Updated
Updated · IGN · Aug 15
Mortal Shell 2 Expands to 25-30 Hours, Improving Combat and Exploration
Updated
Updated · IGN · Aug 15

Mortal Shell 2 Expands to 25-30 Hours, Improving Combat and Exploration

3 articles · Updated · IGN · Aug 15

Summary

  • Mortal Shell 2 turns the 2020 soulslike into a 25-30 hour action-RPG and largely makes the bigger scale work, with stronger combat variety and a more compelling world despite technical rough edges.
  • 8 melee weapons, 8 sidearms and a doubled shell roster deepen build options, while new active shell abilities, free shell respecs and the Resolve system push players toward aggressive experimentation.
  • Fallgrim now spreads into a huge hub with 6 outer gates, dense side paths and many mini-dungeons, making exploration a standout even if navigation can feel confusing and the map tools remain limited.
  • Late-game balance is shakier: grinding and targeted shell builds can undercut bosses, some lock-on and movement actions feel finicky, and weapon respecs refund materials but still burn gold.
  • The sequel still leans on Mortal Shell's grotesque identity—human-faced spiders, bizarre sidearms and striking bosses—showing the series can scale up without losing its distinct horror flavor.

Insights

With stamina completely removed, does Mortal Shell 2's new aggressive combat system betray its methodical soulslike roots?
Does the massive expansion of Fallgrim sacrifice the tight, focused design of the original game for an overwhelmingly sprawling world?
Releasing in just three days, will the noted technical roughness and underpowered bosses ruin this ambitious dark-fantasy sequel?