The Holding Cells serve as a crucial subterranean dungeon in Mortal Shell 2, connecting the Blackridge Hamlet and Gloomshade Grove regions. This area presents players with hidden secrets, valuable collectibles, and a challenging boss encounter. This guide details the path through the dungeon, from entry to the alternate exit.
Entering the Dungeon
Begin by returning to the Gloomshade Grove Beacon and teleporting to the Mushroom Village Beacon. From there, enter the Grisha Hunter Camp and use the previously unlocked air current to reach the well area in Blackridge Hamlet. Destroy the explosive barrels and Tarred Corpses surrounding the well before interacting with it to descend into the Holding Cells.
Navigating the Upper Walkways
Upon entering, defeat the three Brigands, one of whom drops Common Moonshine. Continue through the next doorway, being wary of an ambush by another Brigand. After dispatching them and collecting the Ventrium, the path to the main area opens. A Bone Statue is visible on a separate, walled-off walkway. To reach it, backtrack to the dead-end corridor where the Ventrium was found. Strike the wall to the right of the Ventrium statue to reveal a fake wall. Destroy the Gloom Tentacle within, then strike the far wall to dispel another illusory wall, granting access to the platform with the Bone Statue. Loot it for a Laterite.
Opening the Far Gate
Return to the main wooden platform. Bypass the elevator and follow the walkway to the other side, eliminating all Brigands and an Armed Knave. Ignore the crossbowmen for now. Continue along the walkway until you reach a closed gate on the left. To open it, proceed to the back room where an Armed Knave and a Gloom Tentacle are located. Defeat the Knave, destroy the tentacle, and then destroy the crates behind it. Press the stone button on the wall to open the gate. Pass through and collect the Revered Gland from a nearby statue. A side passage blocked by crates can be left for later, as it leads to the dungeon's exit.
Reaching the Ground Floor
Head back to the back room and take the far exit to reach the elevator. After dealing with two more crossbow Brigands, descend to the ground level. Instead of using the elevator, return to the start of the room. Just before reaching the first elevator again, drop from the platform to a lower ledge containing a Bone Statue. Loot it for a Laterite, then drop to the ground floor.
Acquiring the Feeding Room Key
The ground floor is populated by Mycellian Skulks and Netopyrs. Use the Forgotten Crossbow to clear them, along with a Leechtongue. Behind you, in a small wooden hut, find a Gloom Tentacle that yields 3000x Gloom. Proceed to the far side of the room, eliminating enemies including a new threat, the Roaming Head. On your right, a locked wooden door is surrounded by bear traps. In the far left corner of the room, another wooden hut contains a body from which you can loot the Feeding Room Key.
Defeating the Rabid Grisha Pack
Return to the locked door with the bear traps and use the Feeding Room Key to unlock it. Ride the elevator to the top and collect the Glimpse from the nearby boxes. Prepare for a challenging boss fight against the Rabid Grisha Pack, consisting of two full-grown Grisha. Agility is key; circle the arena to face both enemies simultaneously. Quick weapons like the Axe and Dagger, or the Iconoclast, are recommended. Tiel's Lingering Shadow ability can provide a moment for healing. Avoid parrying unless only one Grisha is attacking. Focus on defeating one Grisha quickly to turn the fight into a 1v1. Upon victory, you will receive a Grisha Remnant, the Inflamed Clawstone, and over 1100x Gloom.
Reaching the Alternate Exit
To exit the arena, stand in the center and look up at the Bone Gate icon. Interact with it to return to the top of the elevator. Exit into the main room and take the right-hand elevator to the upper walkways. Go back to the gate where the Revered Gland was found. Destroy the crates in the corner and follow the path beyond. You will encounter a corridor with Wretches and three pressure plates. Allow the Wretches to trigger the traps, then finish off any remaining enemies. Navigate past the pressure plates and defeat the lone Wretch around the corner. Attack the far wall to dispel another illusory wall.
In the subsequent long corridor, defeat a Headsman and a Brigand. At the far end, interact with the dangling rope to exit the Holding Cells. This exit leads to a familiar area: the well beside the Citadel entrance. It is advised to rest at the nearby Gloomshade Grove Beacon to level up, use the Revered Gland, and consider weapon upgrades before proceeding to the Citadel, which contains another significant boss encounter.
