mainline front since Plants vs. Zombies 2 launched back in 2013, this is the closest PvZ3 has come to a proper release after multiple soft reboots and extended testing phases. Whether the early access feedback loop produces the game fans have been waiting for remains to be seen, but the foundation is now publicly playable for the first time in a meaningful way.

The post Plants vs. Zombies 3 Evolved Hits Early Access on Mobile After Years in Development appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

For fans of Hytale, it has been a rollercoaster few years. The ambitious Minecraft-inspired sandbox RPG looked like it might never see the light of day after Riot Games cancelled the project in June. Now, in a dramatic turnaround, Hytale has been saved, revived, and returned to its original creators at Hypixel Studios, with early access officially on the horizon.

We did it. Hytale is saved. We have acquired Hytale from Riot Games.

— Simon (@Simon_Hypixel) November 17, 2025

Below is everything you need to know about the comeback, the new development plans, and what players can expect next.

What Actually Happened to Hytale?

Hytale began development back in 2015, growing from a community-driven idea into a huge project powered by a passionate fanbase. When Riot Games acquired Hypixel Studios, many believed the game would gain the resources and support it needed to finally launch.

Instead, the opposite happened. After ten years of development challenges, shifting expectations, and internal changes, Riot pulled the plug in June 2025. The studio was shut down, developers were let go, and fans assumed the dream was over.

But behind the scenes, Hypixel co-founder Simon Collins-Laflamme wasn’t ready to let Hytale die.

Hypixel Buys Hytale Back From Riot Games

In a surprise announcement, Collins-Laflamme revealed that Hypixel has successfully repurchased 100 percent of Hytale and the studio itself from Riot Games. He and fellow co-founder Philippe Touchette are personally funding the new version of the studio, with a ten-year commitment to keep Hytale alive and growing.

“We are thrilled to announce that we have acquired Hytale from Riot Games,” the team wrote in a new blog post. “While it didn’t make sense for them to continue developing it in its existing form, they ultimately wanted what’s best for players.”

Riot also confirmed the news, saying the transfer gives the community “its best shot” at finally getting a playable version of the game.

Hypixel Rehires 30 Developers and Goes Fully Independent

Hypixel Studios is now fully independent again, and Collins-Laflamme has already rehired more than 30 former Hytale developers, with more expected to return. These are the people who know the game inside and out, which is expected to speed up development significantly.

The new core leadership team includes:

• Simon Collins-Laflamme, Co-founder
• Philippe Touchette, Co-founder
• Kevin Carstens, Technical Lead
• Patrick Derbic, Management Lead

The revived project is also using its previous in-house engine rather than starting again from scratch, giving the team a major head start.

Hytale Early Access Is Coming Soon

Perhaps the biggest news of all is that early access is imminent. The team says the early access release date and pricing will be revealed in the coming days, and players can expect to jump into the game far sooner than anyone expected.

However, Collins-Laflamme has been very honest about the state of the game.

“Hytale isn’t some polished AAA release waiting in the wings,” he wrote on X. “It’s messy. It’s janky. And there’s a lot of work to be done. My plan is simple, get it out to you as soon as possible. No more waiting.”

The goal is to involve the community deeply from day one. Expect bugs, unbalanced content, and regular updates that might break things, as the developers want Hytale to grow openly with player feedback at the centre.

What Will Be Included at Launch?

The initial early access version of Hytale will include:

• Exploration Mode
• Creative Mode
• Modding support (including custom servers and content)

Content that won’t be available at launch includes:

• Minigames
• Adventure Mode

Both will come later, with a dedicated team already planning improvements for the minigame experience.

Platforms and Long-Term Plans

Hytale will launch first on Windows PC, with Hypixel aiming to attempt Linux and Mac support later. Other platforms, including consoles, are planned for “much later” down the line.

Early access is expected to last at least a few years, with absolutely no rush toward a 1.0 release. With the studio now fully independent and powered by a decade-long funding commitment, there’s no external pressure to ship early.

A Rare Feel-Good Story in Today’s Games Industry

In a year dominated by studio closures, layoffs, and cancelled projects, Hytale’s revival feels like a rare win. A cancelled game has been resurrected, dozens of developers have regained their jobs, and a passionate community finally has something to look forward to.

