The first hours of a soulslike game determine whether a player will love the game. In Mortal Shell 2, three of the first real characters you can use when stepping into the open world are Proxima, Tiel, and Eredrim. These three Shells cater to different playstyles and accompany you across a wide spectrum from exploration to boss battles. However, choosing without knowing the differences between them can lead to regret in later hours. In this guide, we cover each Shell's abilities, where to find them, and in which situations they stand out.
Early Game Core Dynamic: After Harros
Harros appears as a familiar starting character given to you in the game's prologue; however, from the moment you step into Fainweald, you need to find a replacement. When the open world begins, Proxima and Tiel are almost close by. Reaching Eredrim requires a bit more progression and a specific boss fight. This gives the player freedom to choose a route for the start. You can either opt for a combat-focused beginning or prioritize exploration. It is recommended not to make hasty decisions and to try a few Shells, as some investments become permanent in later hours.
One of the most frequently mentioned topics in early-game guides is that these three Shells are not niche characters that are only good for a single job. They can be used in exploration, normal combat, and boss battles alike. However, each has a distinct specialization: Eredrim stands out for breaking bosses thanks to heavy Break Damage, Proxima speeds up the general combat tempo, and Tiel eases exploration with stealth and mobility. Therefore, you should base your choice not only on the question 'which one is strongest' but also on 'which playstyle do I enjoy'.
Eredrim: A Late Unlock Yet Effective Boss Breaker
Boss battles are the most critical tests of the soulslike genre. Eredrim has abilities that can make a difference in these trials. Shoulder Bash is an attack that lunges him forward and deals high Break Damage, while Ethereal Diapason creates a dazzling shockwave that damages the stagger gauge of enemies around him. These two abilities are ideal for stunning tough enemies and punishing them during the opening window. Interrupting the actions of large bosses in particular can completely change the course of a fight.
Acquiring Eredrim takes more time compared to Proxima and Tiel. You need to go to the Citadel of Penance, advance from the Beacon toward the center, and descend to the lowest floor. Then you will use one of two elevators to reach the upper-middle section. As you approach, a boss named The Warden draws you into an arena; after defeating him, you can interact with Eredrim's body to unlock the Shell. Therefore, instead of rushing to Eredrim at the start of the game, it makes more sense to first pick one of the other early Shells and go to the area prepared.
Although Eredrim is unlocked relatively late, he is not only a boss-focused character. His Break Damage is quite functional in normal fights as well. If you like a heavy and impactful playstyle, you are free to use him as your main Shell. However, as guides often emphasize, his shockwave and shoulder bash make battles much safer, especially when getting past the early bosses.
Proxima: The Star of Aggressive Combat
One of the most sought-after things when starting a new game is for combat to feel fast and satisfying. Proxima stands out exactly at this point. The Biosampler ability allows you to pull small enemies toward yourself with a hook from your arm or launch Proxima toward larger targets. This closes the gap between you and enemies you would normally have to cross long distances to reach. Moreover, punishing the enemy with a lightning-based attack after the hook makes combos both powerful and visually enjoyable.
The biggest contribution of Biosampler is that it adds momentum to battles. Instead of waiting for enemies to come to you, you keep control of the game by constantly moving. It is also possible to separate a single enemy from a crowd and punish it alone. This makes the classic 'lure one by one' tactic of soulslike games much more dynamic. Grafted Armor, on the other hand, forgives your mistakes by reducing some of the melee or ranged damage coming at you while playing aggressively. When you start investing in a lightning-focused build, both your damage potential and enjoyment of gameplay multiply.
To find Proxima, simply go to the Shattered Beacon area marked after the prologue. The Beacon is located northeast of Blackridge Pass Beacon; once inside, you need to head to the back and find his body. There is no boss fight in this process, so reaching Proxima within the opening minutes of the game is quite easy. Considered the closest and most general-purpose early Shell, you can choose him without hesitation.
