Mortal Shell 2 Deconstructs the Soulslike Genre Even More Effectively Than Its Predecessor
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Eurogamer shares hands-on impressions of the Mortal Shell 2 beta, highlighting how the sequel expands on the original game's unique ideas by introducing a flexible Seal system that reinvents standard Soulslike mechanics.
The action RPG landscape is overflowing with games inspired by FromSoftware, but very few titles try to actually reinvent the foundational rules of the genre. When the original Mortal Shell launched, it experimented with core concepts like stamina management and progression, introducing the signature hardening mechanic that let players instantly petrify themselves to absorb incoming damage. According to a recent hands-on report by Sherif Saed for Eurogamer following a surprise beta drop at Summer Game Fest 2026, the upcoming sequel takes those bold ideas much further and refines them into a far more confident experience.
While the first game often felt like an ambitious prototype testing out eccentric design choices, Mortal Shell 2 refactors these systems into a coherent, highly flexible framework. The biggest mechanical shift centers on the newly overhauled Seal system. Instead of giving every character universal access to standard defensive options, Seals now govern fundamental mechanics like parrying, blocking, and ranged posture breaking. Players must actively choose which basic tools they want to bring into battle, effectively allowing for deep build customisation while preserving the rigid, pre-determined stats of the game's distinct character shells.
Of course, since this preview stems from an early beta test, the experience is not entirely seamless. The build reportedly suffers from familiar technical hurdles, including rough menu navigation, tiny subtitle text, and occasional collision bugs that trap players or bosses in the geometry. Even with these rough edges, the underlying design shows serious promise for fans of challenging action games. As developers continue to polish the title ahead of release, this sequel is shaping up to be a compelling evolution that respects player intelligence and rewards deeper tactical experimentation.
Tags: Mortal Shell 2, Soulslike, RPG, Gaming News, Eurogamer
Original article: Eurogamer