The public playtest for the highly anticipated soulslike, Mortal Shell 2, has officially kicked off on Steam.

Mortal Shell 2 serves as the sequel to the 2020 action RPG, Mortal Shell, originally developed by Cold Symmetry. After being teased at last year's Summer Game Fest, it is slated for a full release this year on PC, PS5, and Xbox. The Steam public test went live on the 6th, and they are currently scouting for closed beta participants via the official website.

Set in the same bleak world as its predecessor, you step into the boots of the Harbinger, tasked with recovering the Under-meder eggs guarded by grotesque horrors. You will possess the remains of fallen warriors, using these 'Shells' to awaken new abilities, cultivate your combat style, and piece together long-lost memories in a shattered land.

The combat feels noticeably punchier this time around. By ditching the stamina gauge, the developers have invited a much more aggressive playstyle, and the signature 'hardening' mechanic—allowing you to turn your body into stone to parry attacks—is now far more fluid.

The latest footage showcases a healthy mix of returning classics like the greatsword, hammer, and chisel, alongside fresh additions such as the scythe, great axe, crossbow, and hand cannon. It’s also clear that they have put some serious work into polishing the execution animations for each weapon.

The test build grants you access to about three hours of gameplay, where you’ll start your open-world journey, cleanse lighthouses, and delve into dungeons. You’ll even get to face off against mini-bosses and the demo-exclusive 'Magdalena, Lady of the Forest.' Best of all, some of your progress will carry over to the final release.

As of the 9th, the test build is sitting at a 'Very Positive' rating on Steam with 92% approval. Players are already chiming in: "It’s just as fun as the first one," "The hardening mechanic feels incredibly satisfying," and "It’s better than expected, with a combat system that really clicks."