Based on the recent briefing from Star Vault CEO Henrik Nyström (summarized by Wolfszeit), Mortal Online 2 is preparing for its most ambitious expansion yet. As the game transitions into 2026, the focus has shifted toward the new continent of Sarducaa, mechanical overhauls for “Rogue” playstyles, and significant engine-level improvements.
The Sarducaa “Soft Wipe” Explained
One of the most discussed topics is the launch of Sarducaa, which will act as a “soft wipe” for the community. Rather than deleting progress on the current continent (Myrland), Star Vault is implementing a “Fresh Start” via geography and mechanics:
- Temporary Isolation: At launch, there will be no bridge or immediate travel route between Myrland and Sarducaa.
- Fresh Economy: Because players cannot initially bring their hoarded gold, high-end gear, or massive stacks of materials from Myrland, everyone starting in Sarducaa begins on a relatively level playing field.
- Colonization Narrative: The delay in building the bridge is framed as a lore-driven event. Players must “colonize” the desert continent from scratch, building a new economy before the two landmasses are eventually linked.
New Systems: Thievery & Assassination
Star Vault is doubling down on the “Rogue” archetype, which has been a long-requested pillar of the Mortal Online experience.
- Thievery: New mechanics for picking pockets and lockpicking are in development. These won’t just be “griefing” tools but integrated professions that require skill and risk.
- Assassination & Poisoning: The assassination system will include specialized “targets” and expanded poisoning mechanics. Alchemy will play a larger role here, allowing players to create toxins for weapons or even environmental traps.
- Dynamic Events: To keep the world alive, a new dynamic event system is being introduced. This includes rare spawns like the “Greedy Troll,” which offers high-value loot to those who can track and take it down.
Unreal Engine 5 & Technical Updates
The shift to Unreal Engine 5 continues to be the backbone of MO2’s evolution. Beyond just visuals, the engine is being leveraged for better immersion and performance:
- VoIP Enhancements: Using UE5’s audio capabilities, the in-game voice chat will now feature realistic acoustics, including echoes, muffling behind walls, and reverb based on the environment (e.g., dungeons vs. open plains).
- Collision Fixes: A major “quality of life” update includes the ability to push blocking pets. This addresses a long-standing frustration where players could be trapped in doorways by mounts or followers.
- Heat Mechanics: Sarducaa isn’t just a change of scenery; its desert biomes introduce a Heat System. Heavy armor will cause faster stamina drain and heat exhaustion, forcing players to adapt their gear and mount choices to the climate.
Anti-Griefing & Combat Polish
Star Vault is refining the “hardcore” nature of the game to ensure it remains fair:
- Loot Priority: Changes are coming to loot bags for AI kills to ensure the player who did the work gets priority over “ninjas.”
- Murder Count Adjustments: Timer tweaks are being tested to better balance the consequences of PvP without stifling the game’s open-world danger.