Obsidian Entertainment has rolled out an exciting new update for Grounded, the survival adventure game. Patch 1.4.7 brings a host of enhancements for pets, bosses, mutations, and Playgrounds Mode, smoothing out gameplay and fixing a variety of issues that had been causing crashes and bugs.
For those unfamiliar, Grounded launched in September 2022 for PC and Xbox and has since expanded to other consoles like Nintendo Switch, PS4, and PS5. In this game, you navigate the world as a teenager shrunk to the size of an ant, trying to survive the perils of a backyard setting. Whether you choose to brave the challenges solo or team up with up to three other players, your mission involves fending off insects, securing resources, crafting tools, and keeping hunger and thirst in check. The game has been well-received, boasting “Very Positive” reviews on Steam.
With this latest update, Obsidian has made some notable improvements. One of the standout features is the introduction of an “AFK” (Away From Keyboard) state, which drastically reduces Hunger and Thirst by 95% if you’re inactive for 60 seconds—ideal for players who have to step away without pausing the game. Additionally, a minor yet handy tweak allows players to walk without consuming stamina unless they’re sprinting. Meanwhile, the Lure Trap now entices all land creatures, although it still leaves Stinkbugs, Green Shield Bugs, and aquatic creatures uninterested.
Pets in Grounded are also receiving some love, with an impressive 150% boost in health across the board. Aphid and Weevil pets have been upgraded with buffs that decrease stamina, hunger, and thirst drain, making them more useful companions. As for bosses, the patch enables players to “Perfect Block” the Mantis Boss’ Scream attack for a strategic edge. Moreover, REMIX.D Yard’s bosses now come with bigger rewards, making battles rewarding in more ways than one.
Playgrounds Mode isn’t left out of the mix either, with new options allowing players to enable Story Quests. Plus, there’s now the flexibility to customize various attributes of creatures, bosses, weapons, and armor, adding another layer of personalization to gameplay. The update also squashes a myriad of bugs and crashes, ensuring smoother gaming sessions for fans.
Earlier in 2024, Grounded dropped its final content patch, adding cool features like befriending ants and introducing new Ant Queen-themed structures. While new content won’t be forthcoming, Obsidian remains dedicated to refining Grounded, making sure it stays engaging and enjoyable.
### Grounded Update 1.4.7 Patch Notes
#### General Changes
– A brand new “AFK” state reduces Hunger and Thirst by 95% after 60 seconds of inactivity.
– Zipline speed is now 50% faster.
– Walking at normal speed no longer drains stamina for players using a gamepad.
– Players regain speed boosts from the Natural Explorer Mutation and Aphid Slippers right after combat.
#### Pet Updates
– All pets now boast a 150% boost in health.
– Aphid Pet: Offers 30% less stamina drain while sprinting and increases movement speed by 15%.
– Weevil Pet: Reduces Thirst and Hunger drain by 50%.
#### Boss Adjustments
– The Mantis Boss’ “Scream” can now be “Perfect Blocked.”
#### REMIX.D Yard
– Armor can now be upgraded to Level 15 with reduced costs.
– Infusion attack damage is significantly reduced against buildings.
– A new custom game option lets players adjust the REMIX.D Level in Survival Mode.
#### REMIX.D Yard – Scaling Updates
– Raw Science rewards are now scaled with REMIX.D Level.
– Boss drops increase with higher levels, including a chance to drop extra Infused Ooze.
#### Creature Damage Scaling
– A new scaling system that starts with a +20% damage boost at level 1 and increases more significantly at higher levels.
#### Mutation Changes
– Barbarian Mutation now offers a 60% longer Perfect Block window and works with all Infused Boss Weapons.
#### Playgrounds Mode Changes
– Story Quests can now be activated.
– Various in-game elements like bosses, weapons, and armors can have their stats customized.
#### Major Bug Fixes
– Fixed numerous issues, including pets falling through the world, ladder relocation crashes, and issues with achievements.
Overall, the devs at Obsidian Entertainment are proving their commitment to refining Grounded, providing players with an optimized and truly immersive gaming experience.
