Grounded review

Grounded solves a common co-op problem: what happens when the friend who hosts the world is not online. Obsidian's Shared Worlds feature lets the rest of the group keep playing in a shared world with progress saved, even when the original host is away. The setting is a backyard seen at the size of an ant, with insects roaming the pond, a termite den and a sandbox, and creatures that come for your base if you disturb them too much. A story campaign explains how you were shrunk and how to get home, which gives sessions a direction. You can play alone or online with up to three friends, and Mutations and Milk Molars let each player build a different role. It needs only 4 GB of RAM and 8 GB of storage, and 92% of 41,386 English Steam reviews are positive. At $39.99 it is one of the pricier picks, and the Steam version is Windows only.

Who it is for

Groups of up to 4 who want a story and a shared world that saves without the host

Price

$39.99 one-time purchase on Steam (US store).

fighting to survive the perils of the backyard? $39.99 Buy on Steam
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• Online co-op with up to three friends
• Shared Worlds that keep running and saving when the original host is offline
• Story campaign about how you were shrunk and how to get home
• Areas such as the pond, the termite den and the sandbox
• Mutations and Milk Molars for character perks

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: 92% of 41,386 English Steam reviews are positive
• Strength: Shared Worlds solve the problem of waiting for the host
• Strength: Minimum spec is 4 GB of RAM and 8 GB of storage
• Weakness: $39.99, tied for the second highest price here
• Weakness: Windows only on Steam
• Weakness: Capped at 4 players

Key facts

• Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• Players: Up to 4 online
• Minimum RAM: 4 GB
• English Steam reviews: 92% positive of 41,386

Where it ranks

Grounded is No. 7 in our Best Survival Games verdict.