Lords of the Fallen 2 Will Be the Most Ambitious CI Games Project

by

The core of a ‘Soulslike’ game usually involves tough combat, difficult bosses, dramatic visuals, well-crafted levels, and moments that test your patience. But while these games share common traits, each developer also adds its own creative spin to make their version feel special.

Games like Dark Souls, Bloodborne, Nioh, Lies of P, and Mortal Shell have all been highly acclaimed for their challenging gameplay. Among these popular titles is Lords of the Fallen, a 2014 game from the studio CI Games that gained a dedicated following.

The game’s popularity stemmed largely from the fantastic level design of Umbral, its intriguing and shadowy alternate world. This success then allowed for the development of a sequel, which is now highly anticipated by fans of the Soulslike genre.

The developers recently shared a new video showcasing their excellent level design skills. They’re promising even bigger and bolder plans for Lords of the Fallen 2, hoping to not only improve upon the first game but also establish it as a standout title within the challenging ‘Souls-like’ genre.

Lifting the Veil on Umbral 2.0

This Wednesday, March 25th, CI Games shared a behind-the-scenes video showcasing a discussion with the developers of Lords of the Fallen 2. The video features key team members including Game Director James Lowe, Creative Director Ryan Hill, Lead Systems Designer Daniel Regan, and Producer Alex Harkin.

The video, titled “Lifting the Veil” – a fitting name considering it reveals something exciting – features the development team talking about a new and improved version of Umbral for the sequel. They’re calling it “Umbral 2.0,” and it’s been shaped by feedback directly from fans.

The game’s popularity largely stemmed from the fantastic design of Umbral, its intriguing and shadowy alternate world, and that initial success allowed developers to create a follow-up game.

If you’re not familiar with the world of Lords of the Fallen, the game features two realms that are merging together. Players can switch between the dark fantasy world of Axiom and the terrifying Umbral realm using a special item called the Umbral Lamp. The biggest change in the new game is how players will explore and interact with the Umbral realm.

I’m so hyped for Lords of the Fallen 2! The developers are saying the world is going to be completely different this time around – way more varied landscapes and environments, especially in Umbral. They’re also adding these creepy, shape-shifting creatures, and the world itself will actually react to what you do as a player. They’re really aiming for a sense of exploration that feels truly alive, and honestly, pretty terrifying – which, let’s be real, is exactly what you’d expect from a world constantly tormented by ancient, evil gods and dark magic. It sounds amazing!

In a recent video, Creative Director Ryan Hill described how Umbral has changed. He explained that while it used to be the place where people went to die, it’s now a place inhabited by the undead. He went on to say that the old, scarred surface of Umbral has been torn off, exposing a vulnerable core filled with a powerful, new hunger.

Subscribe for Deep Dives on Lords of the Fallen 2

Curious about Umbral 2.0? Subscribe to our newsletter for detailed analysis, developer insights, and level-design breakdowns that unpack how Lords of the Fallen 2 is evolving the Soulslike formula—ideal for readers seeking informed, context-rich coverage.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Besides the developer presentation, the studio shared new gameplay footage from the Umbral alpha, which any fan of Souls-like games is sure to enjoy – and I can say that firsthand! This footage really shows what CI Games has been aiming for with Lords of the Fallen 2: a sequel that’s more ambitious, daring, and brutal. You can watch the gameplay below:

If you enjoy this type of game, this is sure to generate excitement! The good news is you can now add Lords of the Fallen 2 to your wishlist; it’s scheduled to release in 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Read More

2026-03-25 19:09