Cold Symmetry and Playstack have released Mortal Shell II, a standalone action-RPG sequel built on Unreal Engine 5 [1, 2].
The game expands the foundation of the original 2020 title [4] by introducing unrestricted combat and deeper player choice. This shift represents a move toward a larger scale for the franchise, moving away from the scaled-down approach of the first game.
Players can choose from three playable shells [3], each influencing how they navigate the world and engage in high-stakes combat [3]. The narrative centers on a quest to redeem a ravaged world by dethroning false gods [5, 6].
The road to release included an open beta that began on April 1, 2026 [3]. Early gameplay reveals shared in April varied between 11 [1] and 12 minutes [3] of footage, showcasing the game's exploration and combat mechanics. A subsequent trailer was released on June 5, 2026, to further promote the open beta [6].
Critical reception has been mixed regarding the game's increased scope. A reviewer from DualShockers said, "Mortal Shell II is a fantastic sequel that all Soulslike fans should play."
However, other critics questioned the decision to expand the game's size. An IGN reviewer said, "As a fan of Mortal Shell's scaled-down approach to the soulslike back in 2020, I was very skeptical of Mortal Shell 2's enthusiasm for making everything about it way larger, because bigger is not always better."
Mortal Shell II is available on PlayStation consoles and on PC via Steam [2, 3].
“Mortal Shell II is a fantastic sequel that all Soulslike fans should play.”
The transition to Unreal Engine 5 and a larger world map indicates that Cold Symmetry is attempting to compete more directly with AAA 'Soulslike' titles. By moving from a tight, focused experience to one emphasizing exploration and multiple character shells, the developers are testing whether the franchise's identity relies on its restrictive design or its atmospheric combat.