As Collins-Laflamme puts it, “This game has always been close to my heart, and I’m excited to bring it back home.”

For a project once declared dead, Hytale now looks more alive than it has in years. Fans have waited a long time, and soon, they’ll finally get their hands on it.

The post Hytale Is Back: Cancelled Minecraft-Like Game Revived By Hypixel, Early Access Coming Soon appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Riot Games’ 2v2 fighter 2XKO has officially entered Early Access, and its first season is packed with new content, a full Battle Pass system, and major gameplay tweaks. Season 0 launches with two big updates, Patch 1.0.1 and 1.0.1.1, setting the tone for how 2XKO will run as a live service game.

2xko season 0 patch notes. changes go live + servers are up on oct 7 at 8am pt

our patch notes article covers everything in detail.
read it here: https://t.co/2f5LQXzhRW pic.twitter.com/2QvC8a4Rb3

— 2XKO (@Play2XKO) October 6, 2025

Early Access starts on October 7, and from here on, there’ll be no more account resets. Everything players unlock is permanent, with progress carrying over to consoles once they release. Ranked mode arrives later this week with Patch 1.0.1.1 on October 9, alongside key balance changes and system updates.

Battle Pass and Store

2XKO now has a Battle Pass with both free and premium tracks. The premium track comes in three tiers, Standard, Deluxe, and Ultra, and players can earn Battle Pass XP all season long, purchasing at any time to claim everything they’ve already levelled.

The free track for Season 0 includes the Rift Quest Teemo skin, a set of avatar clothing, three stickers, a player card, a player title, and a finisher. Premium rewards include exclusive champion skins, avatar items, and even a new stage, Firelight Run, which debuts on the paid track before becoming available for Credits later.

pic.twitter.com/Gf95YnabVd

— 2XKO (@Play2XKO) October 6, 2025

The in-game store also opens for the first time with Starter Edition bundles available until December 2026. These include KO Points, Champion Tokens, and Arcane-themed cosmetics, scaling up from the Standard to Ultra versions. Later this season, players can expect rotating Mega Bundles: Crime City (November 4), Aureate (December 2), and Snow Moon (December 23), each featuring themed champion skins like Jinx, Darius, Warwick, and Ahri.

New Champions: Teemo and Warwick

Season 0 introduces two new champions, Teemo, the Swift Scout, and Warwick, the Uncaged Wrath of Zaun. Teemo fights with traps and poison mushrooms to control space, while Warwick uses his unique Bloodlust meter to unlock new specials and cancels when it fills.

From Season 1 onward, every season will debut a new champion. Players can unlock them in the first three weeks via KO Points, Champion Tokens, or the Ultra Battle Pass bundle. Future Recruitment Events will also let players earn new characters for free using Battle Pass XP.

New Features and Tutorials

Season 0 adds new ways to learn and earn rewards. First Step missions guide new players through the basics, giving out a Champion Token, while Combo Trials offer over 250 combos across the roster. There’s also a new Frame Data Bar in Training Mode for those who want to perfect their timing.

Players who joined the Closed Beta will receive the exclusive “Closed Beta Boss” title, and two new stages, Bandlewood Crossing and Firelight Run, expand the game’s scenery.

Ranked and Gameplay Changes

Ranked mode goes live on October 9 with improved matchmaking and fairer placements based on Closed Beta data. Queue times will be longer, but matches should feel more balanced.

Core gameplay also sees major updates. Players can now act mid-air after blocking, Break has been toned down to be less dominant, and meter gain has been reduced overall to limit overpowered combos. Fuses like Juggernaut, Double Down, and Sidekick have been nerfed, while champions such as Ahri, Braum, Darius, and Vi receive buffs. Ekko, Jinx, and Yasuo see minor nerfs to even the roster.

Additional tweaks improve assists, tutorials, and accessibility, with a new narrator option, expanded Credits cap (12,000), and a News tab in the client.

The Bottom Line

Season 0 is a strong start for 2XKO’s Early Access run, offering a full Battle Pass, new heroes, revamped systems, and a commitment to ongoing updates. With Ranked launching this week and plenty of cosmetics to chase, it’s a good time to jump in and start grinding those missions, especially since every reward you unlock is here to stay.

