Mortal Shell II was unveiled during Summer Game Fest 2025, starting the event with a brutal trailer packed with raw, relentless action. Developed by Cold Symmetry and published by Playstack, this standalone sequel to the 2020 cult favorite Mortal Shell is set to release in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam.

For fans of action RPGs, Soulslikes, and monster-slaying mayhem, Mortal Shell II is shaping up to be a must-play. The announcement trailer is packed with intense combat, from bone-crushing stomps and blood-soaked finishers to terrifying ranged attacks. One standout moment features a hulking armored snail barreling toward the player, setting the tone for a world teeming with grotesque, unforgettable enemies.

Players will once again step into the role of the Harbinger, a mysterious figure tasked with reclaiming the sacred Ova from horrific beings that stand in the way. A defining feature of the series, the Shell system returns with greater depth. Dormant warrior bodies, or Shells, can be discovered throughout the game world. Once awakened, each Shell offers its own strengths and skillsets, allowing players to evolve their combat style through experimentation and exploration.

According to the developers, Mortal Shell II includes over 60 dungeons packed with desperate enemies, cryptic lore, and powerful upgrades. The game features a mix of traditional melee weapons and brutal ranged options like medieval firearms and shotguns. From giant clubs to oversized swords, players can customize and evolve their arsenal to match their playstyle.

The interconnected world is expansive but deliberately compact, full of derelict temples, frozen graves, cursed forests, and twisted landscapes begging to be explored. Expect horrifying boss encounters, intricate lore, and strange curiosities scattered between each zone.

Screenshot: Mortal Shell II (Photo: Playstack)

Combat is fast and punishing, but it breaks away from genre conventions by removing stamina restrictions. Players are encouraged to be aggressive, break enemy posture, and execute critical strikes. This puts the gameplay somewhere between Dark Souls, Phantom Blade Zero, and Ninja Gaiden, with an added layer of madness inspired by black metal aesthetics and horror imagery.

You can wishlist the game now on Steam and sign up for early access through the official Mortal Shell website. The upcoming beta will give fans a chance to shape the final version of the game through feedback and early testing.

Mortal Shell II promises a richer, more intense experience with more freedom, deeper mechanics, and brutal visuals. Whether you’re a longtime Soulslike player or simply want to hack through nightmares with a claymore and a shotgun, this sequel is one to watch.