The backyard just became far more dangerous. With Grounded 2, Obsidian Entertainment is preparing its first major expansion, Grounded 2: The Toxic Tangle, set to release on January 27, 2026. This update does not simply add content. Instead, it reshapes how players survive, explore, and build together in the miniature world.
For veterans of the original Grounded and newcomers alike, The Toxic Tangle signals a turning point. Familiar systems return, yet they arrive with deeper mechanics and far higher stakes.
The Return of the Haze Changes Everything
The Toxic Tangle reintroduces the infamous Haze, but this time it behaves very differently. In Grounded 2, the toxic fog no longer stays confined to a single danger zone. Instead, it spreads into parts of the Upper Yard, forming a living, shifting biome filled with corrupted insects and reduced visibility.
As a result, exploration becomes more deliberate. Players cannot rush through these areas. Preparation is required, and mistakes carry consequences. The fog drains resources, limits vision, and pressures teams to move efficiently.
Teasers also hint at a terrifying new threat. The Infested Broodmother has appeared in early footage, suggesting a large-scale boss encounter hidden deep inside the toxic growth. Unlike previous bosses, this fight appears to combine environmental hazards with aggressive enemy waves.
New Survival Gear Raises the Skill Ceiling
To survive the Toxic Tangle, players must craft advanced equipment. The expansion introduces a Tier 3 Hazmat Suit, built using rare Fungal Scraps found only inside infected zones.
This gear introduces a new system called Oxygen Filtration. While inside the haze, filters degrade over time. As a result, survival depends on route planning rather than brute force. Staying too long inside the fog can leave players stranded without protection.
In addition, a new rebreather-style upgrade allows brief underwater traversal in contaminated pools. This opens alternative paths and hidden resource caches, rewarding players who explore carefully.
Base Building Evolves with Fungal Fortification
Base construction also changes dramatically in this update. The Toxic Tangle introduces Fungal Growth Walls, a new defensive material that resists explosive damage and infected enemy attacks.
However, these walls require time to cure. They cannot be rushed. As a result, base planning becomes more strategic. Temporary shelters must often be built before permanent defenses become viable.
To counter new airborne threats, players gain access to Automated Pollen Turrets. These defenses specifically target infected flying insects, such as mutated gnats that patrol the haze. In co-op sessions, these additions allow teams to divide roles between builders, defenders, and explorers.
Co-Op Systems and Performance Improvements
Grounded 2 continues to emphasize cooperative play. With The Toxic Tangle, Playground Mode 2.0 gains new “Toxic Logic” tools. These allow players to design custom infested challenges and share them across platforms using simple codes.
Performance has also been addressed. The update targets a stable 60 FPS on Nintendo Switch 2, while enhanced lighting and environmental effects arrive on PlayStation 5 Pro and Xbox Series X|S. These improvements make the toxic fog feel heavier, thicker, and more oppressive without sacrificing clarity.
Why The Toxic Tangle Matters in 2026
Survival games often rely on repetition. Grounded 2 avoids that trap by evolving its core systems instead of replacing them. The Toxic Tangle builds on what players already understand, then demands smarter decisions.
The expansion rewards teamwork, patience, and planning. Solo players can still survive, but coordinated groups gain a clear advantage. Every tool, upgrade, and structure now serves a meaningful purpose.
Grounded 2: The Toxic Tangle – Key Systems Overview
| Feature | Impact on Gameplay |
|---|---|
| Toxic Haze Expansion | Forces route planning and time management |
| Tier 3 Hazmat Suit | Enables deep exploration of infected zones |
| Oxygen Filtration | Adds tension through limited filter durability |
| Fungal Base Walls | Encourages long-term defensive planning |
| Pollen Turrets | Counters new flying infected enemies |
Frequently Asked Questions about Grounded 2: The Toxic Tangle
When does Grounded 2: The Toxic Tangle release?
The expansion launches on January 27, 2026.
Is Grounded 2: The Toxic Tangle included with Game Pass?
Yes. It arrives day one on Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass.
What is the Infested Broodmother?
It is a new boss teased for the Toxic Tangle, combining environmental hazards with aggressive combat.
Does the update support co-op play?
Yes. All new content is fully playable in co-op, with expanded creative tools.
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