Soulslikes are all about their difficulty, and while most have a set-in-stone curve, it’s great when they add extra ways to manipulate that difficulty. For Mortal Shell 2, Night Mode serves that exact purpose, offering unique opportunities and higher rewards behind far tougher battles.
While I personally think Mortal Shell 2 is plenty difficult as is, the promise of more drops and unique loot makes Night Mode a very tempting tool for backtracking. Night Mode itself hides in plain sight, and can be unlocked immediately after the prologue if you know where to look.
Allow me to show you exactly where you can find the items and NPCs required to begin your nightlong pursuit.
Unlocking Night Mode
In order to unlock Night Mode, you’ll need to find a very specific key item found right beside Widow’s Overlook Beacon. By the large tree down the hill from the Beacon, you’ll see a field boss, the Great Arbiter of Flesh.
This greatsword-wielding minotaur is a massive threat early on, with high damage, a one-shot grab, and feints that make him deceptively challenging. Beside the Great Arbiter of Flesh’s spawn, you’ll be able to find a series of stone constructs. Atop one is a small candle with an impossible flame.
Take this flame to the peak of the Marrow Keep, where you can place it inside a small lantern overlooking the horizon. Once you do, darkness will descend, and you’ll be accosted by a strange figure. Interacting with him will earn you a Glimpse and the option to swap Night Mode on and off. You’ll need to return to him every time you want to toggle the Mode, so make sure you’re committed before you head out.
What Does Night Mode Do?
Night Mode is the closest thing to a Nightmare difficulty Mortal Shell 2 has to offer. During Night Mode, all enemies deal double damage and take half damage, making even the smallest encounter incredibly dangerous.
In return, monster drops are multiplied, and certain exclusive Night Mode Dungeons are unlocked. I personally haven’t been able to clear any of these myself, but I’m making sure to keep an eye out for any ominous writings about light and dark. If you find a hint that darkness will lead the way, return to the area in Night Mode!
Additonally, Night Mode summons The Collector, a unique vendor who sells Blackmarrow Keys and other hard to acquire items. You can find him directly south of the Abandoned Post Beacon, standing near a set of tables. If you’ve got the coin, give him a visit!
Overall, shopping and treasure hunting are the only reasons I’d see myself using Night Mode, once I chart out the location of these hidden Dungeons. Mortal Shell 2 is already great at absolutely jumping the player, and it certainly doesn’t need a double damage buff to help it out.
Curious about any of Marrow Keep’s other secrets? Make sure to take a look at our full Marrow Keep guide for every function and NPC inside. Make sure you help the various folks around Mortal Shell 2 before you flip to Night, like our good friend Vlas.
