Here we are, Souls fans. With FromSoftware still tight-lipped about Elden Ring, the biggest new release in the Souls-like genre is Cold Symmetry’s Mortal Shell. Just launched on August 18, this little indie gem’s going viral with praise from critics and users alike!
For those of you brave enough to take the plunge, here’s a starter guide on the best weapons in the game, where to find them, and how to use them well.
5. Ballistazooka (THE Ranged Option)
“Parry THIS!”
In-Game Text: “An unwieldy projectile weapon, dubbed "Ballistazooka" by "brigands." The Neoterics of Muraden invented this arcuballista for disputed trials. Those who plead innocence to the Arch Engineer would stand before its narrow sites, praying for the bolt to veer away in an act of divine justice.”
Why It Rocks
It’s versatile and powerful! As the only ranged weapon in the whole game, this ballista can come in handy to get the attention of far-away foes, allowing you to pick them off one by one.
If you find yourself stuck on a tough baddie, or maybe even a mini-boss or a boss, you can try to put some distance between you and your target, shoot a few bolts, and get a head-start on the coming melee fight!
How Do I Get It?
You can find this ballista in Fallgrim Tower. It’s lying broken on a workbench on the tower’s first floor.
You can get it repaired with tools for Vlas. Just make sure that you have the 8,000 tar needed to buy the tools.
Fextralife Wiki Page
Video Guide by Abyx Gaming
4. Martyr’s Blade (Great for Tiel The Acolyte)
The bigger they are, the harder they fall!
In-Game Text: “A two-handed sword, achingly cold to grasp.
A remnant from a long-dead empire. The First Martyr reserved this greatsword for heretics, but the blade fell upon many pious necks. In time devotion was not enough, the Enshrined whispered of new sins and new foes hidden within their ranks.”
Why It Rocks
Every Souls-like game needs to have some ridiculously huge weapons. This is Mortal Shell’s answer.
While it is a bit slow and takes a lot of stamina to use, this thing hits hard! It also has good reach. That combination of factors makes it a good fit for the nimble Tiel the Acolyte and his extensive pool of stamina.
Freeze enemies with the ability Petrified Winterglass.
Or, deal with some large groups using the crowd-control effects of Radiant Winterglass.
How Do I Get It?
Go to the Abandoned Chamber. Next to a statue in this area, you will find a book. Interact with it and it will teleport you to a boss battle with Hadern. If you can beat him, the Martyr’s Blade will be your reward.
Fextralife Wiki Page
Video Guide by Gaming with Abyss
3. Smoldering Mace (Great for Harros the Vassal)
Let’s get this roast started...
In-Game Text: “Ashes drift from the mace's smoldering head.
This mace bears an inscription: "Righteous fire may only be wielded by a disciple consecrated by wrath and fury.” ”
Why It Rocks
Not much screams ‘cool kid in school’ more than a flaming mace. Obviously, it’s also fairly intimidating. How could you not feel powerful when you’re wielding this?
It’s a big weapon with decent reach, but it takes less stamina to use than the Martyr’s Blade, which means that it can work well for the well-rounded shell Harros the Vassal, or even the tank-y shell Eredrim the Venerable and his fairly limited stamina reserves.
You can use the Awakening Stone with this mace to do some crowd-control, dealing with multiple enemies at once.
As the name suggests, this mace can also be lit on fire with the help of the Foundry Stone. The fire will apply a burning effect, which is really helpful in longer fights against bosses and elite enemies.
How Do I Get It?
This weapon is waiting for you to claim it at the Temple Grounds. But first, you need to interact with the book in this area, which will take you back to Hadern. Beat him and the mace is all yours.
Fextralife Wiki Page
Video Guide by Murad Zero
2. Hammer and Chisel (Great for Eredrim The Venerable)
An epic showdown! Who do you think will win?
In-Game Text: “The only tool fit to write of eternity. Though in appearance, it is only by these tools that the Twice-born etched histories and scripture upon the sacred tablets. Beneath the hammer's blow, reality itself bends and breaks.”
Why It Rocks
Honestly, while this weapon meshes very well with Eredrim’s low stamina, it can actually work well with any of the shells in the game.
It’s a fast weapon, but keep in mind that it has somewhat lower damage and less reach than the other weapons. This would be a good choice for beginners who are getting used to the dodging and hardening mechanics, or for players who value speed and maneuverability over everything else in combat.
Use the Perfumed Censer for some crowd-control assistance.
The Foul Censer allows the Hammer and Chisel to do more damage against a single target.
How Do I Get It?
This pair is located at the entrance to the Eternal Narthex. Interact with the book in this area and beat Hadern again to earn the Hammer and Chisel.
Fextralife Wiki Page
Video Guide by Murad Zero
Hallowed Sword (The All-Around Best Weapon)
The Hallowed Sword - Ol’ Reliable.
In-Game Text: “A Heavy Sword with a hollow at its center. This cumbersome sword appears broken or perhaps unfinished. A piston-like mechanism is buried deep inside.”
Why It Rocks
I know, I know. It seems a bit lame to put the starter weapon here at the top of the list, but hey, it’s a pretty good sword!
The Hallowed Sword works well with any of the shells, with middling damage and speed. It hits harder than the Hammer and Chisel, but it’s still a lot more flexible and less stamina-draining than the Martyr’s Blade.
Don’t underestimate the potential of a fully-upgraded Hallowed Sword!
While there isn’t any crowd-control for this sword, it can be paired with the Molten Spike to burn enemies, or with the Mechanical Spike to deal high damage.
Fextralife Wiki Page
Alright, Foundlings. Now that you’ve built up your highly-lethal arsenals, it’s time to kick some butt!
You, the Foundling, are protected inside the mortal shell of your choice. Pretty cool, huh?
