Mortal Shell 2 swaps difficulty sliders for items: one heals, another buffs enemies

Cold Symmetry has revealed an unconventional approach to difficulty tuning in the sequel to Mortal Shell. Instead of traditional sliders or difficulty selection, the game will let players adjust the balance themselves through special items.

According to the developer's official Bluesky account, one such item is the Slayer Seal. It allows the hero to restore health, making combat encounters noticeably easier. For those seeking a greater challenge, the Gloombound Flame is available — using it increases the difficulty of fights.

This decision stands out amid recent trends in the Souls-like genre. Capcom previously confirmed that Onimusha: Way of the Sword will feature granular difficulty settings, a notable departure from genre conventions where difficulty is usually fixed. Now Cold Symmetry offers its own take on flexibility, one that avoids settings menus and is seamlessly integrated into gameplay.

Details on how these items will interact with other mechanics in Mortal Shell 2 have yet to be revealed. It is also unknown whether additional items with other effects will appear. What is clear is that the studio continues to experiment with the formula established in the first game.