Mortal Shell 2 is receiving a warm reception from critics, with early reviews suggesting it significantly surpasses its 2021 predecessor and stands as one of the year's top Soulslike offerings. As of this writing, the game holds aggregate scores of 84 on Metacritic and 85 on OpenCritic. These figures represent a notable increase from the original Mortal Shell's 76 score across both platforms.
The sequel introduces a refined approach to character builds, moving beyond simple stat variations. IGN's Jarrett Green noted that the character "Shells" now feature more impactful passive and active abilities, making each archetype feel more distinct and valuable in combat. This enhancement allows for a more rewarding experience when experimenting with different playstyles, further aided by a free refund and reallocation system for spent enhancement points.
Exploration is another area that has drawn praise. Gamespot's Richard Wakeling commended the game's structure, which incorporates Zelda-like dungeons found throughout its world. These distinct temples, such as an icy cave, a flaming crypt, and a twisted obsidian tower, are highlighted as inventive and visually engaging. The exploration is further incentivized by rewards like lore entries and weapon upgrades discovered in hidden corners.
GamesRadar+ reviewer Abbie Stone described Mortal Shell 2 as "the best Soulslike I've played since Elden Ring." Stone pointed to a significant improvement in combat pacing, noting the removal of stamina management entirely. This change allows for more fluid dodging, attacking, and sprinting, contributing to a faster gameplay loop that sets it apart from the more deliberate pace of the original game.
Despite the largely positive reception, some criticisms have emerged. Reviewers have pointed out issues with the camera, overly predictable boss encounters, and occasional visibility challenges. However, these critiques have not prevented the game from earning strong scores, with most reviews clustering around the 8/10 mark.