The post 2XKO Season 0 Patch Notes Bring Battle Pass, Ranked Mode and Two New Champions appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Riot Games has unleashed a brand-new cinematic trailer for its upcoming tag-team fighter 2XKO, and it’s already turning heads across the fighting game and League of Legends communities. Titled Ties That Bind, the four-minute trailer pairs stunning animation with powerhouse vocals from Courtney LaPlante, the lead singer of Canadian metal band Spiritbox.

The cinematic showcases a series of high-octane fights featuring some of the game’s most recognisable champions, including Ekko, Ahri, and Yasuo. LaPlante’s track sets the tone perfectly as the cinematic unfolds, intense, emotional, and full of Riot’s signature flair for storytelling through music. Fans can stream Ties That Bind now across major platforms like Spotify.

Warwick Joins the Roster

The trailer also confirmed something fans have been speculating for weeks: Warwick, the monstrous experiment from Zaun, is officially joining 2XKO’s roster. In the cinematic, Warwick teams up with Yasuo to take on Ekko and Ahri in a fast-paced 2v2 battle, giving players a first taste of his fighting style and synergy.

The reveal didn’t come as a total surprise, though. Just a few days earlier, Riot accidentally leaked Warwick’s addition to the roster through its Brazilian 2XKO account, a slip that had already sent the community buzzing. We covered that story in detail in our earlier piece, Riot Games Accidentally Leaks Warwick as 2XKO’s Next Playable Character, which hinted this announcement was right around the corner.

By the end of the cinematic, sharp-eyed viewers also spotted cameos from Blitzcrank and Illaoi, suggesting more champion reveals might be on the way.

From Project L to 2XKO

Originally unveiled as Project L, 2XKO is Riot Games’ first full leap into the fighting game genre. It reimagines iconic League of Legends and Arcane characters for the 2v2 arena, allowing players to either control both fighters solo or team up for true duo play. The game promises fast-paced, combo-heavy action with accessible controls, something both hardcore FGC veterans and casual League fans can enjoy.

With the game’s closed beta wrapping up on October 7, 2025, Riot has confirmed that 2XKO will enter Early Access the same day on PC. The launch will include a full season of content such as combo trials, a ranked ladder system, and battle passes.

For console players, Riot also revealed that 2XKO will be coming to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, complete with cross-platform progression so players can keep their progress across systems.

Building the Competitive Scene

Riot isn’t stopping at launch content either. Through its First Impact initiative, the company plans to sponsor 22 community-led tournaments around the world, including appearances at major gaming events like DreamHack. It’s clear that Riot wants 2XKO to hit the ground running as a serious esports title from day one.

Arcane-Inspired Starter Pack

Adding to the hype, Riot recently announced the Ultra Starter Pack, featuring new Arcane-inspired skins for Vi, Ekko, and Jinx. These skins will launch alongside Early Access and are set to celebrate 2XKO’s connection to the wider League of Legends universe.

With a cinematic as visually stunning as Ties That Bind and a soundtrack that’s pure adrenaline thanks to Courtney LaPlante, Riot Games is setting the stage for 2XKO to be one of the biggest fighting game launches of the year.

The post Riot Games Drops Explosive 2XKO Cinematic Featuring Spiritbox’s Courtney LaPlante and Warwick Reveal appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

It looks like Riot Games just can’t catch a break with leaks. After Teemo’s early reveal last month, the Brazilian 2XKO Twitter account has now accidentally spoiled the arrival of yet another League of Legends champion, Warwick.

Warwick – 2XKO ✅ https://t.co/MKZz8HN0p7 pic.twitter.com/Hmu152LM1E

— Big Bad Bear (@BigBadBear_) October 3, 2025

The post, which has since been deleted, went up a little too early and featured a short trailer showing off upcoming skins and playable characters. Fans quickly noticed Warwick front and centre in the video, confirming his addition to the 2XKO roster ahead of schedule.

Warwick joins the 2XKO roster

The leaked clip was captioned (translated from Portuguese):
“New skins for your favourite Champions! Check out the Rotating Shop during Early Access on October 7th.”

While the post was meant to tease new cosmetics, viewers quickly spotted Warwick in the mix, essentially confirming him as the game’s 11th playable character.

Warwick, for those unfamiliar, is a chemically enhanced predator from League of Legends’ lore, stalking the alleys of Zaun. Once human, he was transformed through twisted experiments that filled his veins with volatile chemtech. With his werewolf-like physique and brutal combat style, he’s a perfect fit for a fast-paced tag fighter like 2XKO.

