Mortal Shell 2 completion time: 15-30 hours for main story and full completion

Mortal Shell 2, the sequel to the 2020 soulslike action RPG, has arrived and players are already digging into its twisted world. For those wondering how long the journey will take, the answer depends heavily on how much of the game’s optional content they choose to explore.

The main story of Mortal Shell 2 can be completed in roughly 15 to 20 hours. This route focuses on the critical path through the game’s four main areas, each guarded by a major boss. Players who stick to the core objectives and avoid most side paths will see the credits roll within that window.

Those who want to see everything the game has to offer should budget closer to 25 to 30 hours. This fuller playthrough includes tackling all optional bosses, finding every hidden weapon and shell, and uncovering the lore fragments scattered across the world. The game’s interconnected map rewards thorough exploration, with many shortcuts and secret areas that can significantly extend playtime.

Combat and pacing

Like its predecessor, Mortal Shell 2 emphasises deliberate, methodical combat. Enemies hit hard, and stamina management is critical. The game introduces new mechanics, including a parry system that differs from the original’s harden ability, and a revamped shell system that lets players swap between possessed bodies with unique stats and abilities. This adds a layer of strategy that can slow down early progress as players learn enemy patterns and experiment with different loadouts.

The difficulty curve is steep but fair, with checkpoints (called "sister shrines") placed generously enough to avoid excessive backtracking. However, the game does not include a traditional fast-travel system, so moving between areas requires navigating the world on foot. This design choice rewards memorisation of the map but can add time for players who get lost.

New Game Plus and replayability

For those who finish the main story, Mortal Shell 2 offers a New Game Plus mode that carries over upgrades and unlocks new enemy placements. A full completionist run that includes all achievements or trophies could push the total time closer to 35 hours, depending on skill level and familiarity with the genre.

The game also features a separate roguelike mode called "The Eternal Cycle," which offers randomised runs with permadeath. This mode is not included in the main completion estimates but can add dozens of hours for players who enjoy its challenge.

Platforms and availability

Mortal Shell 2 is available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and last-generation consoles PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The game runs on Unreal Engine 5, with ray-tracing support on current-gen hardware. Players on PC will need a relatively modern graphics card to hit 60 frames per second at high settings, though the game is well-optimised for mid-range systems.

Comparison to the original

The original Mortal Shell took most players between 10 and 15 hours to complete the main story, with full completionists spending around 20 hours. The sequel is roughly 50% longer, thanks to larger areas, more bosses, and additional side content. The developers at Coldblood Inc. have stated that they wanted to deliver a more substantial experience while retaining the tight, focused design that made the first game a cult hit.

Final thoughts

Mortal Shell 2’s length places it squarely in the middle of the soulslike genre. It is shorter than games like Elden Ring or Dark Souls 3, but longer than smaller titles such as Thymesia or the original Mortal Shell. For players who enjoy the genre’s deliberate pacing and rewarding exploration, the 25-30 hour completionist run offers a satisfying amount of content without overstaying its welcome.

The game is available now on all platforms, with no confirmed release date for any potential DLC or expansion content.