Grounded 2 recently had its early access launch and fans of the previous entry are already diving into it. With it being already available on Game Pass, not many players have opted to buy the standard edition of the game. As a result, the developers recently announced the launch of the Founder’s Edition bundle. It adds a bunch of additional items – including free skins and more! But this edition seems to have caused a division in the community. Some support the move while others are against it. Let’s take a look at the entire controversy so you are up to speed!
Skins Controversy Explained
The Founder’s Edition Bundle was announced on July 16, 2025 via a post on Xbox Wire by Obsidian Entertainment’s Senior Communications Manager, Shyla Schofield. This announcement is the main reason for the controversy.
We’ll be going over this announcement and pointing out the important things from it. Here’s the original game preview article that mentions the announcement if you want to check it our for yourself.
Founder’s Edition Overview
With the Founder’s Edition Bundle, you get the following extra items:
- Digital Game Download
- 4 Premium Skins & Emotes
- Digital Artbook & Soundtrack
- Future Additional Items (unannounced so far).
The Founder’s Edition Bundle is available for $39.99, or $10.00 as an upgrade to the Standard Edition. These additional items are not available to players who got the Standard Edition or are playing the game on Game Pass. So, if you want to get the extra skins, you will need to purchase them separately.
Additionally, this bundle is available from when the early access period began on July 29, 2025.
Why This Matters?
More than likely, it seems the reason for this bundle being released is to get players to purchase the game and get away from Game Pass. After all, the majority of the players playing Grounded 2 currently are doing so via Game Pass, and not actually purchasing the game.
There have been plenty of layoffs because of Game Pass in the industry, and Xbox will want to some more sales that do not depend on it. With studios downsizing, getting direct revenue in matters more than ever.
However, the reason for the controversy is that players think these additional skins mean that the developers plan to add microtransactions to the game. However, Obsidian has been quite clear about their no microtransactions policy.
So, if there will be extra skins added to the game in future, it will likely be in the form of bundles.
It’s important to keep in mind that the items in this bundle are all cosmetic. They do not affect the gameplay in any way, nor do they give you any additional benefits. So, you can absolutely enjoy the game the same way without getting the bundle.
But players are worried that the studio might start pushing more microtransactions. This has the possibility of alienating the player base with premium players getting more benefits.
Additional Free Items – For Everyone?
However, in the same announcement, the developers announced a decorative set of Tool Effigies called the Tools of Yore. These are free for all players – whether you are playing on Game Pass, the Standard Edition, or have the Founder’s Edition Bundle.
So, it seems that the developers are at least aware that making all items exclusive to premium players could cause an issue.
The Tools of Yore are also cosmetic upgrades – so if the developers do plan on adding microtransactions, they will probably be cosmetic as well.
Quite a few players actually welcome this update as well because it gives them a chance to support the developers. Game Pass has shown to be a double edged sword – great for gamers but causing harm to studios.
With a direct way to support developers, players might be able to enjoy the game they like, get skins in return while also help the game expand. However, if you enjoy the subscription model of Game Pass, understandably – you aren’t pleased.
In the end, the Founder’s Edition is an optional cosmetic upgrade that you can choose to buy to support the developers. It’s entirely up to you!
Final Thoughts
That’s everything you need to know about the skins controversy in Grounded 2. With Obsidian Entertainment saying they will not add microtransactions, the skins are only a cosmetic bundle you can get. Additionally, even if you do not want to get the bundle, you can still enjoy additional cosmetics via the Tools of Yore addition. We would like to hear you take on this though. Do you support the new skins added, or are you against any form of additional purchases – even if they do not affect gameplay?