The timing of the leak is curious, though. Teemo was only recently added as the game’s 10th character, and early access isn’t even out yet. But Riot may be rushing to expand 2XKO’s roster in response to feedback that the 10-character lineup is too small for a 2v2 fighter. The studio has already promised at least five new champions in 2026, one per season.

More Arcane favourites coming soon

Warwick’s arrival also gives more weight to recent leaks hinting that Caitlyn is on the way. YouTuber Pantheon’s Bakery discovered unused beta voice lines where Jinx mentions a “cop” and mocks a British accent, clear hints toward Piltover’s top Enforcer.

If true, that means nearly the entire Arcane cast will be playable in 2XKO, including Ekko, Vi, Jinx, and Warwick, with Caitlyn soon to follow. Even the Bridge of Progress, one of Arcane’s most iconic settings, is already a stage in the game.

And Riot is clearly leaning into that connection. The publisher recently confirmed new Arcane-inspired skins for Ekko, Vi, and Jinx.

• Ekko gets his full Firelight look.
• Vi appears in her pit-fighter outfit.
• Jinx dons her Arcane Season 2 finale attire, complete with her Fishbones hood.

These skins will launch in an Ultra Starter Pack bundle when early access begins on October 7, alongside a new cinematic featuring a track from Spiritbox vocalist Courtney LaPlante.

Community reactions

The leak sent fans into a frenzy across social media. Some joked that Riot’s marketing team should just “leak everything at this point,” while others expressed excitement about seeing more Arcane characters come to life in 2XKO.

One fan on X wrote, “Warwick looks insane! If Caitlyn is next, 2XKO’s turning into Arcane: The Fighting Game.”

Another commented, “They might as well drop Heimerdinger next and complete the set.”

With early access just days away, 2XKO is shaping up to be one of the most exciting new fighters of the year, even if Riot can’t seem to stop spoiling its own surprises.

The post Riot Games Accidentally Leaks Warwick as 2XKO’s Next Playable Character appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Riot Games has officially revealed that Teemo, one of League of Legends’ most recognisable champions, will be joining the roster of its upcoming fighting game 2XKO. The mischievous Yordle arrives on 7 October 2025, the same day the title transitions from closed beta to early access.

his badges aren’t just for show. teemo hits the 2xko roster oct 7 pic.twitter.com/PUX6M4oGT9

— 2XKO (@Play2XKO) September 29, 2025

The reveal came through a two-minute trailer showcasing Teemo’s quirky yet dangerous move set. Much like in League of Legends, his fighting style focuses on zoning and traps. He can fire projectiles across the screen, plant explosive mushrooms, and use foliage to teleport around the stage. On top of that, Teemo can take flight, making him a tricky and highly mobile opponent.

Riot has also introduced a unique mechanic just for him. Players can earn badges mid-match by pulling off specific combos, which then grant buffs to enhance Teemo’s performance. While he may be the smallest fighter in the game so far, he’s shaping up to be one of the most complex and rewarding characters to master.

Teemo’s debut lines up perfectly with 2XKO’s next big step. From 7 October, players will be able to access the game’s early access build and get a proper taste of what the full release might offer. It’s a big milestone for Riot’s free-to-play 2v2 fighting game, which brings League of Legends characters into a brand-new competitive arena.

So far, the roster features Ahri, Blitzcrank, Braum, Darius, Ekko, Illaoi, Jinx, Vi, and Yasuo, with Teemo rounding out the current ten-fighter lineup. Riot has teased that more details on Teemo’s abilities will be shared later this week ahead of his launch.

Beyond gameplay, Riot Games has been actively supporting 2XKO’s future esports scene. Earlier in September, the company announced plans to sponsor 22 community-led tournaments, including major events like DreamHack Atlanta, through its First Impact initiative.

With early access just around the corner and Teemo bringing his signature chaos to the roster, 2XKO is set for a big moment in October.

The post Teemo Confirmed as Tenth Fighter in Riot Games’ 2XKO appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Riot Games is putting serious weight behind the fighting game community, announcing that it will sponsor 22 community-led 2XKO tournaments through its new First Impact programme.

