Grounded Nucleus Co-Op Guide
Grounded supports 2-4 player local split-screen via Nucleus Co-Op with one of the most stable and easy-to-use handlers in the community.
Get game setup in NucleusRequirements
How to Set Up Grounded Split-Screen
The Grounded handler is widely regarded as one of the easiest Nucleus setups. The game uses Steam multiplayer, and the handler manages local multiplayer connection automatically.
- 1.
Install Nucleus Co-Op
Extract to C:\NucleusCo-op. Add to Defender exclusions. Extract with 7-Zip using password 'nucleus'.
- 2.
Get the Grounded Handler
Open Nucleus, search for 'Grounded', install the handler. Point to Grounded.exe in your Steam library (usually at Steam\steamapps\common\Grounded).
- 3.
Keep Steam Open
Steam must be running before launching Nucleus. The Grounded handler uses Steam's networking layer for local multiplayer connection.
- 4.
Connect Controllers
Press a button on each Xbox controller to register them in the Nucleus UI. Drag each controller to a screen section.
- 5.
Play
Click Play. Both instances will launch, resize, and arrange automatically. In the first instance, host a multiplayer game. In the second, join via multiplayer > join friends or LAN.
Tips
Grounded has one of the best Nucleus handler experiences — most users report it working on the first try.
The game supports up to 4 players in online multiplayer, and the Nucleus handler mirrors this for local play.
Lower the render resolution scale in Grounded's settings per instance to improve performance with multiple instances.
Each instance will have separate save progress. Assign a primary host who owns the base/world save.
Grounded's automatic updates may occasionally break the handler temporarily — check the Nucleus game library if issues arise after an update.
Common Issues
Grounded second instance can't see the hosted game +
Grounded instances are running slowly +
About Grounded Split-Screen
Grounded is a survival game developed by Obsidian Entertainment, set in a backyard where players are shrunk to the size of insects. It supports up to 4-player online co-op natively, but lacks local split-screen on PC.
The Nucleus Co-Op handler for Grounded is one of the most praised in the community for its reliability and ease of setup. The game's network architecture works well with Nucleus's local multiplayer connection approach, resulting in a smooth split-screen experience.
Grounded updates frequently, which can occasionally break the handler. The SplitScreen.Me community typically updates handlers within a few days of major game updates. If you experience issues after a Grounded update, check the game setup library page for update status.
Each player in a Grounded Nucleus session maintains their own character progression. The world is hosted by one instance, and other instances join as clients — the same as playing online with friends.
