Grounded, the highly anticipated survival game from Obsidian Entertainment, has taken the gaming community by storm. With its unique blend of exploration, combat, and base-building, players are eager to dive into this miniature world of adventure. However, one question lingers on the minds of many gamers: Is Grounded free on PC? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Grounded, exploring its gameplay, features, and most importantly, its pricing model.
What is Grounded?
Grounded is a first-person survival game developed by Obsidian Entertainment, the renowned studio behind iconic titles like Fallout: New Vegas and Pillars of Eternity. The game takes place in a mysterious, uncharted world where players are shrunk down to the size of an ant. This tiny perspective offers a fresh take on the survival genre, as players must navigate treacherous landscapes, avoiding giant spiders, territorial birds, and other hazards.
In Grounded, players must gather resources, craft tools, and build shelters to survive the harsh environment. The game features a dynamic weather system, day-night cycles, and a complex ecosystem, making it a challenging and immersive experience. With its rich storyline, engaging gameplay, and stunning visuals, Grounded has garnered significant attention from gamers worldwide.
Is Grounded Free on PC?
Now, let’s get to the burning question: Is Grounded free on PC? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Grounded is not a free-to-play game on PC or any other platform. The game is available for purchase on Steam, the Microsoft Store, and other digital storefronts, with a base price of $39.99 USD.
However, there are some exceptions and promotions to be aware of. During its Early Access phase, Grounded offered a free trial period, allowing players to experience the game’s core gameplay and features. Although this trial period has ended, the game’s developers occasionally offer limited-time free demos or beta tests for special events or updates.
Grounded’s Pricing Model
Grounded’s pricing model is relatively straightforward, with a few caveats. The base game costs $39.99 USD, which grants access to the core gameplay experience. Additionally, Obsidian Entertainment offers a few optional DLC packs, which introduce new features, characters, and storylines. These DLC packs are priced separately, ranging from $9.99 to $19.99 USD.
It’s worth noting that Grounded occasionally goes on sale, offering discounts of up to 20% or more off the base price. During these sales, the game’s price can drop to around $29.99 USD, making it a more attractive option for budget-conscious gamers.
Xbox Game Pass and Subscription Services
One exception to Grounded’s pricing model is Xbox Game Pass, a subscription-based service offered by Microsoft. As an Xbox Game Pass subscriber, you’ll have access to Grounded and other Xbox games for a flat monthly fee. This can be a cost-effective option for gamers who play multiple games or want to try out new titles without committing to a full purchase.
Similarly, other subscription services like Humble Subscription or Origin Access may offer Grounded as part of their game libraries. However, these services typically require a monthly or annual fee, and the availability of Grounded may vary depending on the service and region.
Free Alternatives to Grounded
While Grounded may not be free on PC, there are some excellent free-to-play alternatives that offer similar gameplay experiences:
- Subnautica: This underwater survival game offers a similar blend of exploration, crafting, and base-building, with a strong focus on underwater exploration.
- Don’t Starve Together: This popular survival game challenges players to survive in a harsh wilderness, with a unique art style and cooperative multiplayer features.
Keep in mind that while these games offer similar gameplay elements, they may not provide the exact same experience as Grounded.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Grounded is not a free game on PC, with a base price of $39.99 USD. While there may be occasional free demos or beta tests, the game’s core experience requires a purchase. However, with its engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and rich storyline, Grounded is an excellent addition to any gamer’s library.
If you’re unsure about committing to a purchase, consider trying out free alternatives like Subnautica or Don’t Starve Together. These games offer similar gameplay experiences, and you may find that they scratch that survival itch without breaking the bank.
Remember to keep an eye on Grounded’s official website, social media channels, and storefronts for potential sales, promotions, or limited-time free trials. Who knows? You might just stumble upon a deal that makes Grounded an even more irresistible proposition.
Is Grounded free on PC?
Grounded is not entirely free on PC. While it is available to download and play for free, it is still in its early access stage, and players can only access a limited version of the game. To get the full experience, players need to purchase the game.
As a result, players who download the free version of Grounded on PC will not have access to all the game’s features, levels, and content. The free version is more of a demo or a trial, allowing players to try out the game and see if they like it before deciding to purchase it. However, the game’s developers do offer regular updates and new content, which are available to all players, including those who have only downloaded the free version.
How can I play Grounded for free on PC?
To play Grounded for free on PC, players need to download the game from the Microsoft Store or Steam. Once downloaded, players can launch the game and start playing. The game will automatically be in its free mode, and players can start exploring and playing through the available content.
It’s worth noting that players who download the free version of Grounded on PC will not need to create an account or provide any payment information. They can simply download and start playing. However, if players want to access additional content or features, they will need to purchase the game. Players can purchase the game at any time, and their progress will be saved, so they can pick up where they left off.
What is the difference between the free and paid versions of Grounded?
The main difference between the free and paid versions of Grounded is the amount of content and features available. The free version has limited levels, characters, and gameplay features, while the paid version has all the available content, including more levels, characters, and gameplay modes.
In addition, the paid version of Grounded also provides access to exclusive content, such as special items, outfits, and perks. Players who purchase the game will also get regular updates and new content, which may not be available to players who only have the free version. Furthermore, players who purchase the game will have access to online multiplayer, which allows them to play with friends and other players online.
Will I lose my progress if I upgrade from the free to the paid version?
No, players will not lose their progress if they upgrade from the free to the paid version of Grounded. When players purchase the game, their progress will be saved, and they can pick up where they left off. Any items, characters, or levels they unlocked in the free version will still be available in the paid version.
In fact, players can think of the free version as a demo or a trial, and once they purchase the game, they will get to experience the full game with all its features and content. This means that players can try out the game, see if they like it, and then upgrade to the paid version without worrying about losing their progress.
Can I play Grounded with friends for free on PC?
The free version of Grounded on PC does not allow online multiplayer gameplay. Players who want to play with friends will need to purchase the game to access online multiplayer. However, players can play with friends who also have the free version in local co-op mode, where they can play together on the same computer.
Players who purchase the game will get access to online multiplayer, which allows them to play with friends and other players online. This feature is only available in the paid version of the game, so players who want to play with friends online will need to upgrade to the paid version.
Is Grounded free on other platforms besides PC?
Grounded is not free on other platforms besides PC. On consoles like Xbox and PlayStation, players need to purchase the game to play it. There is no free version available on these platforms.
Additionally, Grounded is not available on other platforms like Mac or Linux, so PC is the only platform where players can try out the game for free. However, players who purchase the game on PC can play it on other platforms through cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Will Grounded always be free on PC?
It’s unclear whether Grounded will always be free on PC. The game’s developers have not announced any plans to change the game’s pricing model, but it’s possible that they may decide to make the game paid-only in the future.
Players who want to try out the game for free should take advantage of the free version while it’s available. Even if the developers decide to make the game paid-only in the future, players who have already downloaded the free version will still be able to play it, although they may not have access to new content or updates.