Mortal Shell 2: Getting & Using the Makeshift Projectile

To get the Makeshift Projectile in Mortal Shell 2: The Lost Palace, you must first obtain the Makeshift Kiln tool from a hidden chest in the Sunken Crypt, then craft the projectile at any workbench using 2 Scrap Metal and 1 Ember. Once crafted, equip it in a quick-slot and use it to throw a short-range explosive that deals fire damage and staggers most enemies.

What Is the Makeshift Projectile?

The Makeshift Projectile is a craftable consumable in Mortal Shell 2: The Lost Palace, the 2025 action RPG known for its punishing combat and cryptic world. Unlike the standard crossbow bolts or the heavy Ballista, this projectile is a thrown explosive that sets enemies ablaze, dealing damage over time in addition to its initial impact. It is particularly effective against enemies weak to fire, such as the Hollowed Brutes and the spider-like Weavers found in the mid-game areas.

The projectile itself is a crude bundle of scrap wrapped around a small ember core. When thrown, it travels in a short arc and explodes on contact with any surface or enemy. The explosion has a small radius (about 2 meters), so it is best used at close to medium range. It cannot be aimed down sights like a bow; instead, it uses a simple overhead toss, making it more of a tactical tool than a precision weapon.

How to Obtain the Makeshift Kiln

The Makeshift Kiln is the key item that unlocks the crafting recipe for the Makeshift Projectile. It is found in the Sunken Crypt, an optional area accessible after defeating the first major boss, the Drowned Knight. To reach it:

1. From the Sunken Crypt’s entrance (the flooded tunnel near the Abandoned Chapel), proceed straight until you reach the large circular chamber with the broken pillars.
2. Look for a cracked wall on the eastern side of the chamber. Use a heavy attack or a weapon ability to break it.
3. Inside the hidden room, you will find a corpse holding the Makeshift Kiln. It is on a small altar, guarded by two Hollowed Archers.

Once you pick up the Kiln, the recipe for the Makeshift Projectile is permanently added to your crafting menu. You do not need to carry the Kiln with you; it is a passive unlock.

Crafting the Makeshift Projectile

After unlocking the recipe, you can craft the projectile at any workbench. Workbenches are found at major checkpoints, such as the hub area (the Fallen Temple) and before boss arenas. The crafting cost is:

• 2 Scrap Metal – commonly dropped by enemies and found in breakable crates throughout the world.
• 1 Ember – a rarer material, usually found in glowing red ore deposits or dropped by fire-based enemies like the Pyre Wraiths.

Each craft produces 3 projectiles. You can carry up to 10 at a time. The crafting animation takes about 2 seconds and can be done even mid-combat if you have a safe moment, though it is not recommended.

How to Equip and Use the Projectile

Once crafted, the Makeshift Projectile is stored in your inventory under the “Consumables” tab. To use it:

1. Open your inventory and select the Makeshift Projectile.
2. Assign it to one of your quick-slots (the D-pad or number keys, depending on your platform). You can assign up to 4 consumables.
3. In combat, press the quick-slot button to ready the projectile. Your character will hold it up.
4. Press the attack button to throw. The projectile will arc toward your target.

The throw has a travel time of about 0.5 seconds. It explodes on impact, dealing 40 fire damage to the direct target and 20 fire damage to enemies within the blast radius. Additionally, enemies hit are afflicted with the “Burning” status, which deals 5 fire damage per second for 5 seconds. This makes it excellent for applying pressure to tough enemies or groups.

Tips for Effective Use

To get the most out of the Makeshift Projectile, consider these tactics:

• Use it to interrupt enemy attacks. The explosion staggers most non-boss enemies, giving you a window to land a few hits.
• Combine with the Tinder ability. If you have the Tinder skill unlocked (which increases fire damage by 20%), the projectile’s damage will scale accordingly.
• Don’t use it in tight corridors. The blast radius can hit you if you are too close. Always maintain at least 2 meters of distance.
• Save it for enemies weak to fire. The Weavers, for example, take double damage from fire, making the projectile a one-shot kill on lower difficulties.

It is also worth noting that the projectile cannot be used while blocking or dodging. You must be standing still to throw, which leaves you vulnerable. Use it when you have a clear opening.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

One common mistake is confusing the Makeshift Projectile with the standard Throwing Knife. The knife is a single-target, physical damage item, while the projectile is explosive and fire-based. They serve different purposes; do not waste projectiles on single weak enemies when a knife would do.

Another misconception is that the projectile can be upgraded. It cannot. The damage is fixed, though it benefits from any fire damage buffs you have equipped. Also, some players think the projectile can be used to solve environmental puzzles (like igniting braziers). It cannot; it only explodes and does not leave a lingering flame.

Finally, be aware that the projectile is not affected by the “Throwing Mastery” skill, which only boosts physical throwing weapons. If you are specced into that skill, you are better off using knives or axes.

Alternatives to the Makeshift Projectile

If you prefer not to use the projectile, there are other ranged options in the game:

• Throwing Knife – cheap, fast, and physical damage. Good for pulling enemies.
• Ballista – a slow, high-damage crossbow that uses special bolts. Found in the late game.
• Fire Arrows – if you have the Bow, you can craft fire arrows, which apply the same burning effect but require more materials.

The projectile’s main advantage is that it is available earlier than the Ballista and is more versatile than a knife due to its area damage. However, it is consumable, so you need to manage your resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy Makeshift Projectiles from a merchant?

No. The projectile is only craftable. Some merchants sell Scrap Metal and Embers, but you must craft the projectile yourself using the Makeshift Kiln recipe.

Does the projectile work on bosses?

Yes, it works on bosses, but most bosses are resistant to fire damage, so the effect is reduced. It is still useful for staggering certain bosses, but do not rely on it as your main damage source.

Why can’t I craft it even though I have the Kiln?

Make sure you have the required materials (2 Scrap Metal and 1 Ember). Also, check that you are at a workbench – the recipe is only available there. If you are at a workbench and still cannot see it, you may have missed picking up the Kiln; revisit the Sunken Crypt and check your inventory for the “Makeshift Kiln” key item.

Can I use the projectile while riding a mount?

No. The projectile can only be used on foot. If you try to use it while mounted, your character will just sheathe it.

Does the burning effect stack if I hit an enemy with multiple projectiles?

No. The burning effect does not stack; it only refreshes the duration. However, the initial explosion damage still applies each time, so you can still deal good damage by throwing multiple projectiles.

Is the projectile affected by the “Demolition Expert” skill?

No. That skill only affects explosive barrels and traps, not player-thrown projectiles. The projectile is considered a fire attack, so it benefits from fire damage boosts instead.

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