Mortal Shell 2 launched on Steam with 81% positive reviews - players praise the optimization (2026)

On August 20, 2026, Cold Symmetry studio, with the support of Playstack, released an action role-playing gameMortal Shell 2— a continuation of the hardcore soulslike, which immediately attracted the attention of the gaming community. Just a few hours after the release, the project gained81% positive feedbackon Steam based on over 3,800 ratings. For comparison, the first part of Mortal Shell has 96% positive reviews, but it has six years of accumulated reputation behind it.

What players praise

The main advantages of the sequel, according to Steam users, are the technical condition of the game and the visual component. Players note that the project works stably even on mid-level systems, and locations load quickly. “Gloomy. Beautiful. Optimized,” summed up the author of one of the positive reviews with the nickname Joxer.

The combat system deserves special mention. In Mortal Shell 2, the developers abandoned the traditional stamina scale and replaced it with mechanicsResolve, which accumulates in battle and is spent on abilities and ranged weapons. This has made battles more dynamic and aggressive - players can constantly keep pressure on the enemy without having to wait for stamina to recover.

The system is also highly ratedShell- Invasion into the bodies of fallen soldiers. There are eight skins available in the sequel, each with its own unique abilities and leveling tree. Combined with a variety of weapons, Seals, and passive effects, this creates a deep build system that allows you to adapt your character to different situations.

Peace and exploration

Unlike the first part, which took place in relatively linear locations, Mortal Shell 2 offersinterconnected open worldwith over 60 dungeons. Critics and players note that the world is filled with secrets and rewards - almost every branch from the main path leads to something valuable: a new weapon, a passive bonus, or a hidden boss.

Visually the game is built onUnreal Engine 5and demonstrates a noticeable jump in graphics quality. Gloomy temples, abandoned fortresses and swampy lowlands are designed with great attention to detail, and enemies and bosses are made in the signature style of “heavy horror fantasy”.

What is criticized

Despite the high overall rating, the game also has noticeable shortcomings. The most common complaints in reviews are behaviorcamerasin confined spaces and during battles with large opponents. Some boss fights are annoying due to poor camera angles that make it difficult to judge the distance and timing of attacks.

Players also notetechnical bugs- from problems with AI enemies to rare falls through textures. The story component receives mixed reviews, with many considering the narrative to be lackluster and uninteresting compared to the gameplay. Some users complain about recurring enemies towards the end of the game.

Prices and Availability

Mortal Shell 2 is out nowPC (Steam), PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The cost of the standard edition on Russian Steam isfrom 2299 rubles. Digital deluxe edition also availableDevout Editionfor $59.99, which includes eight obsidian skins and 72 hours of early access, owners of this edition were able to start playing on August 17th.

On consoles, the game is priced at $49.99 for the standard edition. Physical collectibleRevered Editionfor PS5 includes an artbook, steelbook and exclusive prints.

Results of the first day

The release of Mortal Shell 2 can be called successful. Critics gave the game84/100 on MetacriticAnd85/100 on OpenCritic, and players on Steam supported the project with 81% positive reviews. The main strengths are a dynamic combat system, a well-thought-out world with rewards for research, and excellent technical optimization at the start. If Cold Symmetry quickly fixes problems with the camera and minor bugs through patches, the sequel has every chance of becoming one of the best soulslike releases of 2026.

Source:3DNews