Really enjoyed the first Grounded. That said, this version you've got going here is great so far with the exception of the constant orc attacks early on in the game while I'm trying to level up. Right after I got my ant buggy Miss Snotty hacks my device and after that it seems like every two days a load of ORCS invades my camp or attacks me wherever I am. The invasion is VERY tough to fight as a new "whimpy" character, and I die way too much to make it enjoyable. When the game first came out, I made it as far as the Stranger and fought her. Her spider poisoned me through 90% of the battle and made it impossible to heal quicker than I was dying. I'm playing on Relaxed mode as I'm an explorer, not a great fighter. The blocking mechanic of the game has always been a real challenge for me, even in the first game. Therefore, I think the relaxed version of the game should be quite a bit easier than normal or nightmare. Also, I was attacked by a HUGE scorpion while I was at my first base and had to hide in the outpost until it left. I think being close to the starting base should be relatively safe and the further you venture out should get increasingly more difficult. Hoping you don't keep this content of constant Bullying by the Stranger and her ORCS in the game. Ticking off the groups of bugs in the first one and fending off an attack by normal bugs was annoying, but acceptable. Just keep in mind that some people still play games for the adventure and the fun, not the extremely difficult fighting and dying. Would appreciate some consideration on this issue.

Thanks

This really needs to be addressed, the ORC attacks ramp up in difficulty to the point it becomes impossible to deal with the enemies

I always have to run away from my base and let them attack me somewhere then flee from them until she snarks at me and calls them off

In the beginning I recommend getting on top of one of the large leaf milkweed plants away from your base. By being up in the air, you only have to worry about one flying enemy typically. In the starting area, it’s usually a bee. If you head to the picnic area it will change to a butterfly. If you can take down the one flying enemy, then you can try picking off any ground enemies that spawn with a bow or just wait them out.

One of my favorite spots is on a log fence in the picnic area post by a light pole. it works just like the milkweed plants except I find it far easier to not accidentally fall off.

That said, I don’t disagree that it would be nice to have a feature that lets players adjust the difficulty and frequency of raids. I’m a very big fan of letting people play the way they like to play. I think it would be nice to have this be a feature players can adjust from within the game and not have to set it at the start of a new game. Initially players may not enjoy the raids but later on they might enjoy a challenge. The raids are a good source of science and resources.

I play on average difficulty (disclaimer)

O.R.C. attacks are annoying, but you can fairly easily run away from them, and beating them is the only way to get Science Points at the end game.

That said, I agree they start pretty early on and if you don't progress fast enough can get too strong too quick. This should be addressed.

Boss fights - poison should not be an issue. You can get food that lowers poison, and smoothies that lower it (same for cold, tang and fire damage and buildup)

Scorpion at the start - exploring can lead to that. It happened to me too. The scorpion follows you and once you reach your base you have no choice but to kill it. I don't know how you evaded it. I cheesed it easily by standing inside the facility tunnel and shooting it with the first bow. I always keep a bow with arrows in my inventory for shooting berries and stuff (it's very convenient to keep it there) so it was a really good way to get my first scorpion stinger.

Hope that helps.