Walking through the digital landscape of Grounded 2’s Creative mode, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment wash over me—something was distinctly missing. As someone who’s spent hundreds of hours across survival and building games, I’ve come to appreciate the subtle touches that turn a good game into a masterpiece. And water—yes, water—plays a bigger role than many give it credit for. You see, in the original Grounded, there was this gorgeous, sprawling koi pond, dark and mysterious, teeming with unseen dangers and beauty. It wasn’t just eye candy; it was an ecosystem. I remember building my base near its edge, my daughter and I crafting stories about the creatures lurking in its depths. Fast forward to Grounded 2’s early access, and that sense of aquatic wonder is, well, almost nonexistent. The map frustratingly lacks any deep-water sections, offering only a few muddy puddles that barely qualify as interactive environments. It’s like being handed a coloring book with only one crayon.
Now, don’t get me wrong—I’m not dismissing the game entirely. Obsidian Entertainment has clearly poured love into this sequel, and I’ve enjoyed tweaking terrain and piecing together structures in Creative mode. But as a player who leans heavily into creative building, the absence of meaningful water gameplay is a glaring omission. I spent a solid three hours scouring the map, hoping to find a spot reminiscent of that iconic koi pond, somewhere to anchor the dream home my daughter and I envisioned. Nothing. Just shallow, murky patches that don’t invite exploration or construction. It’s a bit like trying to build a sandcastle without enough wet sand—you can start, but it’ll never hold its shape. From what I’ve gathered, water mechanics are slated for later updates during early access, which is fair. Development takes time, and I respect that. Still, for now, Grounded 2 feels incomplete for builders like me.
Let’s talk numbers for a second. In the original Grounded, water-based biomes covered roughly 15% of the map, according to my own rough estimates from gameplay. Here in Grounded 2, I’d be surprised if water features account for even 2%. That’s a staggering drop, and it impacts not just aesthetics but gameplay diversity. Water isn’t just about swimming; it’s about reflection, sound, risk, and reward. I’ve noticed similar gaps in Creative mode’s catalog—missing decor items and recipes that were staples in the first game. It hints at a prioritization strategy, one that focuses on core survival elements first. And honestly, that makes sense from a development perspective. But as a player, it’s hard not to feel short-changed when you’re eager to dive into creative projects.
I’ve been gaming since the ‘90s, and I’ve seen how early access titles evolve. Titles like Subnautica and No Man’s Sky transformed over years, adding layers of depth that turned initial criticisms into praise. I’m hopeful Grounded 2 will follow suit. Yet, in its current state, I can’t wholeheartedly recommend it to my fellow creative-minded gamers. If you’re all about building elaborate bases with immersive environments, you might want to wait. The foundation is there—the lighting, the textures, the creature designs are all polished—but without water as a dynamic element, the world feels static. My daughter put it best when she said, “It’s like a birthday cake without frosting.” She’s not wrong.
On the flip side, I’ve found workarounds. Using terrain tools, I’ve sculpted dry riverbeds and faux ponds, decorating them with plants and rocks to mimic water features. It’s not the same, but it’s something. And that’s the thing about creative players—we adapt. We fill in the gaps with imagination. Still, I can’t shake the feeling that Grounded 2’s Creative mode is holding back. When I compare it to something like Minecraft’s creative suite, which offers oceans, rivers, and lakes as standard, the difference is stark. Minecraft has around 10 distinct water-related blocks and mechanics at launch; Grounded 2 has maybe two or three by my count. It’s a numbers game, and right now, the sequel is lagging.
Looking ahead, I’m optimistic. The developers have a track record of listening to community feedback, and early access is the perfect testing ground. I’ve already submitted my suggestions through their forums, emphasizing how water could elevate building possibilities. Imagine underwater caves, floating bases, or irrigation systems for gardens—the potential is huge. For now, though, Grounded 2 remains a promise rather than a full package. If you’re a survival enthusiast, jump in; the thrill of battling giant insects and scavenging resources is as gripping as ever. But if you’re like me, someone who sees games as digital canvases, you might want to bide your time. In the end, gaming is about experiences, and right now, Grounded 2’s creative experience is waiting for its tide to come in.