At Summer Game Fest 2025, the highly anticipated sequel to Atomic Heart was officially unveiled by developer Mundfish, alongside other exciting projects like The Cube and the survival horror game ILL. While details on the new games remain sparse, we had the opportunity to speak with Robert Bagratuni, Founder, CEO, and Game Director at Mundfish, to dive deeper into the progress and ambitions surrounding Atomic Heart 2.
The first Atomic Heart captivated over 10 million players, and expectations for the sequel are even higher.
Atomic Heart 2 picks up a few years after the events of the original, with the narrative exploring the aftermath of the game’s multiple endings. This includes elements from the upcoming fourth DLC, which will provide more clarity on the storyline. The sequel aims to broaden the scope, expanding on the dystopian world with new retro-futuristic environments across the globe, reflecting the consequences of the first game’s actions.
One aspect of the game that has caught attention is the Western influence visible in the trailer. According to Bagratuni, this isn’t a departure from the series’ roots but an expansion of the emotional range of the universe. For example, the trailer’s soundtrack features Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now,” a track that was popular in the Soviet Union in the late ‘70s
. This cultural crossover fits into the Radio of the Future within the game, offering a blend of global icons and regional classics, much like the iconic tracks featured in the first game.
The trailer showcased a mix of in-game cinematics and gameplay, captured using Unreal Engine 5. While it was just a small glimpse into the game, it offered hints about the new directions the game is taking, particularly in terms of combat. Expect more variety, with an emphasis on the glove’s abilities, intense enemy encounters, and larger boss battles. The combat system will evolve, making every fight feel deeper and more satisfying.
As for multiplayer, the focus for Atomic Heart 2 will remain on the personal journey of the protagonist, with a new MMO RPG spin-off, The Cube, offering a shared multiplayer experience. This spin-off expands the narrative and world-building, taking place after the events of the original game.
While players can expect to see familiar faces from the first game, including P-3, the specifics of their return remain under wraps.
Players will also encounter new characters, some of whom may not be clearly good or evil, adding more complexity to the world.
The world of Atomic Heart 2 is much larger than the first game, with vehicles and new traversal options enhancing exploration. The game will offer more open-world elements, giving players the freedom to explore interconnected spaces while still following the core narrative. Expect dynamic environmental factors like time of day and weather to impact gameplay and mood.
Additionally, the RPG elements will be more integrated into the experience, with deeper weapon customization, skill trees, and progression paths. There will be activities to reward curiosity, but they won’t detract from the game’s handcrafted feel.
Choices will matter more in Atomic Heart 2, affecting how missions unfold. There will be companions, though details are being kept secret for now
. Combat improvements are also a key focus, with the team aiming to make every fight more immersive and satisfying. The game is well past the prototype stage, and while it’s still a few years from release, Mundfish is focused on delivering a polished, immersive experience.