Grounded 2 does not have split screen multiplayer

Grounded 2 supports up to four players in online co-op, but there is no split screen option on any platform. If you want to play with friends in the same room, you will each need your own PC or console and your own copy of the game connected to the same network or online service.

The game launched in early access in 2022 and remains in development. Obsidian Entertainment has not announced plans to add split screen, and the feature is not currently on the public roadmap. If local multiplayer is important to you, you should plan around playing online instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Grounded 2 requires each player to have their own device and copy of the game; split screen is not supported on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox.
  • Online co-op works across PC and console with cross-platform play, so you can team up with friends on different systems.
  • The game supports up to four players in a single session, but all four must be connected online.
  • If you want to play together in the same room without split screen, you will need multiple devices set up side by side.

What platforms support Grounded 2 multiplayer

Grounded 2 is available on PC (Steam and Game Pass), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Online co-op works across all three platforms, so a player on PC can join a session with someone on PlayStation or Xbox without any issues.

Each player needs their own device, their own copy of the game, and an active online connection. On console, you also need an active subscription to PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass Core to play online multiplayer. PC players on Steam do not need a subscription beyond owning the game.

How to set up online co-op in Grounded 2

To start a multiplayer session, the host creates a new world and sets it to allow other players to join. The host can invite specific friends or allow anyone to join depending on the privacy settings chosen. Other players then join through the game's friends list or by entering the session code.

Sessions persist on the host's device, so the world continues to exist even when the host is offline. Other players can join and play together while waiting for the host to return. If the host deletes the world or stops hosting, the session ends and other players lose access.

Why split screen is not available

Split screen requires significant optimization work to render the game world twice on a single device, which is demanding on hardware. Grounded 2 is a detailed survival game with a large explorable world, and running it split screen would require cutting graphics quality or reducing the render distance to maintain playable frame rates.

Obsidian Entertainment chose to focus development on online multiplayer instead, which lets players on different devices play together without the performance trade-offs that split screen would require. This is a common choice for games in early access, where the team prioritizes features that reach the most players.

Alternatives if you want to play together in the same room

If you have multiple devices available, you can set up two or more computers or consoles in the same room and play online co-op together. This requires each player to have their own screen, controller, and copy of the game, but it lets you sit together and play the same session.

Some players use streaming software like Discord or Steam Remote Play to watch a friend's session on a second screen while they play on their own device, though this adds latency and is not the same as playing together. For the best experience in the same room, separate devices with online co-op is the intended way to play.

Cross-platform play and progression

Grounded 2 supports cross-platform multiplayer, meaning PC, PlayStation, and Xbox players can join the same session. However, progression and saves are tied to each platform's account system. A character you create on PlayStation does not transfer to PC or Xbox.

If you play on multiple platforms, you will need to start new characters on each one. The game does not have a unified account system that syncs progress across platforms, so plan your multiplayer sessions around which device you want to play on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Grounded 2 split screen on console?

No. Grounded 2 does not support split screen on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, or PC. You need separate devices for each player.

How many players can join one session?

Up to four players can join a single online co-op session. The host creates the world and invites or allows others to join through the game's session system.

Do I need PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass to play multiplayer?

Yes, on console you need an active subscription to PlayStation Plus (any tier) or Xbox Game Pass Core to play online multiplayer. PC players on Steam do not need a subscription beyond owning the game.

Can PC and console players play together?

Yes. Grounded 2 has full cross-platform multiplayer, so a player on Steam can join a session with someone on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S without any restrictions.

Will split screen be added later?

Obsidian Entertainment has not announced plans to add split screen. The feature is not on the public roadmap, and the team has focused development on online multiplayer instead.