High On Life 2 is a first-person shooter developed by Squanch Games and released on PC in February 2026. The game continues the story of the original title with the player character returning as a bounty hunter who must protect their sister from a new threat tied to an intergalactic pharmaceutical conglomerate targeting human life.
Gameplay
Combat centers on an arsenal of living alien weapons known as Gatlians that provide commentary and personality during fights. Players blast through groups of enemies using these firearms while incorporating close-range options such as stabbing. Movement options include double jumping, dashing, sliding, and a grappling hook for reaching elevated areas. The addition of a skateboard expands traversal by allowing grinding, kickflips, and faster navigation across levels, and it integrates into some combat encounters and puzzle sections.
Exploration takes place across multiple distinct locations including a large convention hall, an alien zoo that houses humans, and a luxury cruiseliner. These environments feature platforming challenges and combat arenas that encourage use of the full movement toolkit. Dialogue choices appear when interacting with the weapons, adding brief branches to conversations without altering the main narrative path.
Game Modes
High On Life 2 offers only a single-player campaign. There are no multiplayer components or cooperative options. The experience unfolds as a linear story-driven sequence of missions that progress through the listed locations while incorporating combat, traversal, and light puzzle elements. Boss encounters emphasize inventive setups that combine the talking weapons with environmental hazards and the skateboard mechanic.
Story and Setting
The narrative picks up after the events of the first game. Bounty hunting has brought the protagonist wealth and stability until a figure from the past places a bounty on the player's sister. This leads to an investigation into a pharmaceutical operation that seeks to commoditize human lives across the galaxy. The tone mixes absurd humor with satirical takes on corporate greed, delivered through the eccentric alien characters and weapon banter.
Key set pieces include the convention, the human zoo, and the cruiseliner, each serving as backdrops for both story beats and gameplay challenges. The cast features voice performances that lean into the game's subversive and comedic style.
Is It Worth Playing?
High On Life 2 received mixed critical reception upon release. Reviewers noted improvements in story delivery and traversal thanks to the skateboard, along with continued strength in boss design and weapon personality. Criticisms focused on technical performance issues at launch and less refined shooting mechanics compared to expectations.
The game suits players who enjoyed the original's blend of humor, talking weapons, and over-the-top scenarios. Those seeking polished gunplay or deeper multiplayer systems may find the experience less satisfying. It remains a mature-rated title with strong language, violence, and adult themes, so it is not intended for younger audiences.
Availability on PC provides access to the full single-player campaign with the core features intact. The title continues to receive attention from fans of Squanch Games' distinctive approach to first-person action.
