The Sequel to One of the Best Metroidvanias is Here
GRIME II launched today, March 31, 2026, on PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Developed by Clover Bite and published by Kwalee, this is the sequel to the 2021 original that earned 86% positive reviews on Steam across over 4,000 reviews — a remarkable feat for a challenging souls-like title.
If you missed GRIME the first time around, GRIME II is fully standalone. You do not need prior knowledge to jump in, though returning players will immediately recognize the DNA.
What Is GRIME II?
GRIME II is a surreal action-adventure metroidvania set in a bizarre, living world obsessed with art and creation. You are the Formless — an art mimic — and your primary mechanic is absorbing defeated enemies, transforming them into Molds that can be summoned for special abilities in combat.
The core loop: explore connected regions, fight enemies, absorb their forms, use those forms to access new areas or defeat harder enemies, discover secrets. Classic metroidvania progression wrapped in a deeply unusual visual identity.
Combat is built around timing. The game expects you to study enemy patterns, master parries, and find openings rather than brute-force through health bars. Landing a Grasp Counter, chaining it into a Mold Ability, and reading a boss pattern correctly feels genuinely satisfying once the systems click.
What's New in GRIME II
GRIME II expands significantly on the original:
Molds System — Absorb defeated enemies and transform them into molds used for special attacks. Throw enemies, fire projectiles, stun foes, or summon their forms directly into battle.
Environmental combat — The world itself becomes a weapon. Hazards and positioning play key roles, and enemies can exploit those same environmental elements against you.
Bigger world — New unexplored areas in the GRIME universe with diverse cultures and characters. No two regions feel the same.
Weapon variety — Impressive range of options that never push you into one specific playstyle, making experimentation feel rewarding.
Secrets everywhere — Hidden breakable walls, ability-gated areas, and hard-to-see grapple points hide upgrades throughout every zone.
The Demo Is Still Available
If you are on the fence, GRIME II has a free demo on Steam. The demo was updated during Steam Next Fest with new paths and secrets. Your progress does not carry over to the full game, but it gives you a clear sense of whether the combat rhythm works for you.
Should It Go On Your Backlog?
GRIME II is a single-player, fully completable metroidvania — exactly the type of game a backlog is built for.
Play it now if:
- You enjoyed the original GRIME or other souls-like metroidvanias like Hollow Knight or Silksong
- You want something atmospheric and challenging with real depth
- You tried the demo and the combat clicked for you
- You have never played a souls-like game and find punishing difficulty frustrating
- You are currently mid-game in another challenging title
- You want to wait for community consensus on difficulty balance
The Backlog Coach Take
GRIME II is one of the better metroidvania releases in recent memory. At a typical souls-like playtime of 20-35 hours for a first run, it fits naturally into a focused two-week gaming window. Try the demo first — if the parry system grabs you in the first hour, the full game will hold you for many more.