The talking guns are back, and they won’t shut up—but this time, that might actually be a good thing. With the arrival of the High On Life 2 review embargo lift, players are finally diving back into Squanch Games’ chaotic, colorful universe. Released on February 13, 2026, and available day one on Xbox Game Pass, this highly anticipated Squanch Games sequel aims to recapture the viral magic of its 2022 predecessor. While critics have settled on a respectable High On Life 2 score of 7.5/10, the question remains: does the addition of Unreal Engine 5 visuals and a new skateboarding mechanic justify a second trip to the cosmos, or is the joke wearing thin?
A Visual Feast Powered by Unreal Engine 5
One thing is immediately clear: Squanch Games has put the power of Unreal Engine 5 to serious use. The vibrant, fleshy, and often gross-out aesthetic of the original has been dialed up to eleven. Lighting is more dynamic, alien textures pop with grotesque detail, and the world feels significantly more alive. Unlike the first game’s primary hub of Blim City, High On Life 2 gameplay introduces three distinct, massive hub worlds that lean heavily into Metroidvania-style exploration.
These expanded environments are a treat to explore, especially with the game's standout new feature: the skateboard. Traversing the alien landscapes now feels fluid and fast, solving one of the original's biggest pacing issues. Whether you're grinding rails in a neon-soaked alien slum or kickflipping over toxic sludge, the movement system injects a much-needed adrenaline shot into the exploration loop.
The Arsenal: New Voices, New Chaos
A talking guns game sequel wouldn't be complete without a refresh of its chatty arsenal. High On Life 2 introduces four new bioweapons, each with distinct personalities and combat utility. The banter remains the core of the experience, with the writing team shifting focus to a broader cast of voice talent. While the absence of the original’s co-creator is noticeable in the delivery, the new writers have managed to keep the humor sharp, satirical, and decidedly adult.
Combat feels punchier this time around. The synergy between your guns' special abilities and the new traversal mechanics creates moments of flow that the first game often lacked. However, the enemy variety—a common complaint in 2022—has only seen marginal improvements. You’ll still find yourself circle-strafing spongey aliens more often than you’d like, which drags down the overall pacing during longer firefights.
Story: The Hunt for Rhea Pharmaceuticals
Narratively, the stakes have shifted. With the G3 cartel dismantled, the Bounty Hunter (that’s you) and their sister Lizzy are now in the crosshairs of a new antagonist: Rhea Pharmaceuticals. The plot takes a surprisingly darker turn, exploring the consequences of your previous actions while maintaining the series' signature irreverence. It’s a solid setup that gives the High On Life 2 Game Pass launch a narrative weight that feels earned, even if the jokes sometimes undercut the tension.
Performance and Technical State
Despite the visual upgrade, the launch hasn't been without its hiccups. Players on both PC and console have reported frame rate dips during intense combat sequences, a byproduct of the ambitious UE5 implementation. While a Day One patch has smoothed out the worst of it, those looking for a flawless 60fps experience might want to wait for further optimization updates. It’s not game-breaking, but in a fast-paced shooter where movement is key, these stutters can be frustrating.
Verdict: Is High On Life 2 Worth Your Time?
Ultimately, the High On Life 2 score of 7.5 feels accurate. It is a safer sequel that refines rather than reinvents. If you loved the first game’s polarizing humor and loop, this is an essential play, easily ranking among the best humor games 2026 has to offer so far. The skateboarding mechanic is a genuine game-changer, and the world design is a massive step up.
However, if the original’s constant chatter and bullet-sponge enemies drove you up the wall, High On Life 2 is unlikely to change your mind. It’s a fun, chaotic weekend romp that justifies its existence, but it stops just short of greatness. For Game Pass subscribers, it’s a no-brainer download; for everyone else, it’s a solid, if familiar, ride through the galaxy’s weirdest underbelly.
