Mortal Shell II Builds Momentum as Beta Expands and Physical Edition Sells Out

Mortal Shell II is only a couple of weeks away from launch, and you can already see the excitement surrounding the game growing. While the first Mortal Shell earned a respectable following as a smaller-budget Soulslike, most players recognized it for what it was: a solid AA experience that delivered a unique take on the genre despite its limitations. 

This sequel looks ready to move well beyond those constraints, and the recent open beta has given players a much better idea of how much larger the game has become. Now that the beta is also available on PlayStation and XBOX, even more people are getting a chance to see that progress for themselves.

If you want to try the game before release, you can download the open beta right now from the PlayStation Store or XBOX Store without needing a PlayStation Plus subscription or a pre-order. 

The beta lets you experience the opening hours of the full game, beginning with the prologue before leading you into an early section of the open world. During that time, you start your journey as the Harbinger, possess fallen shells, and begin exploring one of the game's first major regions. 

As you move through the beta, you can cleanse beacons, search optional dungeons, take on hidden mini-bosses, and complete various side challenges before eventually making your way toward Magalania, the Lady of the Woods. Although your overall progress won't carry over into the final release, the beta does include rewards that stay tied to your account.

Simply playing unlocks the exclusive Flade Harbinger cosmetic for the full game, while players who progress beyond Maro Keep also gain the option to skip the prologue once the complete version launches. To keep the full release balanced, all currency, weapons, shells, collectibles, and other items earned during the beta will reset when the game officially releases.

The beta also introduces players to Athel the Acolyte, one of Mortal Shell 2's eight playable shells. As you discover his remains and possess his body, you awaken his unique abilities while uncovering more of his personal story. It provides a glimpse into how the shell system has been expanded compared to the first game. 

Looking back at the original Mortal Shell, it was clear that the game operated with a much smaller budget than many of the genre's biggest names. That often showed through rougher animations and some mechanical limitations, but many players still appreciated its atmosphere and unique ideas. Based on the current beta, Mortal Shell II appears to improve nearly every aspect of that formula. 

Many dedicated Soulslike fans who have spent time with the beta believe the sequel has the potential to stand alongside some of the stronger games in the genre. 

Even if you enjoy these games more for their atmosphere than for dissecting every combat mechanic, the improvements are easy to notice. The technical presentation feels far more polished, while the darker environments and oppressive atmosphere capture exactly the mood fans expect from a game like this. 

Beyond the beta itself, Mortal Shell II is also receiving a physical release when it launches on August 20. Alongside the standard edition priced at $49.99, there will also be a premium Reverend Edition available for $69.99. While the standard version remains available for pre-order, the Reverend Edition quickly sold out across many retailers, especially on PlayStation 5. 

The development team stated in the official announcement that they were aware of the giant demand and apologized to players who were unable to get their hands on a pre-order. The game is released on August 20. It takes time to make more copies. 

Stock is unlikely to arrive before release day. The team is currently working with distribution partners to evaluate demand and determine whether additional copies can be produced after launch. However, they also stressed that no decision has been finalized, and there is currently no guarantee that another production run will happen.

That uncertainty has already affected resale prices. Although the Reverend Edition officially costs $69.99, listings on resale sites have already climbed to around $145, while others are approaching or exceeding $180. Several listings have already sold at those higher prices, showing just how quickly collectors have responded. 

Part of that demand comes from everything included inside the premium package. Along with the base game, buyers receive a SteelBook case, fine art prints, an art book, and the Obsidian and Skeletal Harbinger pre-order skins. Considering everything included, many collectors believe the higher retail price is reasonable compared to similar collector-style editions. 

If you prefer buying digitally, there is also a Devout Edition available for $59.99. 

This version grants 72 hours of early access beginning on August 17 and includes the Obsidian Skin Set for all eight playable shells. Aside from the cosmetic items, the biggest selling point is the early access period, allowing you to begin playing three days before the standard release. 

Everything shown so far suggests Mortal Shell II is shaping up to be a much stronger release than its predecessor. The first game quietly built a loyal audience over the years, with many players discovering and appreciating it long after launch. Now, roughly five years later, the sequel looks ready to build on that foundation in a much bigger way. 

The expanded scope, stronger technical presentation, and positive early impressions from the beta all point toward a game that could significantly raise the profile of both the series and developer. It also shows how much confidence the developers have in the sequel.

The August 20 release date may also work in the game's favor. Arriving a week before a wave of major releases gives Mortal Shell II an opportunity to attract attention before the schedule becomes much more crowded. By then, action-game fans may have moved on to newer releases, giving this sequel a chance to steal the limelight. 

The free beta and exclusive cosmetic rewards, along with the growing buzz around the limited physical edition, seem to give Mortal Shell II a strong start. That early momentum could help the game stand out before the packed late-August release schedule arrives, giving it a better chance to capture the attention of Soulslike fans before the competition heats up.