Grounded 2 does not have split-screen multiplayer on any platform

Grounded 2 removed split-screen support entirely. The first game offered couch co-op on console, but the sequel requires each player to have their own device and internet connection. If you want to play together, you will need separate copies of the game and separate screens — one per person.

This is a significant change from the original, and it affects how you can play with people in the same room. You cannot sit on the same couch and share one screen anymore, even on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. The developer, Obsidian Entertainment, made this choice to prioritize single-screen performance and stability over local multiplayer convenience.

Key Takeaways

  • Grounded 2 has no split-screen mode on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC — each player needs their own device and copy of the game.
  • Online multiplayer still works with up to four players, but everyone must connect over the internet from separate locations or devices.
  • If you played the first Grounded with split-screen on console, you will need to switch to online co-op for the sequel.
  • Local multiplayer on one TV is not possible in Grounded 2, even with multiple controllers connected to the same console.
  • Cross-platform play is supported, so PlayStation, Xbox, and PC players can join the same world together.

What multiplayer modes Grounded 2 actually has

Grounded 2 supports online co-op for up to four players. You create or join a world, and your friends connect through the game's server system. Everyone plays from their own device — whether that is a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, or PC — and the game streams the shared world to all of you at once.

Cross-platform play is supported, so a PlayStation player can join a game with Xbox and PC players in the same world. You do not need to own the same console or play on the same system to cooperate. The world persists whether you are online or offline, and other players can continue building and exploring while you are away.

You can also play the entire game solo without ever inviting another player. Single-player mode uses the same world and progression system as multiplayer, so you can start alone and add friends later, or play through the campaign by yourself.

Why split-screen was removed

Obsidian Entertainment did not publicly state a single reason for dropping split-screen. However, the most likely explanation is performance. Grounded 2 runs at higher visual fidelity than the first game, with more detailed environments, more creatures on screen at once, and improved lighting and particle effects. Running two separate camera views and rendering two portions of the world simultaneously would cut the frame rate in half or worse.

On console hardware, this trade-off would have been severe. By removing split-screen, the developers could focus on delivering smooth 60 frames-per-second gameplay on a single screen, which matters more for a game where you are fighting insects and managing resources under time pressure. The online infrastructure also improved between games, making remote co-op more reliable than it was in the original.

How to play Grounded 2 with someone in your house

You have two practical options if you want to play with someone sitting next to you. The first is to use two separate devices in the same room — two consoles, two PCs, or a mix. Both devices need their own copy of Grounded 2 and their own internet connection (or the same home network). You can sit on the same couch and play together while looking at two different screens, which is how many players handle local co-op now.

The second option is to take turns on a single device. One person plays while the other watches, then you switch. This is not ideal for a cooperative game, but it works if you only have one copy and one console. Some players also use streaming software to share one screen across multiple devices, though this introduces lag and is not an official feature.

Differences from the first Grounded

The original Grounded offered split-screen co-op on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. You could plug in two controllers, sit on the same couch, and both play in the same world on one TV. This was a major feature for local multiplayer fans and families who wanted to play together without buying multiple copies.

Grounded 2 abandons this entirely. If you own the first game and loved playing it split-screen with a friend or family member, you will need to change how you play the sequel. The trade-off is that online co-op is more stable, the single-player experience runs smoother, and you can play with people anywhere in the world instead of just in your living room.

What you need to play online co-op

On PlayStation 5, you need an active PlayStation Plus subscription to access online multiplayer. On Xbox Series X or Series S, you need Xbox Game Pass Core or Xbox Live Gold. PC players on Steam do not need a subscription beyond owning the game itself through Steam.

All players need a stable internet connection. Grounded 2 requires consistent bandwidth to keep the world synchronized across all four players. If your connection drops, you will be disconnected from the world, though you can rejoin and pick up where you left off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Grounded 2 split-screen on PS5 or Xbox Series X?

No. Split-screen is not available on any console, including the newest generation. You need separate devices and separate copies of the game to play together in the same room.

Do I need PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass to play online co-op?

You need an active subscription to PlayStation Plus on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Game Pass Core on Xbox Series X to play online multiplayer. PC players on Steam do not need a subscription beyond owning the game itself.

Can I play Grounded 2 solo, or is it multiplayer only?

Grounded 2 has a full single-player campaign. You can play the entire game alone without ever joining another player's world. Multiplayer is optional, and you can switch between solo and co-op play in the same world.

What if my internet is too slow for online co-op?

Grounded 2 requires a stable internet connection to play online. If your connection is unreliable, you may experience lag, disconnections, or stuttering. Playing solo offline is the only workaround if your internet cannot support multiplayer.

Can I play with more than four people at once?

No. Grounded 2 supports a maximum of four players per world. If you have a larger group, you would need to create multiple worlds or take turns playing.