CI Games used Gamescom 2025 as the stage to officially unveil Lords of the Fallen II, the sequel to its 2023 reboot of the action-RPG franchise. The announcement was accompanied by a cinematic trailer and confirmation that the game will arrive in 2026, continuing the studio’s push to establish the series as a mainstay in the Soulslike genre.
The first Lords of the Fallen reboot was seen as a course correction after the original 2014 release received mixed reception. Built in Unreal Engine 5, the 2023 title presented a bleak, interconnected world, tight combat mechanics, and an ambitious dual-realm system that allowed players to shift between the realms of the living and the dead. While not without flaws, it was praised for taking bold swings and positioning CI Games and Hexworks as competitors in the crowded space defined by FromSoftware.
With Lords of the Fallen II, CI Games appears committed to building on that momentum. Early details suggest the sequel will expand the dual-realm mechanic, offering more seamless transitions and greater tactical depth in combat. Developers hinted at new weapon classes, enemy archetypes, and an aim at refining balance and responsiveness, two areas of criticism in the previous game. They also stressed that the new iteration would focus on a darker and more violent tone, and judging from the trailer, this strikes as true.
The reveal trailer, though cinematic rather than gameplay-focused, reinforced the franchise’s gothic aesthetic with crumbling cathedrals, cursed warriors, and glimpses of otherworldly landscapes. The imagery leaned heavily on religious symbolism, framing the dark tone the series is known for. While no extended gameplay was shown, CI Games confirmed a deeper look will arrive later this year, likely at The Game Awards.
Fan reception at Gamescom was notably positive. Attendees were ecstatic a sequel was coming so quickly after the reboot’s release, and recognized the dedication to improving on past designs. Critics and players alike noted that the first game, despite its rough edges, had established a strong foundation. The sequel will now be expected to deliver on that potential. The publisher has openly discussed its plans to invest further in AAA development, and success here would cement the franchise as its flagship property. Still, challenges remain: the Soulslike field has only grown more competitive, with upcoming releases from studios like Team Ninja, Capcom, and of course, FromSoftware itself.
Ultimately, the reveal positions Lords of the Fallen II as both a continuation and a proving ground. For Hexworks and CI Games, this would be a monumental accomplishment for a franchise that many wrote off with its initial release in 2014. Excitement for the game is currently high and expectations are set. Lords of the Fallen II must now prove it can standout in this genre.