Mortal Shell II Announced at Summer Game Fest: Brutal Soulslike Action Returns in 2026

Mortal Shell II’s reveal at Summer Game Fest caught my eye immediately-not because I’m surprised the series is getting a sequel, but because its pitch is audacious: double down on the brutal combat that made the original stand out, and blend that grim “Soulslike” atmosphere with even more violent, God of War-style finishing moves. For anyone who enjoys a challenge and doesn’t mind a bit (okay, a lot) of digital blood, this is the kind of announcement that can actually get you hyped for what’s next in the action RPG landscape.

Mortal Shell II: Doubling Down on Brutal, Soulslike Action

Key Takeaways:

• Mortal Shell II continues the trend of blending unforgiving, Souls-inspired mechanics with visceral, cinematic violence-think Elden Ring by way of God of War.
• The trailer shows off new enemy types, oversized weaponry, and even bloodier finishers, signaling a more aggressive approach to combat than its predecessor.
• Launching in 2026 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series, with a beta planned-suggesting the devs are looking for serious community feedback before release.
• PlayStack seems determined to carve out a distinct niche, doubling down on what made Mortal Shell unique rather than chasing broader, “mainstream” Soulslike trends.

Let’s be honest: Soulslikes are everywhere, but not many developers dare to lean so hard into sheer brutality. Mortal Shell, with its 2020 debut, managed to make a name for itself by borrowing FromSoftware’s formula but adding its own twist—stripped-back mechanics, haunting atmosphere, and a focus on “shells” that fundamentally changed how you approached each run. It wasn’t perfect, but it was memorable, especially if you craved something less polished and more raw than the blockbuster Souls games.

So seeing Mortal Shell II open the Summer Game Fest isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about the devs, PlayStack, signaling that they’re doubling down. The two-minute trailer is all about escalation: bigger weapons (two-handed hammers and gigantic swords that wouldn’t look out of place on Kratos’ back), more varied enemies, and cinematic, gruesome finishers that make even God of War look tame by comparison. You could almost feel the developers daring the audience to flinch.

That violence isn’t just for show, either. If you played the first game, you know Mortal Shell was never interested in holding your hand. Enemies hit hard, resources were scarce, and the learning curve was steep. The trailer suggests Mortal Shell II isn’t softening that edge—in fact, it looks like PlayStack is proud to make this the opposite of a “mainstream” Soulslike. And frankly? I respect that choice. If every Soulslike tried to be as accessible as Lies of P or as lush as Lords of the Fallen, the genre would lose some of its teeth.

What grabbed my attention most, though, was the promise of a public beta. That’s a smart move—especially given how punishing the first game was. It means PlayStack might actually listen to feedback about balance, weapon feel, and combat flow, instead of just assuming hardcore fans will accept every rough edge as “intentional challenge.” With a 2026 release window, there’s plenty of time to tune the difficulty curve and (hopefully) polish some of the technical roughness that held the first Mortal Shell back from greatness.

For players, this is a clear message: Mortal Shell II is being made for those who want their action RPGs tough, uncompromising, and a little bit messy. If you bounced off the first game—or you’re looking for a Soulslike that’s a bit more forgiving—this probably isn’t for you. But if you’re the kind of player who sees “brutal combat” and leans in closer, this sequel might be one to watch as it develops (and, crucially, as it gets feedback from real players in beta).

I’ll be keeping an eye on how PlayStack tackles the biggest community critiques from the first game—namely, the sometimes clunky movement and lack of enemy variety. If Mortal Shell II can smooth out those rough patches while keeping its unique identity, it could become a cult favorite in a genre that’s increasingly crowded with safe, copycat releases. Until then, consider me cautiously optimistic—and hungry for more details when that beta drops.

TL;DR: Mortal Shell II is shaping up to be a harder, bloodier, and even less forgiving action RPG, sticking to its roots while inviting player feedback via an upcoming beta. It’s not trying to be everyone’s Soulslike—but for those who crave the harsh stuff, it looks ready to deliver. Keep your eyes peeled for more details as 2026 approaches.

Source: PlayStack via GamesPress