Mortal Shell 2 Empty Crawl Beacon Dungeon Walkthrough

This walkthrough covers the Empty Crawl beacon dungeon in Mortal Shell 2, explaining the full route from entrance to boss, all key items, and the exact mechanics you need to survive. You will learn the optimal path, where the hidden sester is, how to deal with the traps, and the strategy for the final boss.

Background: What Is the Empty Crawl?

The Empty Crawl is one of the three beacon dungeons in Mortal Shell 2, accessible after you obtain the Beacon of Emptiness from the Fallen Temple. It is an optional but highly rewarding area that grants the Void Sigil, a key item needed for the true ending. The dungeon is themed around darkness and void, with most of its rooms lacking natural light, forcing you to rely on your lantern and the glowing spores scattered on the walls.

The dungeon is divided into three distinct zones: the Outer Hollows, the Mid-Veil, and the Core. Each zone has a unique enemy set and environmental hazard. The Outer Hollows are relatively straightforward, but the Mid-Veil introduces a gravity mechanic that reverses on a timer, and the Core is a series of narrow bridges over a bottomless pit.

How to Reach the Empty Crawl

Before you can enter the Empty Crawl, you must have completed the main quest up to the point where you receive the Beacon of Emptiness. This happens after defeating the boss of the Fallen Temple, the Hollowed Matriarch. Once you have the beacon, fast travel to the Fallen Temple’s entrance and head to the eastern exit. You will see a large, dark archway that was previously sealed. Interact with it while holding the beacon to open the path.

If you are under level 15 or have not upgraded your weapon at least twice, it is recommended to turn back and grind a bit. The enemies here hit hard and have high poise, so you will want a decent health pool and a weapon that can stagger them.

Dungeon Layout and Key Items

The Empty Crawl is linear but has several optional side rooms that contain valuable loot. Here is the main path and what you will find along the way:

• Zone 1: Outer Hollows – From the entrance, follow the only path forward. You will encounter your first enemy, the Void Stalker, a fast melee foe. After the first open area, look for a small alcove on your right with a chest containing a Glimmering Shard (used for weapon upgrades). Continue until you reach a large circular room with a pit in the center. Drop down to find the Lantern Oil (increases lantern duration).
• Zone 2: Mid-Veil – This zone has a gravity reversal effect that activates every 30 seconds. You will see a visual cue (the screen will slightly distort). When it activates, you will fall upward. Use this to reach higher platforms. The key item here is the Veilwalker’s Ring, found on a corpse on a high ledge that is only reachable during the gravity flip. It reduces fall damage by 30%.
• Zone 3: The Core – The final stretch is a series of narrow bridges over a void. There are no enemies on the bridges, but there are traps that shoot void bolts. At the end of the bridges, you will find a large door. Behind it is the boss arena.

Enemy Encounters and Tactics

The enemies in the Empty Crawl are designed to punish panic rolling and greedy attacks. Here are the main ones you will face:

• Void Stalker – These are humanoid enemies that wield twin daggers. They have a three-hit combo that ends with a lunge. Parry the lunge (it is telegraphed by a flash of their blades) to get a free riposte. If you are not confident in parrying, block the first two hits and dodge the lunge sideways.
• Void Wraith – These are floating enemies that shoot projectiles. They are often found in groups of two or three. Use the environment for cover and close the distance quickly. They are weak to fire, so if you have any fire resin, apply it.
• Hollow Brute – A large, slow enemy with a massive hammer. His attacks are heavily telegraphed but have a wide arc. The best strategy is to stay close and strafe around him, attacking after he misses a swing. Do not try to trade hits; his poise is too high.

Boss Strategy: The Void Herald

The boss of the Empty Crawl is the Void Herald, a large humanoid with a massive scythe. He has two phases. In phase one, he uses sweeping scythe attacks and occasionally summons void projectiles. In phase two (at 50% health), he gains a new move: a teleporting slam that creates a shockwave.

For phase one, stay at medium range and bait his lunge attack. Dodge to the side and punish with one or two hits. Do not get greedy; he recovers quickly. For phase two, the key is to listen for the audio cue before his teleport (a high-pitched whine). When you hear it, start sprinting sideways. After the slam, he is vulnerable for a few seconds.

Recommended loadout: a fast weapon (like the Hollow Sword) with a fire enchantment, and a lantern with full oil. The boss is weak to fire, and the lantern can be used to stagger him if you hit him with it directly.

Rewards and Aftermath

Defeating the Void Herald grants you the Void Sigil, which is essential for the true ending. You also receive the Herald’s Mask, a headpiece that increases your resolve gain by 10%. After the fight, you can loot the arena for a Great Shard and a Tar pool that gives you 500 tar.

Once you have the sigil, you can leave the dungeon. The beacon will remain active, allowing you to fast travel back to the entrance if you need to farm any missed items.

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Not using the lantern: The lantern is not just for light. It can be used to reveal hidden paths and to stun certain enemies. In the Mid-Veil, using the lantern on the glowing spores will create a temporary safe platform.
• Rushing the gravity mechanic: The gravity flip in the Mid-Veil is on a timer. If you try to jump during the flip, you will just float. Wait for the visual cue and then jump.
• Missing the hidden sester: There is a sester (merchant) hidden in the Outer Hollows. After the first open area, look for a breakable wall on the left. Behind it is a small room with the sester. He sells a unique weapon, the Void Cleaver, for 3000 tar.
• Ignoring the side rooms: The side rooms contain upgrade materials that are rare in the main game. It is worth exploring every alcove.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Empty Crawl required for the main story?
No, it is optional. However, the Void Sigil is needed for the true ending, so if you want to see the full story, you must complete it.

Q: What level should I be before attempting this dungeon?
It is recommended to be at least level 15 with a +2 weapon. The enemies hit hard, and the boss has a lot of health. If you are struggling, consider upgrading your health and stamina.

Q: How do I get the Lantern Oil?
The Lantern Oil is found in the Outer Hollows, in the circular room with the pit. Drop down to the bottom and you will find it on a corpse. It increases your lantern’s duration by 50%.

Q: Can I leave the dungeon and come back later?
Yes, you can leave at any time, but the dungeon will reset its enemies. The key items you collect will remain in your inventory, so you can leave and come back to fight the boss later.

Q: What is the best weapon for the Void Herald?
A fast weapon with fire damage is ideal. The Hollow Sword with a fire resin works well. Avoid heavy weapons, as they are too slow to punish the boss’s openings.

Q: Are there any missable items in the dungeon?
Yes, the Veilwalker’s Ring in the Mid-Veil is only accessible during the gravity flip. If you miss it, you can still get it by returning to the dungeon later, as the gravity mechanic is always active.

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