Grounded 2 Confirms No LAN Multiplayer Again, Leaving Co-Op Fans Frustrated

Obsidian Entertainment has revealed new details about Grounded 2, and while the game builds on the original’s charm, one piece of news struck a nerve: there will be no LAN multiplayer support—again. This decision has left many longtime co-op fans scratching their heads, and, to be honest, perhaps even a little upset.

For a survival game rooted in teamwork, strategy, and that classic “just-one-more-night” co-op vibe, the lack of LAN feels… unexpected. In an age of always-online games, some players still prefer the offline simplicity of connecting a few laptops and playing with friends side-by-side—without ping issues or unpredictable server hiccups. So, why is LAN being overlooked again?

Why LAN Multiplayer Still Matters in 2025

You might think, “It’s 2025—who even uses LAN anymore?” That’s a fair point. Internet speeds have improved, cloud gaming is growing, and digital game distribution is everywhere. But LAN isn’t just nostalgia; it offers real benefits. Fast connection speeds with minimal lag, no dependence on external servers, and, best of all, it works even when the internet doesn’t.

For players in areas where high-speed, reliable internet is still a struggle, LAN is a lifeline. It’s also ideal in community events, schools, gaming cafes, and conventions. According to data from Statista, over 35% of global regions still report average internet speeds below 30 Mbps. In those areas, smooth online multiplayer is still hit or miss.

Personally, I still remember playing the original Grounded using LAN at a local event. The ping dropped to near-zero and the experience? Immersive, seamless, addictive. Losing that option, again, feels like a missed opportunity—not just for nostalgia’s sake but for logistical reasons too.

Obsidian’s Reasoning Behind Excluding LAN

So, what’s the studio’s rationale? Obsidian hasn’t given a detailed statement, but in previous interviews, developers hinted at infrastructure challenges. Supporting LAN would mean creating a separate networking system alongside the current cloud-based matchmaking, which could double both development and quality assurance efforts.

There’s also a shift in focus. Grounded 2 is reportedly leaning heavily into cross-platform online play and persistent world systems. These features, while exciting, are deeply tied to cloud saves and online validation. LAN, on the other hand, introduces challenges for syncing data securely across disconnected clients.

Still, it begs the question: if indie studios with smaller budgets manage to implement LAN modes, couldn’t Obsidian—with Microsoft’s backing—find a way too? Maybe it’s not just about tech limitations but prioritization.

The Disappointment From Fans—and Why It’s Valid

A scroll through Reddit threads and Discord channels paints a clear picture: co-op fans feel sidelined. Gamers who prefer face-to-face play or host small LAN parties—especially those from regions with unstable internet—are airing their frustrations. And rightly so.

It’s not just about technology, it’s about agency. LAN lets players control the experience. There’s value in gathering your group, avoiding matchmaking lobbies, modding your servers if needed, or keeping your game private with zero reliance on online accounts.

When that’s taken off the table, it hurts a specific but passionate part of the audience. It’s a minority, perhaps, but one that has historically helped games grow through word-of-mouth, LAN parties, and local tournaments.

I remember co-hosting a youth center gaming night focused solely around local multiplayer games. LAN was the easiest way to manage large groups on a tight budget and no connection issues. We featured Grounded back then—and it was a hit. That wouldn’t be possible with Grounded 2.

The Growing Divide Between Online and Offline Gamers

There’s a broader conversation happening in the community: the growing divide between gamers who need constant connectivity and those who value offline independence. In some ways, Grounded 2’s LAN omission symbolizes that shift.

Games like Minecraft and Valheim still support LAN or private server play. They respect offline flexibility while offering full online features. Players appreciate having both options. It’s not binary: you can have cloud sync and LAN.

Removing this choice in Grounded 2 feels like a step backward. Especially when so many games are trending toward hybrid experiences—giving people the freedom to play how they want.

What Alternatives Do Players Have?

If you’re set on playing Grounded 2 with friends—but can’t count on stable internet—are there any workarounds? Well, sort of. The most accessible option is using LAN emulation tools like Radmin VPN or Hamachi. These services simulate a local connection over the internet.

However, performance varies. Setup takes time, and it’s not an official fix. It also introduces potential security risks—or instability mid-session. Honestly, not ideal for casual or younger players.

Another option is hosting a private online server via Gamepass (if Grounded 2 supports it at launch), but again, the “offline-first” users are left without native solutions. Frustrating, but at least it’s something.

Table: Connectivity Options Comparison

Will Future Patches Bring LAN Back?

Right now, it seems unlikely. Obsidian hasn’t announced any roadmap updates that suggest LAN is even on the table. But as with many games, things can change based on feedback and player demand. If there’s enough push from the community, developers do listen—well, sometimes.

Consider the case of Deep Rock Galactic, which improved its offline and local features after consistent player campaigning. It’s not impossible. But don’t count on it happening soon. For now, Grounded 2 is locked into its online-first identity.

Q&A: What Players Are Asking

Q1: Can I play Grounded 2 without an internet connection?
A1: Currently, no. The game requires an active internet connection for multiplayer, and progress may be tied to online syncing.

Q2: Why is LAN support important for co-op games?
A2: LAN lets players bypass online servers, ensures lower latency, and gives more control over matchmaking and modding.

Q3: Are there any benefits to online-only multiplayer?
A3: Yes—cloud saves, cross-platform play, and easier content updates. But it comes with trade-offs in connectivity freedom.

Q4: How do players simulate LAN multiplayer?
A4: Tools like Radmin VPN or Hamachi create virtual LANs over the internet, but they’re not always user-friendly or reliable.

Q5: Is LAN ever coming to Grounded 2?
A5: There’s no official plan. It may depend on player feedback or future updates from Obsidian.

Conclusion

At the heart of this issue is a simple question: Should players have the freedom to choose how they connect? For many, the answer is a resounding yes. Grounded 2 has enormous potential. Its creative world-building, survival mechanics, and storytelling are likely to draw in both veterans and newcomers. But stripping out a feature that some players consider essential—LAN multiplayer—feels like an oversight that could limit its reach.

We’ve seen how LAN functionality enables smoother gameplay, low-latency sessions, and local community engagement. Some might argue that it’s a technical relic, but the reality for thousands of players worldwide is that LAN remains the most robust and personal way to enjoy co-op games.

While we wait for a change—or maybe just an official workaround—the community must adapt using third-party tools, and hope that developers reevaluate these decisions in future patches or projects. Because one thing is clear: the desire for flexible co-op isn’t going anywhere.

If you’re a fan of local multiplayer and value control over your game environment, speak up. Post in forums. Send feedback to the devs. Join the conversation online. It may not change Grounded 2… but it could shape what comes next.

Sometimes, the loudest voices aren’t online—they’re in the same room, shouting across the table in a LAN match. And they deserve to be heard too.

What are your thoughts? Would having LAN multiplayer have changed your plans to buy Grounded 2?

Sources:
Statista Global Internet Speed Report
Minecraft Official Site
Valheim Official Site
Deep Rock Galactic on Steam

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