Mortal Shell II Arrives
Mortal Shell II Set for August 2026 Release, Featuring Deeper Combat, Live Steam Beta
Key Points
There is a discrepancy in reported pre-order skins: Gamespew says pre-orders include Skeletal Harbinger and Obsidian Harbinger, while VPesports lists Bone Harbinger and Obsidian Harbinger as the pre-order skins.
The open beta is live on Steam, with two shells available in the beta (Harros and Tiel); the full game will feature all eight shells at release.
The Revered Edition is a PS5-exclusive physical bundle that includes a steelbook, an artbook, fine art prints and a collector’s box, serving as the premium physical option.
Pricing varies by edition and region: standard digital around $49.99 and Devout around $59.99; Russian pricing lists standard at 2,299 rubles and Devout at 2,699 rubles.
Devout Edition early access begins August 17, 2026 (72 hours before the official August 20 launch).
Mortal Shell 2 is coming August 20, 2026, on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam. Developer Cold Symmetry and publisher Playstack Games confirmed the date alongside a new cinematic trailer, giving fans their clearest look yet at the soulslike sequel. Insider Gaming reports that buyers who spring for the premium Devout Edition get up to 72 hours of early access, meaning they can start playing as early as August 17.
An open beta is already live on Steam right now, letting players try two of the game's eight shells — Harros and Tiel — ahead of launch. The full game will unlock all eight shells at release, each with its own unique abilities and progression system.
No Stamina Bar Changes How Combat Feels
The biggest mechanical shift in Mortal Shell 2 is the removal of the stamina bar. Players can now attack and dodge faster than in the original game. But the game stays tough. Enemies hit harder, and precise timing is still required for parries and finishers. AltChar notes the design keeps high stakes alive without the old stamina limits.
The game also moves into a larger, interconnected open world. Cold Symmetry describes it as built for free exploration. Players unlock shell progression by discovering memories scattered across the world, rewarding curiosity as much as combat skill.
Eight Shells, Three Editions, and One Physical Bundle
Mortal Shell 2 comes in three editions. The standard digital version costs around $49.99. The Devout Edition runs about $59.99 and adds the 72-hour early access window plus an Obsidian skin set for all eight shells. Gamespew reports pre-orders also include bonus skins, though sources differ on the exact names — either Skeletal Harbinger or Bone Harbinger, plus an Obsidian Harbinger skin.
A third option, the Revered Edition, is a PS5-exclusive physical bundle. Insider Gaming says it includes a steelbook case, an artbook, fine art prints, and a collector's box. It is the premium physical choice for collectors who want the full package on Sony's console.
Open Beta Gives Steam Players an Early Taste
The open beta is live on Steam and free to download right now. It includes two playable shells — Harros and Tiel — giving players a sample of the combat system before August. CGMag Online notes the beta is a strong signal of Cold Symmetry's confidence in the game's current state.
The beta does not include the full roster. All eight shells will only be available at launch. Each shell plays differently, with its own stat profile and abilities. Players who want to try every option will need to wait for August 20 — or August 17 with the Devout Edition.
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