One of the biggest surprises in the PS Plus June 2026 lineup is Grounded. While many players expected another first-party PlayStation title, Sony instead delivered one of the most popular survival games from Obsidian Entertainment. As a result, PlayStation users can now experience the backyard adventure at no additional cost.
Grounded PS Plus June 2026 offers a complete survival experience packed with exploration, crafting, base building, and cooperative gameplay. Moreover, the game includes full cross-play support, allowing PlayStation players to team up with friends on Xbox and PC.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to survive your first day, craft essential tools, build a safe base, and progress through the story. Additionally, we’ll explain how cross-play works and which beginner mistakes you should avoid.
For the full lineup of monthly games, check out our PS Plus June 2026 Games Guide.
What Is Grounded?
Grounded is a first-person survival game developed by Obsidian Entertainment. Instead of controlling a traditional hero, you play as a teenager who has been mysteriously shrunk to the size of an insect.
Consequently, an ordinary backyard becomes a massive wilderness filled with danger. Grass blades tower above you like skyscrapers, while common insects suddenly become powerful enemies.
Furthermore, the game combines survival mechanics with exploration, crafting, combat, and story-driven progression.
Key features include:
- Four-player online co-op
- Full cross-play support
- Large open-world exploration
- Base building systems
- Deep crafting mechanics
- Story-focused campaign
Most importantly, Grounded PS Plus June 2026 includes the Fully Yoked Edition, which contains all major updates and content additions.
For more subscription comparisons, read PS Plus June 2026 vs Game Pass.
First Steps – What To Do Immediately
When you begin a new adventure, you’ll wake up near a mysterious machine. Before exploring too far, focus on gathering resources and securing basic survival needs.
1. Gather Basic Resources
First, collect nearby materials.
Specifically, look for:
- Plant Fiber
- Pebbles
- Sprigs
These resources may seem simple. However, they unlock your first crafting recipes.
2. Craft an Axe and Spear
Next, open the crafting menu and create:
- Pebble Axe
- Pebble Spear
While the axe helps gather resources, the spear becomes your primary weapon during the early game.
3. Analyze Everything
After gathering materials, locate a Field Station.
There, analyze every new resource you discover. As a result, you’ll unlock additional blueprints and crafting recipes.
Without analysis, progression becomes significantly slower.
4. Build a Lean-To
Once basic tools are crafted, build a Lean-To.
This structure serves as your respawn point. Therefore, it can save a great deal of frustration after an unexpected death.
5. Secure Food and Water
Finally, focus on survival essentials.
For food, hunt aphids and weevils. Meanwhile, collect water from dew droplets hanging from grass blades.
Although exploration is tempting, survival should always come first.
Combat Basics – How To Fight Insects
Combat can be challenging during the early hours. Therefore, understanding defensive mechanics is essential.
Most importantly, learn how to block attacks effectively.
While holding L2 blocks incoming damage, a perfectly timed block creates a parry. Consequently, enemies become vulnerable and easier to defeat.
Additionally, ranged combat provides a safer alternative. Therefore, crafting a bow should become one of your first medium-term goals.
Best Base Locations For Beginners
Choosing a good base location can dramatically improve your experience.
For beginners, the large flat rock near the Mysterious Machine is often the safest choice.
First, it provides easy access to resources. Furthermore, it offers protection from many ground-based insects.
Alternatively, players can build near a juice box for easier water access. However, that area sits farther from early-game resources.
As a result, most newcomers find the rock location more convenient.
For subscription-saving tips, see PS Plus Price Stacking June 2026.
How To Play Co-op And Cross-Play
Grounded supports up to four players online.
Moreover, cross-play allows PlayStation, Xbox, and PC users to play together.
First, select Multiplayer from the main menu.
Next, choose Host Game.
Afterward, invite friends through Game Base or Microsoft’s cross-play system.
For cross-platform sessions, you’ll need a free Microsoft account. Once linked, however, joining friends becomes simple and straightforward.
Consequently, Grounded remains one of the most accessible co-op survival games available today.
For more on cross-platform gaming, check out Warhammer Boltgun PS Plus June 2026 Guide.
Essential Crafting Milestones
As you progress, focus on unlocking these items in order:
- Pebble Axe
- Pebble Spear
- Bow and Arrows
- Clover Armor
- Spinning Wheel
- Grinder
- Smithing Station
Each upgrade opens new possibilities. Furthermore, stronger equipment makes exploration significantly safer.
Therefore, crafting should remain a constant priority throughout the game.
Story Progression Guide
Grounded offers far more than simple survival.
In fact, the game includes a surprisingly deep story campaign.
Initially, investigate the Mysterious Machine.
Afterward, explore the Oak Tree Lab.
Next, move toward the Hedge Lab and Pond Lab.
Eventually, you’ll reach advanced areas such as the Termite King region.
Throughout the journey, you’ll uncover the mystery behind your character’s shrinking and learn how to reverse the process.
For more story-driven games on PS Plus, see PS Plus Extra & Premium June 2026 Additions.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Many beginners make similar mistakes.
For example, some players forget to analyze resources. Consequently, they miss important crafting recipes.
Likewise, building directly on the ground often leads to insect attacks.
Meanwhile, ignoring thirst can become deadly much faster than many players expect.
Perhaps most importantly, avoid fighting wolf spiders early in the game. Instead, retreat and return later with stronger equipment.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Grounded PS Plus June 2026 is one of the strongest additions to this month’s lineup.
Not only does it offer dozens of hours of gameplay, but it also includes excellent co-op features and full cross-play support.
Furthermore, the combination of survival mechanics, crafting systems, and story progression creates a rewarding experience from beginning to end.
Therefore, if you haven’t played Grounded before, this is the perfect opportunity to jump in.
Finally, remember to claim the game before it leaves the monthly lineup and start building your backyard empire.
Return to the PS Plus June 2026 Games Guide for more free games this month.
