High On Life 2 Hands-On Preview: Skateboarding FPS Chaos 2026

High On Life 2 Hands-On Preview: Skateboarding FPS Chaos 2026

High On Life 2 Hands-On Preview: From Hilarious FPS to Skateboarding Chaos

High On Life 2 is shaping up to be one of the most unique sequels in gaming history. Developed by Squanch Games, the follow-up to the cult hit High On Life introduces a wild twist — skateboarding mechanics combined with first-person shooting. During the recent hands-on demo, the game showcased a mix of chaotic humor, creative combat, and fluid traversal, proving that this sequel is more than just a continuation — it’s an evolution.

The Story Continues on Planet ConCon

Picking up where the original left off, High On Life 2 throws players onto ConCon (Convention Convention), a bizarre planet built entirely on floating platforms dedicated to endless conventions. The primary mission is to take down Senator Muppy Doo, a corrupt politician working with Rhea Pharmaceuticals in a twisted plot to transform humans into prescription pills.

The demo begins at ParkingCon, where players must clear a parking spot for Gene’s flying Winnebago by blasting through waves of aliens — a classic chaotic opening with Squanch Games’ trademark humor.

Skateboarding Transforms Gameplay

One of the biggest changes is the introduction of skateboarding as a core mechanic. Instead of a sprint button, players now use skateboards to grind rails, wall ride, and launch off wrecked cars. This completely redefines traversal and combat, turning every level into a massive skate park filled with opportunities for speed and style.

Key Skateboarding Features:

  • Fluid Movement: Seamlessly transition between shooting and grinding on rails or dividers.

  • Grapple Integration: The same button used for grinding also triggers Knifey’s grapple, pulling players toward grindable objects.

  • Skateboard Attack: Throwing the skateboard can instantly kill enemies with a stylish one-hit strike.

This mechanic makes combat feel like a high-speed dance, blending shooting, movement, and environmental creativity.

New Weapons and Boss Encounters

The demo also introduced Sheath, a bounty hunter boss voiced by Ralph Ineson. Defeating Sheath transforms his head into a new Gatlian weapon with versatile functions:

  • Primary Fire: Functions like a powerful battle rifle.

  • Alternate Fire: Launches an Impaling Spike to tether enemies together or create ziplines, opening new areas for exploration.

This weapon not only enhances combat but also brings a Metroidvania-style element, encouraging backtracking and discovery.

Arena Combat at MurderCon

When the mission shifts to MurderCon, the gameplay takes on an arena-style format. Here, traversal is dialed back, focusing instead on intense gunplay. Players can experiment with the arsenal of Gatlians:

  • Sheath’s Rifle for long-range dominance.

  • Sweezy’s Laser Bubble to slow down time.

  • Gus’s Shotgun for close-range destruction.

This section highlights the variety of playstyles, showing how each weapon can be used creatively in battle.

A Boss Fight Inside the Menu

In true Squanch Games fashion, the preview ended with an absurd twist: a boss fight against Muppy Doo that takes place inside the game’s menu screen. Using Suit-O as a cursor, players must click and smash attacks on the tiny villain as he hides behind icons and wrecks UI elements.

The climax escalates when the game “reboots” into a parody of Bible Adventures, forcing players to let Knifey stab them to death in order to win. It’s bizarre, hilarious, and brilliantly in line with the studio’s “What if?” design philosophy.

Release Date and Platforms

High On Life 2 is set to launch on February 13, 2026, exclusively for Xbox Series X|S and will be available Day One on Game Pass Ultimate.

Final Thoughts

With its mix of skateboarding traversal, chaotic combat, talking weapons, and unpredictable humor, High On Life 2 is looking like one of the most inventive FPS games in years. Squanch Games has once again proven that they thrive on pushing boundaries, blending comedy with innovative gameplay.

For fans of the original, this sequel promises bigger laughs, faster action, and crazier ideas than ever before.

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