Though the gaming realm is brimming with anticipation of games like Ghost of Yotei, which releases later this year, Mortal Shell 2 has carved a spot for itself. Revealed at Summer Game Fest 2025, Cold Symmetry’s Soulslike action RPG is gearing up to be a frightening experience.
Scheduled for a 2026 release on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam, Mortal Shell 2 builds upon its 2020 original with over 60 dungeons and a refined combat system. Here’s what you can anticipate from this twisted, dark adventure.
Combat Evolved – Fast and Vicious
For starters, Mortal Shell 2 redesigns its combat system. Unlike other Soulslikes, it does away with the stamina system, enabling players to unleash non-stop attacks. This shift of gear demands precision, as mistimed attempts are suicide against deformed foes.
The addition of ranged weapons, in the shape of machine guns, crossbows, and shotguns, is a welcome surprise. These additions enable players to mix close-range and distance tactics, providing versatility in battle. The trailer emphasized gruesome stabs and brutal finishers, indicating a visceral experience.
Understanding The Shells Mechanic
Also making a return is the “Shells” system, which enables players to collect overlooked warriors scattered around the world. Each Shell has its own abilities and strengths, allowing the players to have varying styles of play.
One Shell might be focused on heavy melee, for instance, while another likes agility or ranged attacks. This system, along with more weapon customization, will enable players to forge their own path.
Cold Symmetry’s focus on abundant upgrade pathways indicates a rewarding progression system, one that will appeal to enthusiasts who enjoy tinkering with builds.
A World of Over 60 Dungeons in Mortal Shell 2
To top it all off, Mortal Shell 2 also boasts an open world filled with over 60 interlocking dungeons. Designed to be both vast and intimate, the world is respectful of players’ time while also encouraging exploration. Hidden structures and corrupted lands wait, with secrets to be unearthed.
The trailer revealed a shattered, dark world populated with horrific beasts. Skeleton abominations and flesh-bearded horrors await, enemies that seem poised to challenge even experienced Soulslike players. This emphasis on exploration sets Mortal Shell 2 apart from the genre.
Cold Symmetry’s Vision
Meanwhile, Cold Symmetry has stated ambitious plans for the sequel. The developers are billing Mortal Shell 2 as a standalone title that dramatically improves upon the first with unrestrained, free-flowing, adrenaline-charged combat. They aim to refine everything from world design to combat responsiveness.
By eliminating the stamina system and improving exploration, they are addressing criticisms of the first game’s clunky mechanics. The Behemoth soundtrack of the trailer adds to the dark ambiance of the game, which is appropriate for its desolate world.
Key Features of Mortal Shell 2:
- Release Date: 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam.
- Dungeons: Over 60, set in an interconnected open world.
- Combat: Stamina-free system with melee and ranged weapons, including firearms.
- Shells: Possess warriors with unique abilities for varied playstyles.
- World Design: Compact, twisted landscapes with hidden structures.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
In the meantime, the gaming world has responded with cautious optimism. While the original Mortal Shell was popular for its creative hardening mechanic, not many found its open world to be quite up to scratch.
Fans are keeping their fingers crossed that Mortal Shell 2 is a more rounded affair. The fact that it has promised over 60 dungeons has created a buzz, and many cannot wait to explore the twisted worlds.
In fact, Beta sign-ups are already live on Steam, promising early access to fans.
How Mortal Shell 2 Fits into the Soulslike Genre
Different from other Soulslikes, Mortal Shell 2 mixes traditional elements with some more risky innovations. The removal of stamina and addition of guns may make the eyebrows of purists rise, but those innovations may be precisely what the formula needs in order to be revitalized.
As opposed to Ghost of Yotei, with its samurai combat emphasis, Mortal Shell 2 has a darker, more fantasy-styled aesthetic. Its miniature open world is a break from large-budget games, delivering a distilled but complete experience. Players seeking depth without overwhelming scope might enjoy this balance.
What’s Next for Mortal Shell 2
On the horizon, Mortal Shell 2 is poised to rattle things in 2026. The Summer Game Fest trailer for the game, which was set to Behemoth’s Ben Sahar, made waves with its grisly imagery and heavy metal aesthetic.
While the game is still in development, fans are hungry to hear more about the story, enemy varieties, and Shell abilities. The beta window will most likely yield to some discussion of gameplay refinements, building hype for the full release.
In all, the game appears to be an ambitious sequel that builds upon the original. With over 60 dungeons, a stamina-free combat system, and a macabre world to uncover, it seems like a Soulslike title worth looking out for. Cold Symmetry’s commitment to stripping away mechanics to streamline exploration suggests a game that respects its lineage while innovating. With gamers preparing for its release in 2026, Mortal Shell 2 casts a dark shadow on the action RPG landscape, ready to test their skills and mettle.