Could Gears of War: E-Day Break Xbox Exclusivity with PS5 Release?

Grounded 2 opened in Early Access on July 29, 2025, across PC and Xbox Series X|S, and critics are impressed with its leap forward in scope and systems. New features like rideable insect mounts ("buggies"), a consolidated Omni-Tool, and a more involved narrative showcase Obsidian Entertainment's refinements over the original. However, early reviewers also flagged performance drops, occasional crashes, and glitches—ranging from stuck enemies to delayed combat states—that will need attention during the game's Early Access cycle.

Obsidian Entertainment has launched Grounded 2 into Early Access, introducing rideable insects ("Buggies") and expanded world biomes built on direct player feedback. In a recent interview with Destructoid, Senior Community Manager Aarik Dorobiala revealed that longstanding community asks—such as a cold biome, a snail creature and rideable ants—shaped many of the sequel's core features.

Producer Mike Winzler explained that each Buggie was chosen for its dual utility in base building and combat, and that the team will refine their roles throughout Early Access. The studio also partnered with Eidos Montreal to implement the Omni Tool, replacing multiple harvesting implements with one upgradable device, and added a structured tutorial to streamline onboarding for new and returning players.

Amid a wave of layoffs, studio closures and canceled projects at Xbox this month, Obsidian Entertainment's Grounded 2 emerges as a rare bright spot.

The early-access sequel showcases polished survival mechanics—from intuitive crafting to rideable insects—while weaving a lighthearted story about teens under the shadow of the sinister Ominent corporation.

As Microsoft pushes AI and strategic growth, fans fear quality-driven teams like Obsidian could be next on the chopping block.

Grounded 2 launches today in Game Preview on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC and Steam Early Access, placing players in the lush yet perilous Brookhollow Park. Obsidian Entertainment has rebuilt the sequel to welcome new and returning survivors alike, introducing mounts, a narrative-driven world, and streamlined survival mechanics.

Here are your five essential tips to thrive from the moment you shrink:

• Scan Everything at the Resource Analyzer to unlock crafting recipes.


• Arm and Armor Up early—Pebblet Spears and Red Ant armor build confidence.


• Prioritize Buggy Mounts through quests for speed, carrying capacity, and combat support.


• Stay Fed and Hydrated by cooking bug parts on a Roasting Spit and crafting a Canteen.


• Upgrade the Omni-Tool with Raw Science points earned from scans and Ranger Challenges.

A recent leak hints that Microsoft's tentpole shooter Gears of War: E-Day could land on PlayStation 5. Insider Gaming reports that MP1st uncovered a current Game Designer's resume listing PS5 among the game's target platforms. While the resume isn't an official confirmation, it marks a potential shift in Xbox's exclusivity strategy.

With Xbox franchises like Forza Horizon 5 already reaching Sony hardware, fans are questioning the incentives to buy Xbox consoles or subscribe to Game Pass. If E-Day does arrive on PS5, it would deepen the industry trend toward multi-platform releases, altering the traditional console rivalry.