Dark fantasy is getting a little more dangerous as Mortal Shell II arrives on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC.
Cold Symmetry’s standalone sequel takes the unforgiving combat of the original Mortal Shell, and turns up the aggression, combining faster action, deeper weapon customisation and a compact open world packed with secrets, dungeons and some very unpleasant things waiting to kill you.
At A Glance
- Game: Mortal Shell II
- Developer: Cold Symmetry
- Publisher: Playstack
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PS5, PC
- Price: From £39.99
- Genre: Action RPG
A Darker World, A Faster Fight
Mortal Shell II doesn’t require any knowledge of the original, although returning players should feel right at home with its grim atmosphere and emphasis on mastering combat. You take control of the Harbinger, a mysterious being tasked with recovering the Undermether’s stolen eggs from the creatures guarding them.
Getting them back won’t be straightforward. The world has been shattered, its remaining inhabitants are desperate or fanatical, and the route ahead is filled with enemies that are more than happy to put an end to your quest.
This time around, though, the combat has been designed to move with considerably more freedom.
Forget Stamina – Focus On Survival
One of the biggest changes comes in combat, with stamina gauges removed to allow for a more aggressive approach. Melee and ranged attacks can be combined with dodges, executions and abilities as you look for openings and attempt to break enemy posture.
That doesn’t mean Mortal Shell II is suddenly an easy ride. Far from it. Encounters are still intended to be tense and punishing, with precision and timing remaining crucial if you’re going to survive.
The Shell system also returns, allowing you to discover the bodies of fallen warriors and inhabit them. Each brings its own strengths and abilities, giving you plenty of scope to develop a combat style that suits the way you want to play.
An Open World Worth Getting Lost In
Rather than throwing players into an enormous open world for the sake of scale, Mortal Shell II takes a more compact approach. Its interconnected paths lead between ruined temples, forbidden forests, icy graves and enormous citadels carved from bone.
There are more than 60 dungeons scattered throughout the world, alongside weapons, upgrades, curiosities and additional story details for those willing to wander off the beaten path.
Exploration should therefore pay dividends. You might set out with one objective in mind and return with an entirely different Shell, a strange new weapon or another piece of the mystery surrounding this ruined world.
From Mortal Shell To Mortal Shell II
This is a particularly interesting sequel, given that we awarded Mortal Shell: Enhanced Edition 4/5 in review. We praised the improved performance and loading times while noting that the Souls-like combat remained one of its biggest strengths.
We also covered Mortal Shell II when Cold Symmetry officially announced the sequel back in 2025, so there’s been plenty of time for anticipation to build. The good news for newcomers is that the sequel has been designed as a standalone experience, meaning there’s no need to have played the original before stepping into its world.
Two Editions And A Choice Of Extras
The Standard Edition costs £39.99 and is available from August 20th, while the Devout Edition costs £47.99 and is out now.
The Devout Edition includes up to 72 hours of advanced access, alongside the Skeletal and Obsidian Harbinger skins.
Mortal Shell II is available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC. Note though, this isn’t coming to Xbox Game Pass at launch and there is no Xbox Play Anywhere support.
For anyone who enjoyed the original’s grim Souls-inspired approach, Mortal Shell II looks ready to offer a faster, more expansive take on that formula. With a new world to explore, more Shells to master and stamina no longer standing between you and the next brutal encounter, the Harbinger’s journey could be one hell of a fight.
Our review of Mortal Shell II is on the way.
