Mortal Shell II Steam Next Fest 2026 analysis

Quick Take

Mortal Shell II is a standalone soulslike action-RPG sequel from Cold Symmetry (published by Playstack). It features unrestricted, fast, and fluid combat where players possess warrior Shells (Tiel, Eredrim, Proxima, etc.) with unique abilities. Expect deep weapon upgrades, parries, ripostes, aggressive encounters, and free exploration of a larger, more ambitious open world to dethrone false gods.

The Open Beta (demo) was prominent during Steam Next Fest, showcasing prologue and early open world with RTX/DLSS support. It generated strong positive buzz as one of the best non-FromSoft soulslikes.

Release TBA 2026 on PC, PS5, Xbox. High anticipation following the first game's cult following.

What The Demo Shows

The Open Beta provides access to the opening Prologue and an early section of the open world. Core loop: possess different Shells for varied playstyles, engage in brutal melee with emphasis on timing, positioning, and aggressive play, upgrade weapons extensively, explore environments, and face challenging enemies and bosses.

It highlights evolved combat (faster, more fluid than original), customization, and the dark, atmospheric world. RTX features enhance visuals.

Strengths

  • Unrestricted, adrenaline-fueled combat that feels fresh and aggressive.
  • Shell possession system with unique abilities and playstyles.
  • Deep progression and weapon upgrades.
  • Ambitious open world exploration in a larger scope.
  • Strong visual fidelity and atmosphere, boosted by RTX in beta.
  • Excellent demo reception as a top soulslike.

Caveats

  • Demanding soulslike difficulty may not suit all players.
  • Beta is early slice; full game needed for complete story and scope judgment.
  • Sequel expectations high after the original's success.

YouTube And Community References

  • NVIDIA GeForce spotlights and official Open Beta trailers with DLSS/RTX.
  • Community playthroughs and discussions praising combat intensity.
  • Instagram and Reddit buzz calling the demo "really good" and "the best non-FromSoft Souls-Like."

Developer Signals

  • Cold Symmetry and Playstack active with beta launch and Next Fest promotion.
  • Long-overdue thanks post for SGF and community enthusiasm.
  • "It’s time to claim what’s yours" marketing for the beta.
  • Emphasis on evolved combat and world.

Responsive team building on original's legacy.

Market And Wishlist Notes

As of 2026-06-23, TBA 2026 release. Strong interest in soulslike ARPG space.

Next Fest Open Beta provided major visibility and player sampling, with mentions in top unique player and wishlist estimates. RTX support and demo praise boost profile.

Next Fest Impact

Next Fest had a major positive impact. The Open Beta was prominently featured (NVIDIA spotlights, top lists), drawing significant players and wishlist momentum. GDCo estimates placed it among top unique player games alongside ReStory.

Community loved the combat leap and visuals. It provided valuable feedback and hype for the full release. Strong visibility in a competitive fest for the genre. The team used it to welcome players and build excitement.

Sources

  • Steam page + Open Beta
  • GDCo newsletter (wishlist/unique player estimates)
  • NVIDIA/Instagram spotlights
  • Reddit and community discussions
  • Official beta announcement
  • YouTube and coverage
  • gg.deals most-played context