Mortal Shell 2: Best Early Game Tarstones

Mortal Shell 2 has a number of different ways for players to refine their build and become the most powerful Harbinger they can be. Weapons are an obvious way to do this, but Tarstones are arguably just as important. 

These are equippable items that give the player passive buffs. Buffs that can be enhanced by using the Tarforge back at Marrow Keep. All have their perks and pitfalls, but we want to assess which of those available in the early game are worth equipping and improving.

Auspicious Stone 

We kick things off with the Auspicious Stone, a Tarstone I have had equipped and maxed out since very early on in my MS2 run. Simply because the benefits speak for themselves. 

You get a guaranteed critical hit chance buff, up to 18% if fully maxed out. Meaning that roughly every five strikes, you're likely to land an extra critical hit. It lets you hit harder, and that is a perk not to be passed on. 

Berserker's Stone 

Next we have the Berserker's Stone, a Tarstone that I recommend wholeheartedly if you like to live on the edge. Because Mortal Shell is all about giving you a shell life, and then a second life, you'll find yourself teetering on less than 50% health quite a lot.

In any other circumstances, that is a real bummer, but not when you have this stone equipped. This allows you to hit much harder when close to death. So, consider this one and turn adversity into your advantage. 

Marksman's Stone 

I won't linger on this one any longer than I have to. This is essentially the same effect as the Auspicious Stone, but for ranged weapons. Meaning you can land criticals more often from a distance. 

I recommend doubling up on both to get the most out of your weapons. 

Bulwark Stone 

You can be as powerful as you want on the front foot, but if you're flimsy when they break through your defenses, you're dead meat. That's why the Bulwark Stone can come in handy. 

This stone allows you to equip yourself with 10% damage reduction, no matter what shell you're using. Which can be upgraded to 25%. 

You still need to be good at partying and dodging attacks. But with the Bulwark Stone, you can tank a hit or two. 

Grudge Stone 

We've listed a few critical hit enhancing stones so far, and we aren't about to stop now. The Grudge Stone is a superb way to increase your critical hit rate, as this stone will guarantee a critical every 10 strikes. 

It can be upgraded to every 5 strikes and can be stacked with the Marksman and Auspicious Stone. Meaning you can rack up consistent criticals and cut enemies down to size in record time. 

Gloombound Stone 

Lastly, we have the Gloombound Stone. A stone that is best for those who want to grind levels and get your character up to speed to make it in this hostile and unforgiving world. 

With this equipped, you'll gain 15% more gloom from enemies, and this can be improved to 40%, which will really speed up the leveling process, allowing you to get more Shell Points and upgrade your characters.