Is Justin Roiland in High on Life 2? Everything About the Game Pass Launch
When High on Life 2 dropped on February 13, 2026, the gaming community was buzzing—not just because of the quirky alien chaos Squanch Games is known for, but because fans were wondering: Where’s Justin Roiland? The answer is simple: he’s not there.
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For longtime fans of High on Life (2022), Roiland was more than a co-founder of Squanch Games; he was the voice of the game’s irreverent humor and its most memorable characters. His departure in January 2023, following serious legal allegations—though eventually dismissed—left a noticeable void.
Squanch Games made it clear that the sequel would move forward without him, which sparked a mix of concern and curiosity among players.
Why Justin Roiland Left
Roiland’s exit from Squanch Games was abrupt but decisive. In January 2023, after facing felony domestic violence charges in Orange County, California, he stepped down as CEO. Even though the charges were later dismissed due to insufficient evidence, his professional ties with the studio were permanently severed.
Squanch Games’ statement at the time was reassuring: they would continue to develop High on Life and other projects without Roiland. This also included his previous work on Rick and Morty and Solar Opposites, where replacements or story adjustments had to be made. For gamers, this meant a new era for Squanch Games, one where the studio’s creativity wouldn’t rely on a single voice or personality.
What Happened to Kenny?
One of the most obvious changes in High on Life 2 is the absence of Kenny, the talkative Gatlian gun voiced by Roiland. Unlike Rick and Morty, where the studio recast new voice actors to mimic Roiland’s style, Squanch chose not to recast Kenny.
In-Game Explanation: The story addresses Kenny’s absence in a surprisingly natural way. Drawing from hints in the High on Knife DLC, the narrative establishes that the player’s bounty hunter and Kenny have parted ways.
Filling the Gap: To maintain the series’ signature quirkiness, High on Life 2 introduces new sentient weapons, voiced by a talented lineup including Sarah Sherman, Ralph Ineson, and Gabourey Sidibe. These characters bring fresh energy, keeping the game lively without relying on Roiland’s specific comedic timing.
How the Sequel Feels Without Roiland
From a player’s perspective, the humor in High on Life 2 feels familiar but noticeably different. The classic “Roiland-style” dialogue—stuttering, improvisational, and heavily meta—is largely absent. Instead, the game leans into absurdist, over-the-top humor while refining gameplay.
Community Reactions:
- Some fans missed Roiland’s chaotic energy and the signature Rick and Morty-style jokes.
- Others appreciated the game’s improved mechanics, smoother traversal, and more focused storytelling.
- Overall, the tone feels “less chaotic” but still retains the quirky charm that made the first game stand out.
For players who loved the first game’s combination of humor and gameplay, this shift might actually be a blessing. The humor is still present, but now it doesn’t overshadow the core experience: exploring bizarre alien worlds and engaging in inventive combat.
Quick Facts About High on Life 2
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | February 13, 2026 |
| Platforms | PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2 (April 20, 2026) |
| Developer | Squanch Games, Inc. |
| Availability | Day One on Xbox Game Pass |
| Gameplay | Single-player, no microtransactions, expanded world-building |
Personal Take
As someone who loves eclectic, story-driven games, High on Life 2 is a bold experiment. Removing Roiland could have been a disaster, but Squanch Games handled it with care. Instead of trying to replicate the original voice magic, the game carves out its own identity.
The new weapons and voice actors bring fresh humor and personality. You still get the chaotic, over-the-top alien worlds, but there’s more room to appreciate the design, puzzles, and exploration. It’s clear the developers focused on polishing gameplay mechanics that were sometimes lost in the chatter of the first game.
In short, High on Life 2 isn’t just a sequel trying to mimic its predecessor—it’s a statement that Squanch Games can evolve and maintain its charm even without its co-founder. For fans who loved the absurdity but wanted a smoother gameplay experience, this game delivers.
Conclusion
Justin Roiland’s absence is undeniable, but High on Life 2 proves that a game’s soul isn’t tied to one person. By embracing new characters, refining gameplay, and leaning into absurdist humor, Squanch Games created a sequel that honors the original while standing confidently on its own. For anyone curious about the future of this offbeat franchise, High on Life 2 is worth diving into—even without the man who started it all.
High on Life 2 Game Pass Review: Is It Worth the Hype?
If you were a fan of the first High on Life, then Squanch Games’ sequel is probably already on your radar. High on Life 2 launched on February 13, 2026, and for Game Pass subscribers, it was a dream come true—Day One access on Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass means you don’t even have to think twice before diving into the chaos. But does the sequel live up to the wild, irreverent energy of the original? Here’s my take after spending some quality time on Circuit Arcadia.
Platforms and Availability
The game is officially out for:
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC (Windows) via Steam and Epic Games Store
- PlayStation 5 (PS5)
- Cloud Gaming through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Fans of Nintendo, don’t worry—you’ll get your hands on a version for the Switch 2 on April 20, 2026. So basically, whether you’re on console or PC, the game’s got you covered.
What’s New in High on Life 2?
Set five years after the events of the first game, High on Life 2 amps up the chaos in true Squanch style. You play as a now-famous bounty hunter, and your adventure kicks into overdrive when the intergalactic pharma giant, Big Pharma, targets your sister.
New Mechanics
- Skateboard Traversal: Yep, you can now grind rails, pull tricks, and even attack enemies while zooming around. Honestly, it’s absurdly fun and adds a dynamic layer to combat.
- Expanded Weapon Arsenal: Classic guns like Knifey, Sweezy, and Gus return, but now with secondary abilities. Plus, several new sentient weapons join the mix, each with its own personality—think talking guns but even sassier.
- Interactive Environments: Circuit Arcadia is huge. From neon-lit business districts to sprawling harbor resorts, it’s basically a halo-style ring world with secrets around every corner.
Cast and Voice Acting
The humor is still a highlight. There’s a fresh cast, including Ralph Ineson as Sheath, and returning voices like Betsy Sodaro and J.B. Smoove. Heads-up: the main gun voices have been recast following Justin Roiland’s departure, but the comedic impact remains intact.
Performance and Technical Notes
Even though High on Life 2 nails humor and movement, some early reviews note a few hiccups:
- Resolution Issues: Some console players have seen a slightly blurry image (roughly 720p–900p).
- Frame Rate Dips: It targets 60fps on Xbox Series X, but dense areas can see drops or “pop-in” textures.
- Minor Bugs: Collision glitches and quest hiccups exist, but most are solved by reloading a save.
It’s worth noting that these are not dealbreakers—just minor annoyances at launch.
Is It Worth It on Game Pass?
For me, the inclusion on Game Pass makes this a no-brainer. The main story runs around 10–15 hours, but if you’re like me and enjoy exploring every nook and cranny, side quests and collectibles can easily stretch your playtime to 30–40 hours.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Story Length | 10–15 Hours |
| Completionist Length | 30–40 Hours |
| Game Pass Availability | Standard & Ultimate |
| Pre-load Size | ~45 GB |
Final Thoughts
High on Life 2 doesn’t just repeat what made the first game great—it builds on it with faster movement, bigger worlds, and more interactive combat. The skateboard mechanic alone adds a fresh twist to exploration, and the new sentient guns bring even more personality to the table.
If you loved the original, this sequel is a wild, laugh-out-loud ride worth taking. And for Game Pass subscribers, it’s basically free entertainment for a weekend or two—or a whole month if you go full completionist mode.
Whether you’re a fan of quirky shooters, outrageous comedy, or just want a break from serious games, High on Life 2 delivers. Just remember to forgive the small technical quirks—they don’t detract from the sheer fun of being back in Squanch’s absurd, chaotic universe.
