Obsidian Entertainment has just rolled out a fresh update for their survival adventure game, Grounded. With patch 1.4.7, players will notice a myriad of enhancements and adjustments across pets, bosses, mutations, and Playgrounds Mode. This update is a response to previous issues concerning bugs and crashes linked to quests, weapons, achievements, and other elements, aiming to smooth out the player experience significantly.
For those new to Grounded, it’s an intriguing survival game that debuted in September 2022 on PC and Xbox, and eventually made its way to Nintendo Switch, PS4, and PS5. Players find themselves stepping into the shoes of a teenager miniaturized to ant-size proportions, embarking on an adventure to survive the backyard’s many hazards. Whether venturing solo or with friends in a group of up to four, players must fend off the threats posed by insects and wildlife, all the while managing essential resources like food and water to build, craft, and ultimately thrive in this scaled-down wilderness. The community has warmly welcomed the game, reflected by its "Very Positive" rating on Steam, and now Obsidian is focusing on making it even better with this substantial patch update.
Patch 1.4.7 introduces a new “AFK” state that drastically diminishes Hunger and Thirst by 95% if the player is inactive for over a minute, making life a bit easier for those moments away from the keyboard. Another notable tweak is in gamepad movement—players will find that walking at a slower pace than a sprint no longer eats away at stamina. The Lure Trap now lures in all ground creatures, barring Stinkbugs, Green Shield Bugs, and any aquatic critters.
Our four-legged companions in Grounded aren’t left out either. Pets have their health boosted by 150%, and both Aphid and Weevil pets now come with enhanced buffs, lowering stamina and hunger/thirst drain considerably. Players also gain the "Perfect Block" ability against the Mantis Boss’ Scream attack and will find bosses in REMIX.D Yard dropping more worthwhile rewards.
The Playgrounds mode has had its share of updates too, creating deeper engagement through enabling Story Quests in this unique mode. Furthermore, creature characteristics can now be modified across stats like name, scale, speed, and health, adding a new dimension to gameplay. Importantly, this patch also tackles the range of pesky issues previously causing crashes and bugs, fortifying the overall gaming experience.
Earlier in 2024, Grounded saw its final content update which included the ability to befriend ants and a host of new Ant Queen-themed structures and items. While Obsidian Entertainment has no plans for additional content release, they are steadfast in ensuring Grounded operates smoothly with ongoing updates and improvements.
As we dive into the specifics of patch 1.4.7, here are some of the highlights:
General Changes:
- The "AFK" feature drastically cuts down on Hunger and Thirst while idle.
- Enhanced zipline speed by 50% when using ZIP.R.
- Gamepads now prevent stamina drain for non-sprinting walking speeds.
- Speed boosts for Natural Explorer Mutation and Aphid Slippers are now instant post-combat.
- Revised Lure Trap that now attracts all non-exempt land creatures.
Pet Updates:
- General pet health sees a 150% increase.
- Aphid and Weevil pets benefit from enhanced buffs, reducing drain rates across the board.
Boss Adjustments:
- Perfect Blocking now applies to the Mantis Boss’s Scream.
REMIX.D Yard Changes:
- Armors can be upgraded to Level 15 with reduced costs.
- Adjustments in raw science reward scaling, making tasks and boss drops more fruitful.
- New customization options and scaling changes enhance gameplay depth.
CREATURE DAMAGE SCALING ADJUSTMENT: The damage scaling algorithm has been revised, offering larger incremental damage boosts at higher levels.
Mutation Changes: Expect increased Perfect Block windows and broader applicability of the Apex Predator Mutation.
Playgrounds Mode Changes: In this mode, Story Quests are live, and there are new options and music for a richer experience.
Major Bug Fixes: Further efforts have been made to address glitches with pets, crashing issues, and various game mechanics like the Shinobi Sneeze or Cupid Arrows.
This patch is a testament to Obsidian’s continued commitment to polishing Grounded, making it a more engaging and stable environment for both new players and seasoned veterans.