Running through to the end of 2025, First Impact will support a mix of online and offline events across the Americas, Europe, and Asia during the game’s Early Access period, which kicks off on 7 October.

Image Credit: Riot Games

What First Impact Brings to the Table

Each tournament in the First Impact series is independently run by community organisers, but Riot is stepping in to sweeten the deal. Not only will these events get official backing, but Riot is also adding a $2,500 USD pot bonus for winning duos.

On top of the cash, the first-place team will also score an exclusive Local Legend player title for their 2XKO account. Riot calls this extra reward the Duo Bounty, a nod to the game’s central tag-team format.

According to Riot, the programme is designed to support grassroots organisers, give local players the chance to compete for meaningful prizes, and highlight rising talent in the 2XKO competitive scene.

The First Impact Tournament Lineup

The schedule is stacked, covering big-name events and regional showdowns alike. Here’s the full list of First Impact tournaments confirmed for 2025:

• October 10–12: Evo France: 2 NICE KO by The MixUp – Nice, France
• October 18: Delfino Maza KO – Online (LATAM North)
• October 18: IBgames First Impact #1 – Online (EMEA)
• October 19: DIY: Bonus Track – New York, United States
• October 25: Set & Reset: First Impact #1 – Online (EMEA)
• October 25–26: First Attack – San Juan, Puerto Rico
• October 25–26: Hades Club KO Arena – Online (LATAM South)
• October 31 – November 2: DreamHack Atlanta – Atlanta, United States
• November 1–2: SOOP Super Tournament – Online (APAC)
• November 8–9: R.I.S.C. 2025 – Los Angeles, United States
• November 9: IBgames First Impact #2 – Online (EMEA)
• November 14–16: Battle Coliseum – São Paulo, Brazil
• November 14–16: Midwest Mixfest – Minneapolis, United States
• November 15–16: INVATE APAC Cup – Online (APAC)
• November 15: Set & Reset: First Impact #2 – Online (EMEA)
• November 22: FGC Teamups – Chicago, United States
• November 28–30: Thaiger Uppercut – Bangkok, Thailand
• November 29–30: Mindset – Paris, France
• December 6–7: TNS 2XKO – Online (NA)
• December 6: 2XKO Korea Open – Seoul, South Korea
• December 7: 2XKO Japan Knockout – Tokyo, Japan
• December 13: FlyQuest – 2XKO Christmas Clash – Online (NA)

Riot has confirmed that this is just the beginning. The company will be collecting feedback from partnered organisers to shape its esports plans for 2026, hinting at even bigger competitive support next year.

2XKO Early Access Around the Corner

The sponsorship news lands just ahead of 2XKO’s Early Access launch on 7 October 2025, which follows the end of its closed beta. Early Access will deliver the first full-feature version of the game, complete with Season 0, combo trials, a new champion, and the game’s first battle pass.

Riot has also confirmed that any content earned during Early Access will carry over into the full release, giving players extra incentive to jump in early.

A Boost for the FGC

By backing community-run tournaments with prize pools and recognition, Riot is signalling that it’s serious about establishing 2XKO in the fighting game scene. Whether you’re looking to compete, organise, or just watch, First Impact is setting the stage for a big year ahead in 2XKO esports.

The post Riot Games Backs 22 Community-Led 2XKO Tournaments With First Impact Programme appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Obsidian Entertainment is on a bit of a hot streak, eh? After a couple of big hitters this year, you’d think they’d take a smoko. But nah, they’ve gone and done it again, teaming up with Eidos Montreal to shrink us all back down to the size of a flip-flop. Grounded 2 has landed in Early Access, and I’ve chucked a fair few hours into it to see what’s what.

So, let’s get into it.

Shrunk Again, But the World Is much larger.

If you’ve been living under a rock (or a peblet, more like), the first Grounded was a massive hit. Four kids get zapped by a shrink ray, chucked in a backyard, and have to survive against spiders the size of sheepdogs. It was brilliant.

Well, in Grounded 2, it’s happened all over again. The same crew, now two years older, find themselves ant-sized once more, but this time they’re lost in the massive expanse of Brookhollow Park. The dodgy Ominent corporation is back at it, and the story kicks off with a bang. Dr. Tully, the scientist from the first game, has seemingly gone berserk, and your trusty robot mate BURGL is in bits. You’re left with a whole lot of questions and a very big, very dangerous world to survive in.

