Developer Cold Symmetry and publisher Playstack have officially confirmed that Mortal Shell II will launch worldwide on August 20, 2026, simultaneously on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. It is a standalone sequel to the soulslike that hardcore players rated highly for its tight, condensed gameplay and signature gloomy atmosphere.
A completely new "posture" combat system
The biggest change in Mortal Shell II is its combat system built around "posture" (stance), which fully replaces the stamina limit familiar from soulslike games. The new system lets players freely mix different fighting styles to break enemy stances and land fatal blows, instead of counting every breath as before. The game also adds stealth and ranged weapon/sidearm options, along with a series of brutal finishers designed specifically for each weapon type.
8 Shells and more than 60 dungeons
Players can take the form of 8 different Shells, each with its own fighting style and stats, and explore a compact but tightly connected open world with more than 60 dungeons hiding secrets. Familiar creatures such as the Wormfish return too, continuing the series' signature dark world.
Price and special editions
The standard edition costs $49.99 / €49.99 / £39.99. The Devout Edition adds an Obsidian skin set for all 8 Shells and up to 72 hours of early access before the official release date. On PS5 there is also a limited physical Revered Edition, which includes an artbook, a steelcase, a premium art print set, additional digital content, and two Harbinger skins exclusive to pre-order customers.
- Release date: August 20, 2026
- Platforms: PC (Steam), PS5, Xbox Series X|S
- Developer: Cold Symmetry
- Publisher: Playstack
- Standard price: $49.99
- Content: 8 playable Shells, 60+ dungeons
Background: From the First Mortal Shell to the Steam Beta
The first Mortal Shell launched in August 2020, also made by Cold Symmetry and published by Playstack. According to RPG Site it sold over 500,000 copies by March 2021, and per KitGuru it passed one million by September 2023. The Virtuous Cycle DLC added a roguelike mode, a new Shell and a new weapon for $7.99.
Ahead of launch, Mortal Shell II had a free beta on Steam, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, offering about three hours of play, with progress carrying over to the full game. According to RPG Site, the Steam beta was downloaded more than 500,000 times in under two weeks.
On pricing, RPG Site lists the Devout Edition at $59.99, €59.99 or £47.99, which is $10 above the standard edition. The PS5 Revered Edition costs $69.99 and is open for pre-order. At $49.99, the standard edition sits well below many big releases from the same period, and anyone undecided can try the beta before buying.
