This week Epic Games store is giving away a deep action RPG called “Mortal Shell”.
Mortal Shell is set in a dark, desolate world where humanity is on the verge of extinction. The story follows a nameless, faceless being known as the Foundling, an ethereal creature that lacks a true form but can inhabit the bodies—or “shells”—of fallen warriors. These warriors were once powerful fighters, and by taking control of their remains, the Foundling gains access to their skills, strengths, and abilities.
A World on the Brink of Despair
The game is steeped in mystery, with cryptic lore scattered across the environment. The world has been ravaged by an unknown calamity, leaving behind eerie ruins, grotesque monsters, and devout fanatics obsessed with dark rituals. The main goal is to seek out the enigmatic “Glands” from the game’s monstrous adversaries, bringing them to the mysterious NPC, The Old Prisoner, who claims to hold the key to understanding your existence.
Brutal and Tactical Combat
Mortal Shell follows the tradition of Soulslike games, emphasizing punishing difficulty, precise combat, and resourceful play. Unlike traditional RPGs with leveling systems, the game revolves around four distinct shells, each offering unique playstyles:
- Harros, the Vassal – A well-balanced fighter with solid durability.
- Solomon, the Scholar – High stamina and resilience, ideal for drawn-out battles.
- Tiel, the Acolyte – A swift rogue-like shell with incredible evasion.
- Eredrim, the Venerable – A tank-like warrior with immense health and heavy attacks.
One of Mortal Shell’s standout mechanics is Hardening, which allows players to temporarily turn their bodies into stone, absorbing attacks even mid-swing. This introduces a new layer of strategy, allowing players to counter enemies, bait attacks, or survive deadly blows.
Instead of traditional healing items, players rely on mushrooms and tar-infused objects, which can have slow but powerful restorative effects. Combat is slow, deliberate, and punishing—mistakes are costly, and even regular enemies can kill an unprepared player in seconds.
Big Boss Battles: Terrifying and Unforgiving
Mortal Shell is known for its memorable boss fights, each designed to test patience, strategy, and adaptability. Some of the most iconic include:
- Imrod, the Unrepentant – A monstrous giant wielding a massive hammer, dealing heavy area-of-effect damage and punishing greedy players.
- Tarsus, the First Martyr – A spectral warrior that freezes the battlefield, launching rapid teleportation attacks to disorient the player.
- Crucix, the Twiceborn – A grotesque, two-headed executioner that shifts phases, requiring both aggression and caution.
- Hadern – A recurring rival who mirrors the player’s abilities, serving as an ultimate test of skill.
Each boss battle is a brutal endurance test, demanding mastery over Hardening, dodging, and parrying. Their unpredictable attack patterns and multiple phases keep players on edge, ensuring no two fights feel the same.
Conclusion
Mortal Shell is a love letter to the Soulslike genre, offering a fresh take on punishing combat with its Hardening mechanic and Shell system. Its mysterious world, atmospheric storytelling, and challenging bosses make it a must-play for fans of dark, unforgiving RPGs. While it lacks the vast world-building of Dark Souls, its tight, focused experience is a rewarding test of patience and skill.
Claim the Giveaway
In order to claim the giveaway game, you can visit Epic Games store webpage https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/mortal-shell, login to your Epic Games account and then click on the Get button. You will have to use Epic Games Launcher in order to download and install it.