Obsidian Entertainment has detailed the upcoming Rot and Ruin update for Grounded 2, introducing a new Woodpile exploration area, returning Termites, a Centipede boss, and the rideable Potato Beetle Buggy. The expansion also brings base painting, new crafting resources, and a system for upgrading weapons and armor to higher tiers.
The developer outlined the new content in an October 20 Xbox Wire announcement, confirming that Rot and Ruin is scheduled to arrive this fall. The update entered public testing on October 6 through version 0.6.0, although Obsidian has not announced an exact release date for the full rollout.
The Woodpile is the update’s major new exploration region, featuring towering wooden structures and interconnected passages inhabited by Termites. Returning enemies include Termite Workers, Soldiers, and the Termite King, alongside new O.G.R.R. variants with additional attacks and altered behavior.
Players exploring deeper into the Woodpile will also encounter the Centipede, a new boss described as one of the community’s most requested creatures. The public test notes confirm that the encounter comes with additional rewards and equipment, including a Centipede Staff, armor set, mutation, trinket, and themed furniture.
The Centipede-inspired decorations include a cauldron, candle, and apothecary furniture, alongside stuffed and wall-mounted versions of the creature.
Another major addition is the Potato Beetle Buggy, a new rideable insect designed for combat and resource transportation. Larger than the existing Ladybug Buggy, the Potato Beetle can fire a spread of projectiles at nearby enemies and use a Healing Roar ability to support players during encounters.
The Buggy also helps transport gathered resources and contributes materials directly to construction blueprints, giving players another option for gathering and building throughout Brookhollow Park. The public test additionally describes a charged projectile attack intended for groups of enemies.
Base customization is expanding through a painting system that allows players to change the appearance of their structures. Using craftable paint and a new paintball gun called the Splotcher, players can apply different colors to walls, floors, roofs, stairs, doors, and other building pieces.
The October 6 public test introduced six available paint colors, allowing players to experiment with different designs before the update’s full release.
Rot and Ruin also expands equipment progression through Bismuth, a new resource associated with Raw Science beneath the Park. Players can gather and refine Bismuth before using the new Yoking Press to upgrade their existing weapons and armor to higher tiers.
Additional changes documented in the public test include improvements to the Abyss, new diggable chests, and geysers that provide warmth. A Perfect Dodge mechanic allows players to avoid damage without consuming stamina, creating opportunities for immediate counterattacks.
The update also introduces eight collectible SCA.B 2K color schemes and five figurines that can be displayed as statues in player bases. New crafting options, stations, and other collectibles will further expand exploration and customization.
Obsidian has cautioned that Rot and Ruin remains in development during public testing. Progress made on the test server is not guaranteed to carry over to the main game, and some features may change before the final update becomes available.
Grounded 2 is currently available in Game Preview and Early Access on Xbox Series X|S, PC, Steam, and PlayStation 5, with Xbox Game Pass access also supported. The game’s full 1.0 release is planned for 2027.
Rot and Ruin is expected to arrive during fall 2026, with its exact launch date still unconfirmed.
