First Look: Mortal Shell II, 3.5 Hours In

There's a new game in the rotation. Alongside the nightly Diablo IV grind, we've started Mortal Shell II, and after a couple of evening sessions we're 3.5 hours in. That's way too early for a full guide or a score, so think of this as a field report with screenshots, straight from our own playthrough.

Mortal Shell II screenshot: a hooded warrior with a greatsword on his back stands before towering stone gates carved into a cliff, with wooden scaffolding on both sides — Standing at the gates. Every screenshot in this post is from our own game.

💀 What Is Mortal Shell II?

It's a Soulslike from Cold Symmetry, the sequel to 2020's Mortal Shell, released August 20, 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Like the first game, its big idea is the shells: you play as a fragile being called the Harbinger who takes over the bodies of fallen warriors, and each shell plays like a completely different class. If you're coming from Elden Ring, as we are, the tough combat and gloomy, fog-soaked world will feel familiar fast.

Mortal Shell II screenshot: a pale, gaunt figure sits on a stone pedestal in a rain-soaked canyon between twisted trees and dark cliffs — Rain, fog, and dead trees. The mood is set from the first steps.

🛡️ Our Progress: Two Shells Down

So far we've unlocked two shells:

1
ProximaOne of the first shells you can pick up. She's found at a shattered beacon near Blackridge Cliff, with a guard you'll have to get past first.
2
TielThe rogue. Fans of the first game will remember him as the quick, dodgy one, and he's back. Unlocking him earns the Steam achievement "Forever Alone?", which about 81% of players have.

Mortal Shell II screenshot: an armored figure in dark, horned armor sits on a fallen log beneath a huge tree in thick fog — A shell resting under a giant tree in the fog.

Steam overlay for Mortal Shell II showing 3.5 hours total playtime and the achievement Forever Alone? for unlocking Tiel, earned today — Our Steam overlay from Wednesday, October 7: 3.5 hours played and Tiel unlocked.

Mortal Shell II screenshot: the dark, muscular Harbinger seen from behind, standing in a murky blue void filled with drifting particles and strange organic pillars — Somewhere deep and strange. No spoilers on where.

💀 Our Take: 10/10 So Far

Since this first look went up, we've made it official: Mortal Shell II gets an early 10/10 from us. It's still early, so we'll keep playing and update the score as we go. Read the full Mortal Shell II review for the shells, where to find them, and beginner tips.

In the meantime, our Soulslike clips live on our YouTube Shorts channel, Elden Daddy.

The pot keeps simmering. 🍲

— Team Sinigang

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