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The development of soulslike games is a delicate balancing act, according to CI Games, the studio behind the upcoming Lords of the Fallen 2. Even minor inspiration drawn from the genre-defining works of FromSoftware can quickly invite accusations of plagiarism. Following a challenging launch for the 2023 Lords of the Fallen, the studio is now outlining how its 2026 sequel will diverge from established conventions, prioritizing player experimentation and build variety.
Developers recently detailed the game’s combat system and build management in a modern video, emphasizing that this isn’t an attack on FromSoftware’s design philosophy, but rather a different approach. Lords of the Fallen 2 aims to move beyond the tendency for players to lock into a single, optimized build and stick with it for the entirety of a playthrough, a pattern often seen in titles like Elden Ring and Bloodborne.
In a YouTube video, game director James Lowe explained that in FromSoftware games, players often find a build they enjoy and then largely remain committed to it. “In a FromSoftware game – and I’m not slamming FromSoftware – if I find my build, I’m in, and I’ll probably use that for the whole game,” Lowe stated. Lords of the Fallen 2, conversely, intends to incentivize more frequent switching, encouraging players to experiment with dual-wielding or completely alter their playstyle when facing particularly challenging encounters.
CI Games believes simply telling players to “experiment” isn’t enough; the system itself must support it. The team asserts the game will “respect” and even “reward” build variety by lowering the costs associated with switching. Specifically, stat requirements will be reduced, respecs will be less punishing, and upgrading equipment and weapons will be more affordable. The goal is to avoid the feeling that hours of progress are wasted when trying a new approach, a common concern in games like Elden Ring, where optimizing a single weapon is a significant investment.
Another key difference, according to Lowe, lies in the function of heavy attacks. While often relegated to being “a slightly slower attack that does a bit more damage,” in Lords of the Fallen 2, they will have a more defined purpose. This includes breaking the defenses of shield-bearing enemies and staggering larger, more formidable creatures. The intention is to create “small decision loops” where players must quickly assess whether to commit to a powerful attack or react with a faster maneuver. Every action has consequences, demanding careful consideration before each button press, as noted via GamesRadar+.
Enemy Tempo and Adaptive Combat
This system is further supported by the varied movement and attack patterns of enemies, with some opponents being faster than the player. This forces adaptation rather than relying on a single solution. CI Games emphasizes they aren’t aiming to reinvent the soulslike genre, but rather to find a balance that preserves what works while establishing their own unique identity, and systems.
The studio’s approach extends to enemy design, with a focus on creating encounters that demand tactical flexibility. Recent accusations of asset copying, specifically regarding an enemy resembling Nightreign’s Wylder, were dismissed by CI Games CEO as “100% false,” as reported by Reddit’s r/pcgaming. The CEO shared a screenshot purportedly from a 2024 employee Slack message showing an earlier render of the character.
Lords of the Fallen 2 is currently slated for release in 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, exclusively through the Epic Games Store. The game is built on Unreal Engine 5, as is the original 2023 release.
As development progresses, CI Games will likely share further details on the game’s mechanics and world. The studio’s commitment to build experimentation and adaptive combat suggests a soulslike experience that encourages players to embrace versatility and respond dynamically to the challenges ahead.
What are your thoughts on the direction CI Games is taking with Lords of the Fallen 2? Share your expectations in the comments below!
