Release date
Into the Abyss released on August 11, 2026, on all platforms at the same time as the PS5 launch. It’s the game’s current version (0.5.0.3) and follows the Beat the Heat update from April 2026.
What’s new
The update “opens the pond” and adds a fully explorable underwater world, including:
- The Mountains and The Bayou — major new regions
- Underwater depths below the pond’s surface
- Diving suits that extend how long you can explore underwater and unlock new areas
- Returning creatures: koi fish and diving bell spiders
- A new amphibious Buggy called the Toe-biter, which can cross both land and water
How to play underwater
Underwater exploration in Grounded 2 uses the pond’s new depth zones, with diving suits acting as the key to staying down longer and reaching sealed-off areas. Base building is also supported underwater — one of the headline features of the sequel.
Public tests
Obsidian previewed Into the Abyss through public test builds before the official launch, which is why some players could try the update early. Public tests are announced on the official site and Steam.
Player questions
When is the Into the Abyss release date?
Into the Abyss released on August 11, 2026, together with the PS5 version. It is the current live version, 0.5.0.3.
What's new in Into the Abyss?
It opens the pond: underwater depths, new regions including the Mountains and the Bayou, diving suits that extend underwater time, returning creatures like koi fish and diving bell spiders, and the amphibious Toe-biter Buggy.
How are some people playing it early?
Obsidian runs public tests of updates before launch, announced on the official site and Steam.