Mortal Shell 2 has arrived with its signature punishing gameplay and intricate upgrade systems that challenge players to master every mechanic the game has to offer. Among the most crucial resources in the game are Tarcores, essential items required to fully level up your Tarstones. While these valuable upgrade materials are surprisingly easy to obtain, they are equally easy to overlook, leaving many players wondering why they cannot progress their Tarstone upgrades despite having completed numerous upgrades already. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about acquiring Tarcores and making the most of this vital resource.
The Mortal Shell series, developed by Cold Symmetry, has established itself as a formidable entry in the souls-like genre since the original game launched in 2020. The sequel builds upon the foundation of its predecessor, introducing new mechanics while retaining the challenging combat and mysterious world-building that fans have come to expect. The Tarstone and Tarcore system represents one of the more complex upgrade paths in the game, requiring players to understand not just how to acquire resources, but where they actually appear after being earned.
Understanding the Tarcore Collection System
Tarcores in Mortal Shell 2 are earned through the process of upgrading Tarstones, but here is where many players encounter confusion. Unlike most resources in the game that automatically appear in your inventory upon acquisition, Tarcores function differently. When you upgrade a Tarstone, the resulting Tarcores do not simply populate your inventory. Instead, these precious materials are deposited at a specific location that you must physically visit to collect them. This design choice, while thematic and fitting with the game’s mysterious atmosphere, has left countless players scratching their heads as they search for resources that are technically already waiting for them.
The collection point for Tarcores is the outlet located at the front of the Tarforge. If you have been upgrading Tarstones throughout your playthrough but find yourself without any Tarcores to continue leveling them up, the solution is simple. Return to Franz, the location where the Tarforge is situated, and examine the mouth of the forge carefully. There, you will likely discover a collection of Tarcores that have accumulated from all your previous upgrade activities, patiently waiting to be retrieved and put to use.
Planning Your Upgrades Across Multiple Playthroughs
One critical aspect of the Tarcore economy that players must understand is the mathematical limitation built into the system. Each Tarstone requires six Tarcores to reach level three, which represents the maximum upgrade tier. Given the finite number of Tarcores available in a single playthrough, it is mathematically impossible to fully upgrade all Tarstones before completing the game for the first time. This design decision by Cold Symmetry encourages replayability and forces players to make meaningful choices about which abilities and powers they want to prioritize.
Strategic planning becomes essential when deciding which Tarstones to upgrade first. Consider your playstyle, your preferred Shell, and the challenges you anticipate facing in the endgame content. Many veteran players recommend focusing on Tarstones that complement aggressive or defensive playstyles rather than spreading upgrades thin across multiple options. For subsequent playthroughs in New Game Plus mode, you will have opportunities to upgrade additional Tarstones, eventually allowing dedicated players to maximize their entire arsenal.
Maximizing Your Mortal Shell 2 Experience
Once you have established your Tarstone upgrade priorities, consider pairing your choices with the best Shells available in the game. The synergy between upgraded Tarstones and well-suited Shells can dramatically improve your combat effectiveness and survivability. The Genessa Shell, in particular, offers unique benefits that complement various Tarstone configurations, making it a worthwhile acquisition if you have not already obtained it. For players embarking on their second or subsequent playthroughs, additional challenges await through mechanics like the Slayer Seal or increased difficulty settings, offering fresh experiences while you continue building your ultimate character setup.
Expert Opinion: Cold Symmetry’s decision to implement a multi-playthrough upgrade system for Tarcores demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of player retention in the souls-like genre. By gating maximum power behind New Game Plus cycles, they encourage mastery rather than mere completion, ensuring that dedicated players have compelling reasons to return while newcomers can still enjoy a complete experience on their first journey through this dark fantasy world.
