Mortal Shell
News, coverage and analysis tracking Mortal Shell across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Mortal Shell 2 map and how to reveal it
The guide explains how to reveal the map in Mortal Shell 2, which requires players to find map fragments scattered throughout the world. These fragments are located near Ruk's statues and are marked on the player's in-progress map with black bird icons. Finding these fragments not only reveals the terrain but also important locations like Corrupted Gates.
Should you equip the Mortal Shell 2 Slayer Seal?
The Mortal Shell 2 Slayer Seal is a powerful item found in Marrow Keep that significantly decreases combat difficulty by offering buffs like Gloomslayer and Slayer Punch. However, equipping the seal permanently disables achievements, with two warnings provided before activation. Players should consider using it only if they do not care about achievements or are on a second playthrough.
How To Change Difficulty In Mortal Shell 2 – Night Mode And Slayer Seal Guide
This guide explains how to change the difficulty in Mortal Shell 2 using the Slayer Seal and the Gloombound Flame. The Slayer Seal offers benefits like invulnerability and health restoration but disables achievements, while the Gloombound Flame activates 'Night Mode,' increasing enemy difficulty and rewards. Players can switch between modes via Thestus in Marrow Keep.
All Weapon And Sidearm Locations In Mortal Shell 2
This guide details the locations of all 16 weapons and sidearms in Mortal Shell 2, spread across the regions of Fallgrim, Fainweald, and Mammon. It also mentions that these armaments can be upgraded at the Tarforge in Marrow Keep.
How long is Mortal Shell 2?
Mortal Shell 2's playtime varies significantly based on player approach, with the developer Cold Symmetry estimating an average completion time of 30-40 hours. Players exploring thoroughly or aiming for 100% completion may find the game lasts up to 60 hours. The game also features New Game Plus for extended play.
Who is Franz in Mortal Shell 2, and where can you find him?
This guide explains the role of Franz in Mortal Shell 2 and how to find him in the Marrow Keep. Franz is essential for upgrading weapons, Tarstones, and Sidearms using the Tarforge, with specific items like the Muradean Actuator, Obsidian Lathe, and Etching Needles unlocking these capabilities.
How to unlock Mortal Shell 2 fast travel
This guide explains how to unlock fast travel in Mortal Shell by cleansing beacons and returning at least four Ova to the Marrow Keep. Once unlocked, players can use Mether's Breath to instantly travel between discovered beacons or return to the Marrow Keep, though the latter consumes any Gloom currently held.
Mortal Shell 2 Review
The sequel to Mortal Shell successfully expands into a large-scale action RPG. The game offers a significant evolution from its predecessor, focusing on expansive gameplay and a broader scope.
Mortal Shell 2 review: "The best Soulslike I've played since Elden Ring thanks to brilliant death-dealing toys and speedy combat"
Mortal Shell 2 is a superior and more accessible sequel to the original, offering faster combat and a world dense with ideas. While it doesn't dethrone Elden Ring, it stands as a strong Soulslike with its own merits, featuring unique "mortal shells" with distinct abilities and a satisfying combat system. Despite minor issues with camera control and difficulty balance, the game is a visually impressive and fun experience available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X.
How To Get And Use The Makeshift Projectile In Mortal Shell 2
This guide explains how to find and use the Makeshift Projectile in Mortal Shell 2, an item located in the Mammon region. The guide details the locations of the catapult, the projectile itself, and the Alchemist's Workshop dungeon, which is accessed after launching the projectile.
Mortal Shell 2 Is A Fresh And Exciting Shake Up Of The Souls-like Formula
Mortal Shell 2 offers a fresh take on the souls-like genre by deconstructing familiar mechanics, such as removing the stamina meter for more aggressive combat. While it retains core elements like challenging combat and a dark fantasy setting, it introduces unique features like Seals and Tarstones for build variety. Despite some issues with level design leading to frequent player deaths and weapon upgrade limitations, the game's dynamic combat and engaging world make it a strong sequel.
How To Parry In Mortal Shell 2
This guide explains how to unlock and utilize the parry mechanic in Mortal Shell 2. Parrying is achieved by obtaining the Infinite Seal from Sester Genessa in Marrow Keep and timing button presses precisely as an enemy attack lands. Successfully parrying nullifies attacks and opens enemies up for a riposte, though unblockable attacks cannot be parried.
How To Upgrade The Tarforge In Mortal Shell 2 – Weapon And Tarstone Upgrades Guide
This guide details how to upgrade the Tarforge in Mortal Shell 2, a machine essential for improving weapons and Tarstones. It outlines the five key upgrade items needed: Muradean Actuator, Obsidian Lathe, Etching Needles, Foundry Stone, and Endless Core, explaining their locations and functions. The guide also covers weapon enhancements, smelting, and the process of leveling up Tarstones to earn Tarcores for further upgrades.
Mortal Shell 2 Is A Fresh And Exciting Shake Up Of The Souls-like Formula – Review
Mortal Shell 2 offers a fresh and exciting shake-up of the Souls-like formula. The game provides a challenging yet rewarding experience for fans of the genre.
All Shell Locations In Mortal Shell 2
This guide details the locations of all nine unlockable shells in Mortal Shell 2. It covers shells found in the Fainweald and Mammon regions, including Harros, Tiel, Proxima, Gragu, Eredrim, Smert, Lazlo, Sariel, and Genessa. The guide also explains the process of unlocking and upgrading these shells through memory sequences and the Shellkeeper NPC.
This week in PC games: survival horror in a waterlogged city, kaiju chaos in a destructible city, and old school GTA vibes in an isometric insurgency simulator
This week's PC game releases include survival horror titles like Feed it. and The Sinking City 2, a multiplayer shooter with kaiju battles called Beastlink, and an isometric insurgency simulator Brigador Killers. Other notable releases span genres from city builders and puzzle games to MMORPGs and visual novels.
Mortal Shell 2 Launch Trailer Drops, Advanced Access is Now Live
Cold Symmetry has released the launch trailer for Mortal Shell 2, which is now available for owners of the Devout Edition, with the Standard Edition launching on August 20th. The game has seen a strong debut on Steam with nearly 20,000 concurrent players. A free beta is available for PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5.
Mortal Shell 2 Might Finally Give Bloodborne Fans What They Want
This article draws parallels between Bloodborne and the upcoming Mortal Shell 2, suggesting the latter may offer a similar aggressive combat experience. It highlights mechanics like Bloodborne's regen system and Mortal Shell 2's Harden and firearm usage as key elements that cater to fans seeking a challenging, offensive-minded Soulslike. The piece concludes that while not a direct sequel, Mortal Shell 2 captures the spirit of Bloodborne's combat philosophy.
Coming Out in gaming this week — August 17, 2026
This week's gaming releases include FEED IT, a PSX-style horror game, and The Sinking City 2, a survival horror set in the Roaring '20s. Other notable titles are the sci-fi RTS Space Tales, the action-RPG Mortal Shell II, and the adventure/simulation puzzle game how to kill a fly. Grim Trials, a roguelike, and Steins;Gate Re:Boot, a visual novel, also launch this week.
Next Week on XBOX: New Games for August 17 to 21
This week's "Next Week on Xbox" feature highlights numerous game releases for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC between August 17 and 21, including titles available on Game Pass. Notable releases include S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl (DLC), Backyard Baseball, The Sinking City 2, and Mortal Shell II, alongside a variety of indie titles across different genres.
