2 Jaw-Dropping New Soulslike Sequels Revealed at Summer Game Fest

Summary

Code Vein and Mortal Shell are getting sequels, Code Vein 2 and Mortal Shell 2, developed for PS5, Xbox, and PC.
Code Vein 2 focuses on stylish anime aesthetics and time manipulation, while Mortal Shell 2 emphasizes brutal combat and ranged weapons.
Soulslike games were well-represented at Summer Game Fest 2025.

More than five years after their launches, the Soulslike games Code Vein and Mortal Shell now have sequels on the way, titled Code Vein 2 and Mortal Shell 2, respectively. Both Code Vein and Mortal Shell debuted during the previous console generation, but their sequels will be developed natively for the PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

The 2025 Summer Game Fest has just begun, but has already delivered a veritable truckload of exciting new game announcements and teases. The crop of trailers and reveals has been particularly good for fans of Soulslike games, with multiple new original titles announced for launch in 2025 and 2026. Even popular existing Soulslikes got a boost, such as when developer Neowiz announced the surprise launch of an expansion for its hit Lies of P during the event.

Lies of P DLC Shadow Dropped

Neowiz and Round 8 surprise Lies of P fans by shadow-dropping the popular Soulslike game’s long-awaited Overture DLC.

The stream also brought with it a couple of unexpected sequels, in the form of Code Vein 2 and Mortal Shell 2, both follow-ups to notable Soulslikes from the tail end of the previous console generation. Both Code Vein 2 and Mortal Shell 2 appear to expand upon their predecessors’ core concepts, adding new twists like time manipulation in Code Vein 2 and deeper weapon design in Mortal Shell 2. Developed by Bandai Namco, Code Vein was a stylish and unusual Soulslike with multiple endings and a distinctive, goth anime aesthetic, as well as some connections to Bandai Namco’s God Eater franchise. Cold Symmetry’s Mortal Shell presented its own refinement of the Soulslike formula, with its own take on a grim, moody atmosphere and a combat system that revolves around mastering different “Shells” alongside an array of weapons.

Code Vein 2 and Mortal Shell 2 Both Announced as Sequels to Notable Last-Generation Soulslikes

For its part, Code Vein 2 leans even more heavily into its stylish anime aesthetic, featuring fashionable character designs that call to mind the excellent Code Vein character creator feature. The trailer also teased the involvement of a new character named Lou, who can manipulate time. As with the original, players will fight alongside partner characters, making it a less lonely experience than the typical Soulslike game. There are also glimpses of driveable vehicles and intimidatingly large boss enemies.

Meanwhile, Mortal Shell 2 leans even more heavily on its bleak, almost monochrome atmosphere. Though the first Mortal Shell played like Dark Souls, its sequel seems to emphasize brutal execution moves, as well as the presence of rapid-fire ranged weapons, perhaps as a way to set itself apart from its inspirations. Descriptions of the game also note that its combat is “unrestricted” by stamina, indicating that the sequel will stray further from Dark Souls‘ path when it launches in 2026.

With so many Soulslikes coming, fans of the genre will have plenty to look forward to. However, the increasingly crowded scene might also make for stiffer competition. Time and luck will likely determine if Code Vein 2 and Mortal Shell 2 can build on their originals’ successes.