Fans of challenging action RPGs can now try Mortal Shell II without purchasing the full game, as the sequel offers a free playable prologue covering roughly its first three hours.
The trial gives players an opportunity to experience the game’s combat, exploration and progression systems before deciding whether to buy the full release. The prologue originally launched as part of a playable beta in June 2026 and remains available following the game’s launch.
Mortal Shell II is now available on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Free prologue available across major platforms
The free Mortal Shell II prologue can be downloaded on PC through Steam, as well as through the PlayStation Store and Xbox Marketplace.
The trial effectively serves as an extended demo, allowing players to experience the opening section of the sequel rather than a short standalone preview.
Progress from the prologue does not transfer directly to the full game. However, players who complete it receive the option to skip the opening section when starting the full version. They will also receive the The Flayed Harbinger cosmetic outfit as a reward.
A bigger sequel to the original Mortal Shell
Released in 2020, Mortal Shell established a loyal audience within the soulslike community and eventually sold more than one million copies worldwide. Its reception was more mixed than that of the genre’s biggest releases, with critics generally viewing it as an ambitious but imperfect entry into the action RPG category.
The sequel aims to build on that foundation with significant changes to combat, exploration and character development.
Mortal Shell II features faster combat, expanded weapon customisation, and greater freedom to explore its world. The developers have also increased the number of build options available to players, giving the sequel a broader approach to character progression.
The visual presentation has received a substantial upgrade as well, making the new game considerably more detailed than its predecessor.
Combat moves beyond the traditional soulslike formula
While Mortal Shell II retains many elements associated with soulslike games, its combat is designed to be more aggressive and fast-paced.
The game places greater emphasis on movement and offensive abilities, while reducing some of the limitations that traditionally slow down combat in the genre. This gives the sequel its own identity rather than simply reproducing the formula established by games such as Dark Souls and Elden Ring.
Player reception has also been stronger so far. The sequel currently holds a higher critical score on Metacritic than the original, while its Steam reviews are rated Very Positive based on more than 1,700 user reviews.
Some players have praised the improved combat and movement, although others have criticized the damage dealt by regular enemies, arguing that the difficulty can sometimes feel unnecessarily high.
What is Mortal Shell II about?
Mortal Shell II is a standalone continuation of the original game and does not require players to have completed the first title.
The story takes place in a devastated world where the remains of eight forgotten warriors are scattered across the landscape. Players can find and take control of these Shells, each of which offers different abilities and characteristics.
Exploring these characters and uncovering their histories forms a central part of the game’s narrative. At the same time, players can upgrade weapons and develop their preferred combat style as they progress through the world.
The free prologue provides an easy way for players unfamiliar with the series to see how the sequel has evolved before committing to the full experience.
Mortal Shell II is currently available on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, while the three-hour prologue can be downloaded separately on the supported digital storefronts.
