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06 Numbers and Powers

Mortal Shell 2 Great Martyr’s Blade Location

Card No. 06·32076 · Updated · Standard formula, shown below

The Great Martyr’s Blade is a powerful weapon in Mortal Shell 2, and you can find it in the Catacombs area, specifically in a hidden chamber behind a breakable wall near the first large open cavern. To get it, you need to have the Gland of the Martyr (obtained from the Martyr’s Crypt boss) and a Hammer and Chisel to break the wall; once inside, the weapon is on a pedestal guarded by a single Nektar enemy.

Background: What Is the Great Martyr’s Blade?

The Great Martyr’s Blade is a heavy greatsword that scales primarily with Strength and Faith. It deals physical and holy damage, making it effective against undead and dark-aligned enemies. Its unique weapon art, Martyr’s Vow, temporarily increases your damage resistance and poise at the cost of slowly draining your health, which can be a risky but powerful trade-off in boss fights.

Step-by-Step Location Guide

Follow these steps to reach the weapon:

  • Travel to the Catacombs bonfire (the first one you unlock after entering the area).
  • Head straight into the large cavern with the broken pillars and several skeletons. Do not take the left path toward the boss arena yet.
  • On the right side of the cavern, look for a wall that looks slightly different (cracked, with loose stones). Use a Hammer and Chisel to break it (press the interact button).
  • Enter the hidden corridor and follow it until you reach a small circular room with a pedestal in the center.
  • Defeat the Nektar enemy that ambushes you (it is weak to fire), then interact with the pedestal to claim the Great Martyr’s Blade.

Requirements and Preparation

Before you go, make sure you have:

  • A Hammer and Chisel (you can buy one from the merchant in Fallgrim for 500 Tar, or find one in the swamp).
  • The Gland of the Martyr – this is a key item you get after defeating the boss Martyr’s Crypt in the same area. Without it, the wall will not break (the game will show a message that you lack the necessary item).
  • Recommended level: at least 20 in Strength and 15 in Faith to wield it effectively (though you can equip it with lower stats, you will deal less damage).

Weapon Stats and Moveset

The Great Martyr’s Blade has the following base stats (at +0):

  • Physical Attack: 120
  • Holy Attack: 80
  • Scaling: Strength (B), Faith (C)
  • Weight: 14.0
  • Durability: 80

Its moveset is a standard greatsword moveset: horizontal swings, a thrust on the heavy attack, and a spinning overhead slam for the running attack. The weapon art (L2/LT) activates Martyr’s Vow, which lasts 20 seconds and increases your physical defense by 30% and poise by 50%, but drains 5 HP per second. This can be canceled early by pressing L2 again.

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

Players often miss this weapon because they don’t have the Gland, or they break the wrong wall. Here are common issues:

  • Wall doesn’t break: Make sure you are pressing the interact button (not attacking) and that you have both the Hammer and Chisel and the Gland in your inventory. If you already used the Gland (e.g., to open the boss door), you may need to defeat the boss first – the Gland is not consumed when you break the wall, so it’s safe.
  • Enemy too tough: The Nektar can be parried easily; if you struggle, use a fire resin or throw a fire pot at it before engaging.
  • Can’t find the cavern: After entering the Catacombs, go straight past the first torch, then turn right at the second torch. The cavern is the large open area with several skeletons and a broken pillar in the middle.

Comparison with Other Greatswords

Compared to other greatswords like the Martyr’s Blade (a different weapon) or the Executioner’s Greatsword, the Great Martyr’s Blade has slightly lower physical damage but adds holy damage, which is more useful against undead and spectral enemies. Its weapon art is more defensive than offensive, making it a good choice for a tanky build. However, the health drain can be a liability if you are not careful, so many players prefer the Executioner’s for pure damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to defeat the boss before getting the Great Martyr’s Blade?

Yes, you must defeat the Martyr’s Crypt boss to obtain the Gland of the Martyr. The wall will not break without it. The boss is optional for the main story, but required for this weapon.

Can I get the Great Martyr’s Blade without a Hammer and Chisel?

No, the Hammer and Chisel is required to break the wall. You can buy one from the merchant in Fallgrim for 500 Tar, or find one in the swamp area near the beginning of the game. It is a reusable tool, so you only need to find it once.

Is the Great Martyr’s Blade worth it?

It is a solid choice for strength/faith builds, especially if you like the defensive weapon art. However, the health drain can be dangerous in prolonged fights. If you prefer pure physical damage, the Executioner’s Greatsword might be better. It’s a matter of playstyle.

What is the best upgrade path for the Great Martyr’s Blade?

Upgrade it with Titanite Shards and Large Titanite Shards. At +3, it gains a small holy damage boost. There is no infusions in the game, but you can use resins to add fire or lightning temporarily. For stats, focus on Strength first, then Faith, as the scaling is better for Strength.

Can I dual-wield the Great Martyr’s Blade?

No, it is a two-handed weapon only. You can wield it with one hand if you have high enough Strength, but you will not get the full moveset and the weapon art is only available when two-handing.

Does the Great Martyr’s Blade break easily?

It has 80 durability, which is average for a greatsword. It will last through several fights, but you should repair it at a blacksmith or with repair powder if you use it extensively. It does not break permanently, just becomes less effective until repaired.

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