Grounded 1 & Grounded 2 – Multiplayer and authentication issue on Xbox Series S

Subject: Grounded 1 & Grounded 2 – Multiplayer and authentication issue on Xbox Series S

Hello,

I am experiencing a persistent multiplayer/authentication issue with Grounded 1 and Grounded 2 on an Xbox Series X.

The problem started suddenly. Before this happened, we were able to play Grounded 1 together normally using multiplayer/crossplay.

Grounded 1

On the affected Xbox Series X, Grounded 1 takes an unusually long time to reach the main menu.

When the game finally reaches the menu, attempting to join the shared world results in a connection error with no error code.

We also tried sending an invitation while the affected player was already inside the game. She accepted the invitation, but nothing happened.

Grounded 2

Grounded 2 shows an even clearer authentication-related problem.

When the affected player presses “Press any button”, the game starts loading and then returns to the same “Press any button” screen, creating an infinite loop.

We also tested Grounded 2 with my Xbox account on the same console, and the exact same behavior occurred. Therefore, the problem does not appear to be specific to her Xbox account.

Interestingly:

- Grounded 2 works normally when the console is offline.

- Grounded 2 can also launch normally in Single Player while the console is online.

- However, multiplayer/social functionality does not work correctly.

For example, while I was inside a multiplayer world, I sent an invitation to her. She received and accepted the invitation, but nothing happened.

Troubleshooting already performed

We have already tried all of the following:

- Restarted the Xbox.

- Fully powered off the Xbox by holding the power button for approximately 10 seconds.

- Unplugged the console from power and restarted it.

- Restarted the modem/router.

- Reinstalled Grounded.

- Checked for Xbox system updates — there were no pending updates.

- Tested the Xbox network connection — everything passed.

- Tested the Xbox multiplayer connection — everything passed.

- NAT type is Moderate.

- Xbox privacy and multiplayer settings are all set to Allow.

- Tried the default/automatic DNS.

- Tried Google DNS.

- Tested with two different Xbox accounts on the same console.

- Confirmed that the issue is not related to external storage; the game is installed on the Xbox Series X internal storage.

- Performed Reset console → Keep my games & apps.

- After the reset, the exact same Grounded problem remained.

The Xbox itself can connect to Xbox services normally, and the Xbox mobile app also works normally with the account.

Additional information

The Xbox uses Game Pass sharing through the console's Home Xbox configuration. The affected player uses her own Xbox account to play, and this setup worked normally before the problem started.

Because the issue affects both Grounded 1 and Grounded 2, while other Xbox network tests work correctly, we suspect that there may be an issue with the Grounded authentication, multiplayer/session services, or the communication between Grounded and Xbox services.

Could you please check whether there is a known issue affecting Grounded 1 and Grounded 2 multiplayer/authentication on Xbox Series X, or whether there is anything server-side that could be preventing the console from properly accessing Grounded multiplayer services?

We can provide screenshots, videos, gamertags, timestamps, or any other diagnostic information you need.

Thank you.