Mortal Shell 2 has officially been unveiled, and it’s set to arrive on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC in 2026. 
Kicking off the Summer Game Fest 2025 with a brutal, cinematic trailer, the sequel promises to go far beyond its predecessor – and Soulslike fans should be paying attention.
The original Mortal Shell made a name for itself with its eerie aesthetic, distinct combat style, and the unique mechanic of possessing different ‘shells’ – essentially warrior bodies – that offered new abilities and fighting styles. Mortal Shell 2 doubles down on this idea while tearing down the linearity of the first game in favor of a more open, exploration-driven structure.
According to Cold Symmetry and publisher PlayStack, the sequel features unrestricted combat, deeper weapon customization, and an expansive upgrade system that aims to push player creativity. Gone is the feeling of being on rails – instead, players will face a darker, richer world with the freedom to explore, fight, and evolve in their own way.
What sets Mortal Shell apart from the massive wave of Soulslikes is its focused gameplay and lore depth without overburdening the player with grind-heavy systems. Critics praised the first game for not padding content and for offering high impact at a budget price. Now, fans are curious to see how the developers will expand the scope while retaining what made the first game special.
Though the trailer didn’t give away much about the plot, the tone is grim and cryptic, hinting at a deeper dive into the mythology that underpins this universe. There’s a clear visual and thematic evolution, with blood-soaked battlefields, grotesque enemies, and surreal dreamscapes hinting at a more daring narrative direction.
Fans are already buzzing, debating what new shells, weapons, and mechanics will emerge, and whether the devs will finally address the first game’s biggest critiques – such as its short length and repetitive environments. If Cold Symmetry pulls it off, Mortal Shell 2 could carve out an even larger place in the hardcore action RPG landscape.