Combat System - Is it Souls-like?
Mortal Shell 2 is considered an action RPG. Its combat system is unrestricted by stamina, unlike Souls games. Players must strategically fight enemies by exploiting their weaknesses and strike at the right time.
No Stamina Bar
Souls games are known for the stamina bar. Movement depends on stamina. In Mortal Shell 2, there is a resolve bar. The Resolve Bar (yellow) is the bar above the HP bar (red). Resolve bar fills as the player attacks the enemy in melee.
The resolve bar allows the players to use ranged attacks using their sidearms (guns). So, the player can refill their ammo through melee attacks.
What is a Shell
A shell is what the Harbinger (the player) inhabits. Each shell has its own unique ability. Harros, the first shell, has the ability, Stone Stun.
| Stone Stun |
|---|
| Harros petrifies nearby enemies, leaving them unable to act. While hardened, they take no damage but suffer Break Damage instead. |
When a player dies, they will first lose their shell. This gives the player a second life because they can still fight without a shell.
Importance of Parrying
Since there is no stamina bar, it's worth taking every opportunity to parry enemies. The ability to parry comes with the Untarnished Seal. This allows the player to guard against enemy attacks. And a perfect guard staggers the enemy.
What are Tarstones
Tarstones are additional abilities. They are equipped on the Harbinger and not on the shell. The player can change their shell without the need to change their Tarstones.
Tarstones are categorized as:
- Support
- Combat
- Infusions
- Abilities
Difficulty Setting
There is no difficulty setting for Mortal Shell 2. However, it might become easier once the player finds their own playstyle when trying out different shells.
Death Penalty
Once the player dies, the player loses their shell. This serves as their second life. If they die again, the player will be teleported to the last beacon. They also lose all their Gloom. Collect Glooms by picking them up and from enemy drops. Like the Souls game, they can pick them up again from the place they died.
Related Guides
Game Overview
| Game Overview | |
|---|---|
| Is it Open World? | Combat System - Is it Souls-like? |
| Is it Multiplayer? | Is there Cross-Progression? |
| Is it Steam Deck compatible? | Is there Character Creation? |
