Mortal Shell 2: Every Shell Location & How to Unlock Each Character
Mortal Shell 2 does not exist as a released game, so there are no shell locations or unlock methods to list for it. The only game in the series is the 2020 action RPG Mortal Shell, which features four playable shells (characters) that you find in the world and unlock by defeating their corrupted forms. This article covers every shell in Mortal Shell, where to find each one, and exactly how to unlock them for permanent use.
Background: What Are Shells in Mortal Shell?
In Mortal Shell, you play as a soulless “Foundling” who can inhabit the bodies of fallen warriors, called shells. Each shell has its own stats, unique abilities, and a backstory revealed through lore items. You start with the first shell automatically, but the other three must be discovered and then unlocked by defeating their spectral forms in combat. Once unlocked, you can switch between shells at any Sester (the game’s merchant/npc) by selecting “Change Shell.”
The game was developed by Cold Symmetry and published by Playstack. It is often described as a soulslike, and its shell mechanic is its defining twist. There is no sequel, DLC, or expansion that adds new shells beyond the four in the base game.
All Shell Locations and How to Unlock Each
Here are the four shells, their locations, and the unlock method for each. The order below is the order you’ll likely encounter them, but you can find them in any order after the tutorial area.
1. Harros, the Vassal (Starting Shell)
Location: Automatically acquired at the beginning of the game, in the tutorial area (Fallgrim Outskirts).
How to unlock: No unlock required. You start with this shell. It is a balanced character with even stats across the board, making it ideal for first-time players. Its unique ability, “Resolve,” lets you parry and execute enemies for bonus damage.
2. Solomon, the Scholar
Location: Found in the Crypt of the Martyrs, a dungeon accessible from Fallgrim. Specifically, you’ll find the shell in a room with a large pool of water, guarded by an enemy. The shell is on a corpse near a pillar.
How to unlock: After picking up the shell, you must defeat its spectral form, which appears as a ghostly version of Solomon. This fight is optional but required to unlock the shell for use. Solomon has high Resolve (the resource for special abilities) and is best for players who like to use weapons and abilities frequently. His unique ability increases the amount of Resolve gained from hitting enemies.
3. Tiel, the Acolyte
Location: Found in the Seat of Infinity, a tower area. You’ll find the shell in a room with a large central pillar and several enemies. It is on a corpse near a window.
How to unlock: As with Solomon, you must defeat Tiel’s spectral form after picking up the shell. Tiel is a nimble character with high stamina and resistance to poison, but low health. His unique ability lets him dodge more effectively and reduces the stamina cost of dodging. He is ideal for players who prefer a fast, agile playstyle.
4. Eredrim, the Venerable
Location: Found in the Shrine of Ash, a fiery area. The shell is in a room with a large central altar, guarded by a mini-boss. It is on a corpse near the altar.
How to unlock: Defeat Eredrim’s spectral form after picking up the shell. Eredrim is a tanky character with high health and damage, but low stamina. His unique ability increases damage dealt based on the number of enemies killed (up to a cap). He is best for players who like a heavy, hard-hitting playstyle.
How to Change Shells and Why It Matters
Once unlocked, you can change shells at any Sester. Sesters are the female NPCs you find at checkpoints (the places where you rest and level up). To change, interact with a Sester and select “Change Shell.” You can switch between any unlocked shell at any time, but note that each shell has its own level and upgrade progress. So if you switch from a level 10 Harros to a level 1 Tiel, you’ll be weaker until you level Tiel up.
Each shell also has a unique active ability (bound to the L2 button on PlayStation, LT on Xbox) that costs Resolve. These abilities are:
- Harros: Unstable Resolve – increases damage for a short time.
- Solomon: Eternal Resolve – instantly restores a portion of Resolve.
- Tiel: Murmuring Gaze – poisons nearby enemies.
- Eredrim: Vengeful Resolve – reflects damage back to attackers.
Choosing the right shell for your playstyle is key. If you’re struggling with stamina, use Tiel; if you want to tank hits, use Eredrim; if you want balanced stats, use Harros; if you want to spam abilities, use Solomon.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
Misconception: There is a Mortal Shell 2. Many fans hope for a sequel, but as of now, no sequel has been announced. The developer has mentioned working on a new project, but it is not confirmed to be Mortal Shell 2. So any guide claiming to list “Mortal Shell 2 shell locations” is either speculative or referring to the original game.
Problem: I picked up a shell but can’t use it. This happens when you haven’t defeated the spectral form. The spectral form appears right after you pick up the shell, often in the same room. If you leave the area without fighting it, you’ll need to return to that spot to trigger the fight.
Problem: I can’t find the spectral fight. The spectral fight triggers automatically when you pick up the shell. If you somehow missed it (e.g., you ran away), you can return to the shell’s location and the ghost will reappear. It’s a one-time fight per shell.
Comparing the Shells: Which Is Best?
There is no single “best” shell; it depends on your playstyle. However, here’s a quick comparison:
- Harros – Best for beginners. Balanced stats, easy to understand ability.
- Solomon – Best for ability-heavy builds. High Resolve, but lower health.
- Tiel – Best for dodging and poison builds. High stamina, but very low health.
- Eredrim – Best for tank builds. High health and damage, but low stamina.
If you’re new, start with Harros and experiment with the others as you unlock them. You can always switch back.
Tips for Unlocking Shells Faster
Unlocking all four shells requires exploring the three main dungeons. Here are some tips to make it easier:
- Level up before fighting the spectral forms. The spectral fights are tough, especially if you’re underleveled. Make sure you have a decent weapon and some healing items.
- Use the right weapon. Each shell has a preferred weapon type, but you can use any weapon you find. If you’re struggling, try a faster weapon like the Hammer and Chisel for Tiel, or the Greatsword for Eredrim.
- Don’t rush. The dungeons are linear but have many side paths. Explore thoroughly to find upgrade materials and lore items.
- Use the Sester to level up. Spend your Tar (currency) and glimpses (XP) at Sesters to increase your stats. This makes the spectral fights much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a Mortal Shell 2 in development?
A: As of now, no sequel has been announced. The developer has not confirmed any plans for a direct sequel, so any “Mortal Shell 2” guides are either fan-made or refer to the original game.
Q: Can I unlock all shells in one playthrough?
A: Yes, all four shells can be found and unlocked in a single playthrough. There are no missable shells, as long as you explore the three main dungeons.
Q: Do shells carry over to New Game Plus?
A: Yes, all unlocked shells carry over to New Game Plus. You’ll start with all four shells available, but their levels reset to 1.
Q: What is the best shell for a first playthrough?
A: Harros is the best for beginners because of his balanced stats and straightforward ability. Once you get comfortable with the combat, try the others.
Q: Can I change shells without losing progress?
A: Yes, you can change shells at any Sester, and each shell keeps its own level and upgrades. So you won’t lose progress on a shell you’ve leveled up.
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