Key Takeaways
- Grounded patch 1.4.5 removes the Microsoft account requirement for multiplayer on Steam.
- Steam users no longer need a Microsoft account to play regular multiplayer, but it’s still required for crossplay and shared worlds.
- Patch 1.4.5 introduces a new crossplay toggle and the ability to unlink Microsoft accounts from Steam.
Obsidian Entertainment has released Grounded patch 1.4.5, bringing native Steam support and making updates to the game’s multiplayer options. The patch is now available, and the Grounded developer is asking players to update their game to get the newest improvements.
Grounded is a survival game from Obsidian Entertainment where players are shrunk down to the size of insects and have to survive in a suburban backyard full of giant bugs. The game blends survival, crafting, exploration, and base-building as players try to figure out why they’ve been miniaturized, all while dealing with dangerous creatures like spiders and ants. Since its release in July 2020, Grounded has been getting regular updates and has been praised for its interesting twist on the survival genre.
One of the main changes in this update is that players no longer need a Microsoft account to play multiplayer on Steam. Now, they can host or join Grounded multiplayer games straight from their Steam friends list, which makes things easier for Steam users. However, the developers did note that a Microsoft account is still required for features like crossplay, shared worlds, and playgrounds. The update also adds a new crossplay toggle in the main menu, letting players switch between “Crossplay State” (to play with people on other platforms) and “Steam Native State” (for Steam-only play). If players want to unlink their Microsoft account from their Steam account, they can now do that by going to the Options menu under the Game tab. At the bottom of the page, they’ll find the option to unlink their accounts.
This patch comes after the previous Grounded update released in August, which added gyro-aiming support for Switch users. This feature makes ranged combat more precise by allowing players to use motion controls, making the gameplay feel smoother.
Although the game is still getting patches like 1.4.5, Grounded’s Fully Yoked update was the last planned content update. Released earlier this year, it brought some cool new features like a New Game+ mode and new weapons and tools that can be unlocked after multiple playthroughs. The update also introduced crossplay, letting Xbox, PC, PlayStation, and Switch players join multiplayer sessions together, opening up more ways to play with others.
Since the game is no longer releasing new content, it remains to be seen whether a Grounded sequel will be developed in the future. Meanwhile, with patch 1.4.5, Steam players will have an easier way to join multiplayer games.
Grounded Update 1.4.5 Patch Notes
Steam Native Support
- Steam players no longer require a Microsoft Account to play multiplayer
- While not logged into a Microsoft Account, you can host and join standard world multiplayer sessions with players from your Steam friends list
- Note: a Microsoft Account is still required for Crossplay, Shared Worlds and Playgrounds
Changes:
- Added a Crossplay Toggle in the Main Menu to quickly switch between a “Crossplay State” and a “Steam Native State”
- Friends will need to be in the same “State” to see and join each other online
- Players can now unlink their Microsoft Account from their Steam Account
- Navigate by going to Options – Game Tab – At the bottom you will see “Unlink Microsoft Account”
