How to Defeat the Old Prisoner in Mortal Shell: A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The Old Prisoner, also known as The Unchained or Dark Father, is the formidable final boss of Mortal Shell. This encounter is a true test of your skills and understanding of the game’s mechanics. To triumph over this challenging adversary, you must master dodging, timing, and effective use of your chosen weapon and shell. Here’s a detailed strategy on how to beat him:
The fight unfolds in two distinct phases, each demanding a different approach.
Phase One: The Aggressive Assault
- Understanding the Attack Pattern: The Old Prisoner primarily uses slide attacks and close-range melee strikes. He also employs an AOE (Area of Effect) explosion that’s telegraphed by a visible charging animation.
- Utilizing Hardening: The key to surviving this phase is effective use of the Hardening ability. Time your hardening to absorb the brunt of his slide attack or a melee combo, then immediately retaliate with a few strikes. Avoid overcommitting to attacks, as he is quick to counter.
- Dodging and Positioning: Dodging is crucial for maneuvering around his attacks. Use dodge to evade his slide and gain advantageous positioning for counter attacks. Don’t simply spam dodge; understand the timing of his attacks to effectively evade.
- Maintaining Damage Output: Focus on dealing consistent damage. Don’t get greedy with attacks, but make sure every window counts. Chip away at his health, keeping him in a 90% health range is essential to progress to the next phase.
Phase Two: Summoning Adds and the Final Push
- The Summoned Enemies: Once the Old Prisoner reaches approximately 90% health, he summons additional enemies. These are not particularly strong, but are a constant distraction and must be dealt with immediately before focusing on the Unchained again.
- Prioritize the Adds: Ignore the Old Prisoner briefly and focus on eliminating the summoned enemies. This allows you to avoid being overwhelmed by multiple attacks. Use area-of-effect attacks if possible.
- Renewed Assault on the Old Prisoner: With the adds eliminated, return your attention to the Old Prisoner. The strategy from phase one still holds – dodge, harden, and attack. His attacks will become slightly more erratic, so you’ll need to be patient.
- Utilize Weapon Abilities: If you have built your chosen weapon abilities effectively, this is an excellent time to use them. Many of these abilities can deal significant damage, helping to finish the fight quickly.
- The Final Stretch: Don’t get complacent, even when his health bar is low. The Old Prisoner can still deal heavy damage. Keep focused, apply your tactics and continue to whittle away his remaining health to secure your victory!
Key Considerations for Success
- Shell Selection: It is recommended to use a shell with decent Resolve, such as Harros the Vassal or Solomon the Scholar. Having at least four bars of resolve will allow you to more consistently use weapon abilities, which are very powerful against The Unchained.
- Weapon Choice: The Hallowed Sword or Hammer and Chisel are generally considered optimal choices for this fight. Their abilities can inflict substantial damage, especially when maxed out.
- Item Usage: Having healing items ready is crucial. Weltcaps are vital for recovering health during the fight.
- Patience and Observation: This is not a fight you can brute force. Take the time to learn the Old Prisoner’s attack patterns. Be patient and avoid overly aggressive tactics.
By following these tactics, observing his attack patterns, and being strategic with your shell and weapon abilities, you should be able to overcome The Old Prisoner in Mortal Shell.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mortal Shell’s Old Prisoner
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Old Prisoner and related aspects of Mortal Shell, to further enhance your understanding of this challenging boss fight.
1. Who is the Old Prisoner in Mortal Shell?
The Old Prisoner is a central character in Mortal Shell, found at Fallgrim Tower. He is an ancient and powerful being who has been captured by the Tarnished Seal. He is also revealed to be The Unchained, the game’s final boss, and the Dark Father.
2. How do you trigger the final boss fight in Mortal Shell?
To trigger the final boss fight, you must collect the three Sacred Glands from the various temples around Fallgrim and return them to the Old Prisoner at Fallgrim Tower. After receiving the third gland, he will reveal his true nature and initiate the boss fight.
3. What happens after defeating the Old Prisoner?
Defeating the Old Prisoner (The Unchained) concludes the main storyline of Mortal Shell. Depending on the ending achieved, the player will either ascend to a New Game Plus mode or view the alternative secret ending.
4. Is the Unchained the hardest boss in Mortal Shell?
While difficult, The Unchained isn’t necessarily considered the hardest boss for all players. Many find Tarsus, The First Martyr, more challenging due to his fast-paced, relentless attacks. The difficulty of each boss is often subjective based on play style.
5. What is the best shell to use against The Unchained?
Harros the Vassal and Solomon the Scholar are generally recommended for the final boss fight. These shells have a good balance of stamina, health, and resolve, allowing you to effectively utilize weapon abilities.
6. What are the best weapons for the final boss fight?
The Hallowed Sword and Hammer and Chisel are commonly considered the best weapons for The Unchained, especially when upgraded. Their abilities are quite powerful.
7. How many endings does Mortal Shell have?
Mortal Shell has two known endings: the standard Ascension ending, which leads to New Game Plus, and a secret ending. It’s possible that additional endings may exist and have yet to be discovered.
8. How do you get the secret ending in Mortal Shell?
To get the secret ending, you must find Baghead, a brigand who will not attack you. This requires exploring the Fallgrim swamp and fighting brigands until you encounter a specific tree with giant bats.
9. What does “ascending” in Mortal Shell mean?
“Ascending” refers to the ending where the Foundling rips out Dark Father’s Glimpse and rubs it on themselves, shedding their current shell and being transported to New Game Plus.
10. What are Sacred Glands in Mortal Shell?
Sacred Glands are key items required to progress the story. You must retrieve three from the various temples and return them to the Old Prisoner to trigger the final boss encounter.
11. What should I do with the Glimpses and Tar that you get?
Tar and Glimpses are used to upgrade the abilities of the shells and weapons. They are essential for enhancing your fighting capability. You should also familiarize your shell with items, as this is very beneficial.
12. Should I pull the gland away from the prisoner initially?
The choice to pull the gland away is an interactive moment, but ultimately irrelevant. Regardless of your action, the Old Prisoner will take the gland back and progress the story.
13. What happens if I renounce all shells in Mortal Shell?
Renouncing all shells gives you the Foundling form, a glass canon type character with very high stamina. But you’re now susceptible to dying in one hit.
14. Is Mortal Shell harder than Dark Souls?
While Mortal Shell shares similarities with the Dark Souls series, it is generally not considered as brutally difficult. It’s a challenging experience, but it’s often seen as more manageable than the harder titles in the Souls-like genre.
15. Is it worth playing Mortal Shell?
While it may have some shortcomings to some players, the general consensus is Mortal Shell is worth playing if you enjoy Souls-like games. It offers a unique twist with its shell mechanics and a challenging combat system.