The long-awaited standalone sequel to the 2020 Soulslike has finally locked in its release: Mortal Shell II drops August 20 across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam, publisher Playstack and developer Cold Symmetry confirmed. Pre-orders opened immediately at the standard $49.99, with a Devout Edition adding up to 72 hours of early access and an Obsidian skin set for all eight playable Shells.

This one promises an interconnected open world described as expansive yet deliberately compact, ditching stamina gates for posture-shattering aggression and letting players possess dormant warriors to unlock unique abilities and lost memories. Over sixty dungeons dot the twisted landscapes of temples, forests, and bone citadels, all in service of the Harbinger reclaiming the Undermether’s stolen Ova from false gods. Physical buyers on PS5 can grab the Revered Edition collector’s box with SteelBook, art book, and prints.

Open beta players on Steam have already reported very positive feedback on the combat flow and atmosphere, though some note the need for polish before launch. In a summer packed with bigger names, this one’s betting its compact scope and Shell-swapping power fantasy will carve out its own niche without overstaying its welcome.