Tiel: The Best Alternative for Exploration and Stealth
Not every player wants to fight the same way; some prefer to avoid clashes with enemies while navigating dangerous areas. Tiel is tailor-made for this playstyle. The Lingering Shadow ability cloaks Tiel in shadow for a while, allowing him to prepare Shadow Strike. Shadow Dash grants shadow on perfectly timed dodges and simultaneously deals Stagger Damage to the enemy. These mechanics allow you to both get behind enemies in combat for stronger attacks and advance without fighting at all.
Tiel's real value emerges during exploration. Switching to Tiel while traversing a tough route allows you to slip past patrolling enemies and reach equipment and areas that need to be accessed early. This is especially valuable in the opening hours when you are not yet strong. You can return to Proxima for boss battles or normal fights and use Tiel during exploration. This way, you combine the advantages of both Shells in a single playthrough.
Tiel's location is just as accessible as Proxima: he lies in a shallow grave in the search area marked southeast of Widow's Overlook Beacon. You can interact to unlock the Shell; there is no boss fight. So in the first hours of the game, you can try both Proxima and Tiel and decide which one suits you better.
Which Early Shell Is Best for You?
If you need to make a general choice for the opening hours of Mortal Shell 2, Proxima stands out as the best all-around candidate. Biosampler works in almost every fight and gives the player momentum. Tiel is better for exploration and infiltrating dangerous areas; Eredrim specializes in breaking bosses. You don't have to choose only one of these three; you can collect them all as the game progresses and switch according to the situation. The early accessibility of Proxima and Tiel gives you a great opportunity to try both and get an idea before investing in customization.
In addition, most enemies you encounter in the opening areas repeat basic attack patterns. So no matter which Shell you use, learning enemy moves and improving your dodge timing is what really matters. The Shell you choose gives you different tools; however, your success in tough moments of the game depends on how well you use those tools. Proxima's hook, Tiel's shadow, and Eredrim's shockwave make battles much easier when used at the right time. Therefore, it is worth experimenting for at least a few hours to see the potential of each Shell.
Another detail to keep in mind is that Shell investments are permanent in some respects. The Bond level upgraded using Glimpses is a more permanent progression; therefore, it is recommended to try different Shells before making your decision. In contrast, Shell Points spent in a Shell's skill tree can be refunded. This makes trial and error easier in the early hours. Ultimately, the best choice is the Shell that brings you the most enjoyment for your playstyle; guides only give you a starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Shells are there in Mortal Shell 2?
There are eight Shells in total in the game. None of them are permanently missable before moving to New Game Plus. You can collect Shells you skipped while exploring Fainweald later. So no matter which one you choose in the early hours, you will have a chance to complete your collection later.
Is there another good early Shell besides Proxima, Tiel, and Eredrim?
Yes, Gragu becomes a strong option once you reach the One-Legged Wolf Tavern. Gragu's Revered Heart ability allows you to regain health depending on your kill speed. Staggering Blow, on the other hand, deals high stagger damage with a charged punch. These features make Gragu an alternative to consider in the early game.
Can I upgrade multiple Shells at the same time?
Yes, you can upgrade. However, since the Bond level increased using Glimpses is more permanent, it's worth trying different Shells before spending your resources. Shell Points used in the skill tree can be refunded later. Therefore, it is important to find the playstyle that suits you best before making a permanent investment in a Shell.
A Final Suggestion: Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
The starting area of Mortal Shell 2 encourages players to experiment freely. Each of Proxima, Tiel, and Eredrim fulfills a different playstyle fantasy. If you want fast and aggressive combat, Proxima; if you prefer sneaking past enemies rather than fighting, Tiel; if you want to take down bosses with heavy and crushing blows, Eredrim may suit you better. These choices are not mutually exclusive; you can switch Shells based on your needs within the game. The best approach is to start with the names guides suggest and then discover your own style.
