CI Games has released a new episode of its ongoing developer roundtable series “Lifting the Veil,” offering a deeper look at the evolving Umbral realm in the upcoming soulslike sequel, Lords of the Fallen II.
In the 37-minute episode, Chief Creative Officer Ryan Hill is joined by Game Director James Lowe, Lead Systems Designer Daniel Regan, and Producer Alex Harkin to discuss how the team is transforming the dual-realm system introduced in Lords of the Fallen. The new version—referred to internally as “Umbral 2.0”—takes heavy inspiration from player feedback and aims to make the eerie realm far more aggressive and central to the gameplay experience.
Within the world of Lords of the Fallen II, players will once again navigate between two connected realities: the dark fantasy realm of Axiom and the grotesque mirror world of Umbral. Using the mysterious Umbral Lamp, players can shift between realms to uncover hidden paths, solve environmental puzzles, and push deeper into the game’s hostile world—but venturing into Umbral brings escalating dangers that can quickly overwhelm the unprepared.
According to Hill, the realm has undergone a dramatic transformation. What was once simply the land of the dead has become something far worse—a restless domain of the undead that feels more alive, oppressive, and unpredictable than before.
What’s New in Umbral
A Reimagined Otherworld
Umbral now features radically different environments, new biomes, and more narrative-driven moments. The realm can even bleed into the living world, making exploration more dynamic and unsettling.
Dread Redefined
Instead of relying on a simple timer that raises the threat level, danger in Umbral is now influenced by player behavior, creating a more organic and constantly shifting sense of tension.
Enemies Reshaped
Players will face new creatures that lurk in Umbral’s shadows, many capable of evolving into more lethal forms. The enemy roster has expanded significantly, promising new challenges for returning players.
Currently in development for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, and PC, Lords of the Fallen II is scheduled for a global release in 2026. Set 1,000 years after the fall of the demon god Adyr, the story follows a lone kingdom resisting the spreading influence of the dead realm and its mysterious master.
Players take on the role of a Lampbearer, wielding brutal new combat abilities including a dismemberment system and cinematic executions. Alongside expanded enemy types and large-scale boss battles, the game will support both solo play and cooperative progression.
With its darker tone and deeper mechanics, Lords of the Fallen II is shaping up to push the series’ signature dual-realm gameplay further than ever before.