Summary
Obsidian Interactive’sGroundedis a unique open-world RPG in which players take on the role of a child shrunken down to the size of an ant. In this setting, players mustexplore, craft, and fighttheir way through a now hostile backyard, all the while uncovering the secrets of the science experiment that led them to this scenario in the first place. In addition to a solid base game, players now have the option to get creative withGrounded’s “playgrounds” mode.
Playgrounds are separate gameworlds crafted by players in the community and can vary from basic puzzles to entirely new and creative concepts in themselves. Within the game engine, players have been able to create all kinds of interesting playgrounds, from battle arenas and horror adventures tospin-offs from other popular titlesand games. The following playgrounds are among the most popular and interesting available, though there are hundreds in total for players to enjoy.
7Bug Vs Bug
An Entertaining Arena Where Players Can Watch The Game’s Toughest Creatures Do Battle
“Bug vs Bug” is an interesting arena-style playground that enables players to pit the various creatures of the yard against one another in gladiatorial combat. With a variety of buttons and pulleys, players can spawn their chosen combatant into a ring walled with giant electronic conductors, which can be activated at any time to terminate all lifeforms and “reset” the arena.
From basic ants tothe colossal Infected Broodmother, players can truly measure and observe some of the game’s toughest enemies in order to learn more about them, all the while from the comfort of an armchair that overlooks the fighting pit.
6Lemonade Tycoon
A Very Peaceful Mode In Which Players Focus Solely On Producing And Selling Lemonade
“Lemonade Tycoon” is a very unique playground that truly showcases the potential ofGrounded’s game world and mechanics. Players are tasked withoperating a lemonade shopand must mash lemons, assemble ingredients, and serve customers when they arrive.
While the process largely involves pressing buttons rather than a complex development procedure, it is incredibly fun to do, and an Achievements Board keeps players incentivized to hit higher numbers when it comes to both production and sales.
5Only Down
A Complex Puzzle/Platform World In Which Players Must Avoid Falling
“Only Down” is a platform-style playground based on the 2023 hitOnly Up.In it, players must descend a large and challenging obstacle course without falling to their deaths. Once again, this is a very creative spin on the playgrounds function, bringing an entirely fresh gameplay experience toGrounded’s game world.
With everything from paper plates and milk cartons to flower pots and banana skins, every item has been made use of here to providea fun and challenging puzzle, which feels extremely rewarding when conquered. It may take a decent amount of time to complete, but it is certainly worth attempting it at the very least.
4Cage Wars
A Relentless Battle Arena Challenge That Is Especially Fun In Co-op
“Cage Wars” is a popular arena playground in which players must face off against progressively more challenging waves of enemies. Either alone or in co-op, players will have to fend off various enemies and gradually upgrade their gear as harder enemies spawn.
New weapons and gear will be unlocked automatically as players progress through the levels, and a remarkable amount of effort has gone into making the game mode feel authentic and immersive. “Cage Wars” is a perfect example of why the playgrounds feature was introduced to begin with, offering a unique and memorable experience outside ofGrounded’s main story.
3Five Nights
A FNAF-Inspired Horror Challenge Showcasing The Versatility Of Playgrounds
“Five Nights” is aFive Nights At Freddy’s-inspired horror puzzle/escape room playground. The atmosphere has been carefully crafted to feelcreepy and supernatural, which is a remarkable feat in a game as light-hearted asGrounded. Players will have to overlook a scientific facility and guard it against incoming enemies.
A detailed tutorial is provided for players to understand what is required of them, but essentially, it revolves around managing different doors and hatches and ensuring they are closed at the right times. Players will be able to monitor incoming threats and respond to them, with the objective being to simply survive as long as possible.
2Grounded: The Tower
A Popular Combat Playground With Progressive Difficulty As Players Ascend
“Grounded: The Tower” is another popular and challenging combat playground in which players must progress through a series of rooms with increasingly difficult enemies. What makes this playground so special is the atmosphere created by each of the carefully curated rooms, as well as the fair incremental challenge of each floor.
A series of instructions can be found outside the front of the tower, and it is relatively easy to learn the process. Players will have todefeat all the enemiesin a room before being able to unlock the gear chest within, as well as the door to the next room. Completing the tower in its entirety will prove to be a challenge for even the most hardcoreGroundedplayers.
1Grounded: RPG Edition
A Complex Overhaul Introducing A Range of RPG Tropes And A New Game World
“Grounded: RPG Edition” is one of the most popular playgrounds for good reason. An immense amount of detail has gone into providing players with a unique setting to explore, as well as lots of side quests and additional content in what is almost a DLC-sized playground.
Players can do all the usual things they can do inGrounded’s base game, only with interactive insect NPCs who will dish out side quests. It offers players a new garden to explore with its own set of unique locations and alters gameplay slightly so that it feels more likea traditional RPG.
