Summary
When indie developer Clover Bite’sGRIMElaunched in 2021, no one knew what to expect. As aSoulslike Metroidvaniawith one of the most outlandish yet captivating art styles the genre has ever seen, it appeared the gaming community at large might shy away from it at first. However, fast-forward to 2024, andGRIMEis now considered a cult-classic masterpiece by its players and critics alike, as it delivers a fast-paced, challenging gameplay loop with satisfying atmospheric visuals, innovative combat mechanics, and a brilliantly scored immersive soundtrack. Now, Clover Bite is in the process of developing the sequel toGRIME,GRIME 2.
GRIME 2was announced in August 2023, and since then, Clover Bite hasn’t disclosed much about theRPG. In the meantime, the developer was hard at work preparingGRIME Definitive Edition— which included the game’s Colors of Rot and Tinge of Terror DLC expansions, along with the debut of its final DLC, Parting Shade — for its release on July 02, 2025. That being said, there is already plenty to know aboutGRIME 2, cryptic as it may be, thanks to information found on the game’s website, Steam store page, and announcement trailer.
What to Expect From Grime 2
Expect a New Story
GRIME’s story is very bizarreat times, being told from the mouths of characters who choose to either remain as cryptic as possible or simply mumble incoherent sentences. Still, that is a large part of what makesGRIMEthe experience that it is. The story and premise ofGRIME 2have yet to be revealed, but players can certainly expect an original tale, as almost everything else about the game appears to be a brand-new experience. It is known that the protagonist is a Formless, an “art mimic” who can absorb creatures and learn their shape.
Expect New Combat Mechanics
Apart from its distinct art style and atmosphere, combat is arguably the main thingGRIMEhas going for it. There is a surprising amount of weapons to collect with unique abilities, but the primary focus ofGRIME’s combat is its parry system.GRIME 2is bringing back the parry system from its predecessor, but rather than relying so heavily on parries as they did before, players will be given new move sets that are unique to the sequel’s protagonist.
The biggest change coming to combat inGRIME 2is Molds, which essentially involve the Formless learning the shape of defeated enemies and then summoning them to use their attacks and abilities against other foes. Parries are returning in the form of the Absorb ability players had in the first game, but Absorb now contributes to learning new Molds.
Expect New Environments
GRIMEis noteworthy for having one of thebest atmospheres in the Soulslike genreand the environments that serve to establish it. UnlikeGRIME’s rocky environments, however,GRIME 2features softer environments with more of an emphasis on liquid flesh than its predecessor. As such, fans can expect to use the environment to their advantage, especially in tandem with the tendrils and Mold abilities of the Formless they will control.
Expect Another Immersive Soundtrack
Fans of the game, even somebeginners inGRIMElikely walked away with fond memories of its soundtrack, and this is largely due to the impact that Alex Roe’s score had on the game’s world and storytelling. Thankfully, it has been confirmed that Alex Roe has returned to compose the soundtrack forGRIME 2, which means another great score can likely be expected, although it will likely be different to account forGRIME 2’s distinct world.
Clover Bite has not disclosed much 2at this point, but hopes are high for the sequel to receive a much-needed update now thatGRIME Definitive Editionis out in the wild. Additionally, as of now,GRIME 2also doesn’t have a confirmed release date. However, it is expected to be released sometime in 2024.