Image Credit: Obsidian Entertainment

The story gets you hooked pretty quick. You’re chatting on video calls with a sketchy corporate type, Sloan Bowmont, who gives off that classic “I’m helping, but am I really?” vibe. It’s a great setup, and while it’s still early days, the mystery of what’s really going on is a solid reason to push through the wilderness.

Image Credit: Obsidian Entertainment

If It Ain’t Broke, Make It Bigger

Let’s be clear: if you loved the first Grounded, you’ll feel right at home here. The core loop is the same – gather, craft, build, and try not to get eaten. But everything feels bigger and a bit more polished. Brookhollow Park is a huge step up from the backyard. You’ve got everything from a tipped-over ice-cream cart creating a frozen biome to the smouldering pits of a campfire. It’s a proper adventure playground.

One of the best new changes is the Omni-tool. Instead of crafting an axe, a shovel, and a hammer and juggling them in your inventory, you now have one tool that does it all. It’s a simple change but makes getting out and about so much smoother, leaving more room for all the loot you’ll be hoarding. You upgrade it with Raw Science, a glowing purple goo you’ll find hidden around the park, which lets you chop tougher weeds and smash bigger rocks to get the good stuff.

Image Credit: Obsidian Entertainment

Base-building is back and just as fun. You can set up your fortress almost anywhere, snapping walls and floors together to build a sweet-as pad. I did get a bit miffed that some spots seemed off-limits for building for no clear reason, like a perfect spot at the base of a lamppost. Hopefully, that gets loosened up a bit as development goes on.

Image Credit: Obsidian Entertainment

Giddy Up, Little Ant!

The absolute game-changer in Grounded 2 is the mounts. Or as the game calls them, “Buggy.” Early on, you’re sent on a hectic mission deep into an ant nest to pinch a soldier ant egg. Bring it back, hatch it, and boom – you’ve got your very own ant to ride.

Mate, this is awesome. The park is massive, and getting around on foot can be a real drag. These ants are quick, making resource runs a breeze. They can carry heaps of grass planks and weed stems, and even have their own inventory. You can even get them into a scrap. While you can attack while mounted, you can also hop off and your ant will keep fighting alongside you, turning a tricky 1-v-1 into a much fairer fight. It makes the whole experience so much more dynamic.

Image Credit: Obsidian Entertainment

The Bug Hunt: Combat and… Other Bugs

Fighting the local wildlife feels better than ever. You can now dodge, which is a lifesaver when you’re cornered by something with way too many legs. The combat just feels more responsive, whether you’re playing in first or third-person. You can craft all sorts of gear to suit your style, from bows and arrows to heavy hammers or even a “Candy Stave” that’s basically a wizard staff.

Of course, the park is crawling with new beasties. Scorpions will burst out of the ground and give you a real fright, and there are heaps of other critters, both hostile and harmless. Learning their attack patterns and weaknesses is key.

Image Credit: Obsidian Entertainment

However, it wouldn’t be Early Access without the other kind of bugs, would it? The performance is a bit crook at the moment. As noted by players on Steam, even on a decent rig, the game can stutter and drop frames, especially when you’re zooming around on your ant. A developer has said they’re working on “major optimizations” which is good to hear. I also ran into a few crashes and saw some enemies get stuck in the ground. It’s nothing game-breaking, but something to be aware of.

Image via Steam Community

The Verdict (For Now)

Look, Grounded 2 is basically more Grounded, and that is absolutely not a bad thing. It takes the solid foundation of the first game and expands on it with a massive new world, some great quality-of-life tweaks, and the brilliant addition of ant mounts.

Yeah, it’s a bit rough around the edges with performance issues and bugs, but the devs are on to it. For an Early Access title, there’s a heap of content here already – some are saying the main story is about 20 hours long, which could easily turn into 100 hours of gameplay if you’re a keen builder.

If you were a fan of the original, jumping in now is a no-brainer. It’s familiar fun on a grander scale. If you’re new to the series, you’re in for a treat, but maybe wait for a patch or two if performance issues get on your nerves. Either way, this is a solid start, and I can’t wait to see how this tiny world grows. She’ll be right.

Image Credit: Obsidian Entertainment

The post Grounded 2 (Early Access) Review – Let’s Get Small Again appeared first on Shane the Gamer.