Mortal Shell II launches on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in late 2026, with an Open Beta planned for Summer 2026 on Steam. Publisher Playstack and developer Cold Symmetry confirmed these details during the Summer Game Fest Live Showcase 2025, where they showed the first footage of the soulslike action RPG. The standalone sequel builds upon the 2020 original, bringing back the hard-hitting combat and body-swapping shell system fans expect. Beta sign-ups are live now on the official website, giving players an early shot at testing the harsh battles before the full release.
Mortal Shell II Breaks Cover at Summer Game Fest
Cold Symmetry and Playstack pulled back the curtain on their next project during Geoff Keighley’s annual showcase. The debut trailer marks the first time we have seen the game in motion since its announcement. From what we observed, the team keeps the grim tone that defined the first entry while pushing the visuals to new heights on modern hardware.
The footage reveals crumbling ruins and mist-filled forests that look sharper than before. “We wanted to keep that heavy, grounded feel,” a team member mentioned during the presentation. The studio promises this entry stands alone, so newcomers can jump in without playing the 2020 release.
Soulslike Combat Returns with Smoother Motion
The video highlights the return of the shell mechanics that set the first game apart from competitors like Dark Souls and Lies of P. Players still possess the bodies of dead soldiers to gain new skills and health pools. This Mortal Shell II gameplay shows faster, more fluid motions between attacks while keeping the slow, careful timing that fans of the genre demand.
You will still need to manage stamina with each swing. The footage shows a knight in plate armor trading blows with twisted monsters, each hit carrying real weight. Cold Symmetry has added new shells with unique move sets, giving fresh options for how you approach fights. Compared to the original, the animations look less stiff, letting you react faster when enemies strike.
How to Join the Mortal Shell II Beta
Cold Symmetry opened registration shortly after the trailer dropped. You can sign up for the Mortal Shell II beta right now through the game’s official website. The team plans to run the Open Beta on Steam during Summer 2026, letting PC players test the servers and combat balance first.
Console players will need to wait for the full launch to get their hands on the game. Based on our experience with similar tests, this early phase helps the devs fix bugs and fine-tune weapon damage before the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions ship later this year.
Platform Support and Release Timeline
Mortal Shell II targets a late 2026 launch across all major systems. You can play the full game on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. The title skips last-gen hardware, letting the team focus on faster load times and better frame rates for the new consoles.
Unlike Elden Ring or other sprawling open-world soulslikes, this game keeps a tighter, level-based structure. The Steam page is already live, letting you wishlist the title now.
Quick Facts
- Release Window: Late 2026
- Open Beta: Summer 2026 (Steam only)
- Developer: Cold Symmetry
- Publisher: Playstack
- Genre: Soulslike action RPG
- Key Feature: Shell possession system
- Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Mortal Shell II come out?
The game ships in late 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The exact date remains under wraps, but the Steam page confirms the year.
What is the shell mechanic in Mortal Shell?
Shells are the bodies of fallen warriors that you can wear to gain different stats and skills. Each shell changes how you fight, offering unique attacks and defense options.
Is Mortal Shell II a direct sequel?
No, the team calls it a standalone sequel. You can play it without knowing the first game’s story, though fans will notice callbacks to the original world.
Which platforms support Mortal Shell II?
The game runs on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam. No mobile or handheld versions have been announced.
How much will Mortal Shell II cost?
Pricing remains unconfirmed, but the first game launched at $29.99. Expect a similar price point for this entry when it hits digital stores.
Mark your calendars for late 2026 and head to the official site to secure your Mortal Shell II beta access before slots fill up. We will keep testing the build as updates arrive, so check back for hands-on impressions as we near launch.
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