Following the unconventional conclusion of Baghead's questline, players are directed towards the Ruins of Nochte, the next significant region in Mortal Shell 2. This area serves as a crucial precursor to a major legacy dungeon and its associated boss, but it also harbors numerous hidden secrets, collectibles, and optional dungeons.
Entering the Ruins of Nochte
After completing the previous section, players will likely find themselves at the last activated Beacon. From there, they must return to Desolate Peak and proceed across the bridge beyond Baghead to reach the Bone Gate on the south side. This gate offers a choice between two paths; the guide advises taking the rightmost option to enter the Ruins of Nochte.
Prophet's Rest and the Smert Shell
Upon entering the Ruins of Nochte, players will encounter Prophet's Rest, a ritual area guarded by various Cultist enemies. The area requires three blood offerings to activate a central ritual. These offerings can be made by killing enemies near the designated rings or by sacrificing the player's own health. Successfully completing this ritual unveils a new Shell, Smert. Smert possesses a unique 'Fight Stance' ability that halts time for unarmed attacks, building 'Chaos' stacks that transform into random status effects upon time's resumption. While powerful, this ability consumes a significant amount of health.
Navigating the Region
The Ruins of Nochte present several key locations and challenges. Players must reach the Outskirts of Nochte Beacon, a waypoint located down a slope from Prophet's Rest. From there, they can enter the Infested Den, a dungeon filled with Skulks. This area rewards players with the Hag Stone, a Tarstone that imbues the Forgotten Crossbow and an undiscovered Sidearm with poison.
Further exploration leads to obtaining the Map of Fainweald, which reveals the entire Ruins of Nochte region on the player's map. The Hag's Path, a swampy sub-region, is detailed as a hazardous area with little of interest in its central swamp, focusing instead on the periphery for valuable items like Tarspores and collectible resources. The Disciple's Stash, a hidden loot area accessible by breaking a wooden wall, provides additional Ventrium and coin.
Eastward Approach and Hidden Dangers
Players are instructed to fast travel to Widow's Overlook and approach the Ruins of Nochte from the east. This route involves traversing a bridge and encountering new enemy types, notably the Gloom Seeker, a dual-wielding foe with unpredictable attack patterns. Following this path leads to the Brigand Camp, a location defended by a Headsman and various Brigands, and the Waterfall Camp, which features Hunched Collectors and a hidden dungeon.
The Nightfish and Thieves Retreat
Deep within the Ruins, players can visit the Nightfish, an NPC offering a conversion of Coin into Gloom, though the exchange rate is considered unfavorable. A more significant challenge lies within the Thieves Retreat, a dungeon characterized by invisible floors and spectral Necropede enemies wielding lightning attacks. Successfully navigating this area yields a Revered Gland.
Final Encounters
The walkthrough then guides players to clear the ground level of a fort, facing Brigands and other foes. The Ravaged Tomb, another dungeon, contains a rolling Knight of Mammon and rewards players with the Duality Stone Tarstone. The penultimate step involves cleansing the Abandoned Shrine, preparing for the boss encounter.
The final major challenge in this region is the defeat of Vrago, the Solikar Champion. This boss fight demands near-perfect execution due to Vrago's high damage output and rapid attack chains. Successful completion yields the Voltaic Crown Tarstone and opens the path to the game's second legacy dungeon, the Prisoners' Domain. Part 11 concludes with a preview of the upcoming walkthrough for the Prisoner's Way.