There are four available options when picking a playable character at the start of Grounded 2, with very little indication of what the choice will entail. While choosing between the four teens will be familiar to Grounded 1 players, newcomers to Obsidian's survival crafting franchise will have a harder time choosing one.
At the start of the game, there is no indication of what the effects of making this choice will be, or even if this is permanent or something that can be reversed later on. Players aiming to get started on the right foot will want all possible information to make a smart decision.
Which Character Should You Pick in Grounded 2?
Just like in the previous game, picking a character in Grounded 2 does not have any impact on actual gameplay. All four teens, Max, Willow, Pete, and Hoops, will play exactly the same. The only difference between these characters is their personality and their voice acting.
Although all characters in Grounded 2 are functionally the same, their unique traits have a tangible effect. A character's backstory dictates what they'll say in-game. Players who prefer their protagonist to be more science-savvy will want to pick Pete, but if they want a character who doesn't really care what's happening around them all that much, Max is the way to go. Max is easygoing and laid-back, Willow is sassy and sarcastic, Pete has a mind for research and a wealth of knowledge, and Hoops is a sports fanatic with leadership qualities.
Similar to Grounded 1, the teens will react to what's happening around them by offering constant radiant commentary, funny quips, and occasional one-liners. The frequency of this dialogue is even higher than it was in the first game, which makes the decision all the more important.
On the Teen Selector screen, players will be able to get an idea of what a character sounds like by selecting their avatar and listening to the introductory dialogue. While it does not give a complete picture, it's a good taste-test.
The events of Grounded 2 take place two years after the first one, which means the four teens have grown. The voice acting reflects that.
Can You Change Characters in Grounded 2?
Yes, you can. When you die in Grounded 2, one of the menu options available is “Swap Teen.” Selecting this option will allow you to change your character from the selection screen. You will respawn at the door of the Ominent Onboarding Facility, where the run starts as the newly selected teen. If needed, you will also be able to summon your Buggy to your side in order to make the return trip to your base and backpack easier.
It’s possible to instantly die by selecting the “Give Up” option from the pause menu. It’s a good idea to choose this option in your base so your backpack is immediately recoverable upon death and not within the territory of some hostile creature.
- Released
- July 29, 2025
- ESRB
- Teen / Violence, Blood
- Developer(s)
- Obsidian Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
- Xbox Game Studios
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
WHERE TO PLAY
- Platform(s)
- Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
