Surviving the Miniature: Grounded and Smalland Compared

Tiny Adventures: A Comparison of Grounded and Smalland

Embarking on a journey through the miniature worlds of Grounded and Smalland: Survive the Wilds is akin to entering two distinct yet equally enchanting realms. Both games beckon players into the survival genre with a promise of adventure, but each does so with its own unique flair.

What is Grounded?

In the world of Grounded, you find yourself in the shoes of a child, miraculously shrunken down to the size of an ant, navigating the perils of a suburban backyard. This setting, familiar yet alien, becomes a playground of survival where towering blades of grass sway like skyscrapers and insects loom as formidable beasts. The game’s charm lies in its humor and the whimsicality of its premise, inviting laughter and delight as you craft and explore. The narrative, while not always at the forefront, unfolds through collectibles that dot the landscape, encouraging thorough exploration.

How about Smalland: Survive the Wilds?

Contrastingly, Smalland takes a more solemn approach to the survival experience. Here, you are a tiny creature, emerging from generations spent underground to reclaim a place in the world above. The Giants of old are gone, and the surface is ripe for the taking. The game’s depth is evident in its crafting system and the freedom it offers to build and thrive amidst a world that’s both beautiful and dangerous. Resources are plentiful, highlighted by scanning antennas that guide you to your next discovery, ensuring that survival is a challenge but not a chore.

Look alike but not related

While both games share the theme of diminutive protagonists in vast, oversized worlds, their execution diverges. Grounded thrives on its comedic elements and RPG-like progression, making every encounter a story in itself. Smalland, on the other hand, leans into the richness of its survival mechanics, offering a more traditional genre experience with a focus on crafting and building.

As you decide between these two games, consider what draws you to the survival genre. Is it the laughter and the unexpected twists of a child’s backyard adventure? Or is it the satisfaction of crafting a home in a world where everything is larger than life? Whichever you choose, both Grounded and Smalland: Survive the Wilds promise to deliver experiences that are as immersive as they are diminutive. 

TLDR

Grounded

Pros:

• Humorous and quirky narrative.
• Creative backyard environment that’s visually stunning.
• Combines survival mechanics with RPG elements for depth.
• Character progression and elaborate boss fights add to the engagement.
• Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, known for their storytelling.

Cons:

• Some minor bugs and glitches.
• Story development can be slow, relying on collectibles.
• Requires grinding for progression.

Smalland: Survive the Wilds

Pros:

• Offers a serious and in-depth survival experience.
• Vast crafting system and world-building options.
• Beautiful art style and immersive atmosphere.
• Scanning antennas make resource gathering more accessible.
• Developed by a smaller studio, showing impressive dedication.

Cons:

• Still in Early Access, which means it’s not fully polished.
• Being from a smaller studio, it might lack the resources for rapid development.
• Future updates are expected to bring improvements and more content.