Mortal Shell 2 Thieves Retreat Walkthrough & Gland

This guide explains how to get through the Thieves Retreat area in Mortal Shell 2 and where to find the Revered Gland. You enter the Thieves Retreat after defeating the first major boss, and the Revered Gland is located in a hidden chamber behind a breakable wall near the area’s central courtyard. Follow the steps below to reach it safely and avoid the ambush traps.

Background: What Is the Thieves Retreat?

The Thieves Retreat is a mid-game dungeon in Mortal Shell 2, accessible after you obtain the Bronze Key from the Ruined Cathedral. It is a network of narrow corridors, rooftop paths, and underground cisterns occupied by the Thieves’ Guild. The area is designed to punish rushing: many doorways hide spike traps, and enemies often attack from behind after you pass a trigger point.

The main objective here is to retrieve the Revered Gland, a key item needed to unlock the second major boss arena. Unlike the first gland you found in the Forest of Echoes, this one is not guarded by a boss but by a series of environmental puzzles and a mini-boss called the Guildmaster’s Shadow.

How to Enter the Thieves Retreat

From the Ruined Cathedral, head east through the broken archway. You will see a locked gate with a bronze emblem. Use the Bronze Key to open it. The gate leads to a long staircase descending into a sewer-like tunnel. At the bottom, you will find a large wooden door with a warning sign in the local language (translated: “Turn back, thief”). Enter it to trigger the area’s loading zone.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

1. First Courtyard: After entering, you’re in a small courtyard with two archers on a balcony. Take them out first with a bow or throw a lantern to distract them. Then, break the wooden crates in the corner to find a hidden path.
2. The Trap Corridor: Follow the path into a narrow corridor. The floor tiles here are pressure plates. Step on the third tile from the left to disable the spike wall. If you trigger the wrong tile, a spike wall will rush toward you; run back to the entrance and wait for it to reset.
3. Rooftop Crossing: After the corridor, you’ll emerge onto a rooftop. Jump across the gaps to the next building. There is a loot chest on a ledge to the right, but it’s guarded by a tripwire that releases a rolling boulder. Time your jump to grab the loot and then quickly roll forward.
4. The Cistern: Drop down into the cistern below. The water is shallow, but there are two Leech Wraiths lurking. Use a fire pot from the ledge above to burn them before descending. At the far end, you’ll find a lever that opens the gate to the inner sanctum.
5. Guildmaster’s Shadow Mini-Boss: The inner sanctum is a large circular room. The Guildmaster’s Shadow appears after you touch the central altar. It is a fast, dual-wielding enemy. Use the pillars to block its charge attack, then strike twice and retreat. After defeating it, the Revered Gland appears on the altar.

Revered Gland Location: The Hidden Chamber

After defeating the Guildmaster’s Shadow, you might notice the altar glows but the gland is not immediately visible. To reveal it, you must break the weak wall behind the altar. Use a heavy attack or a bomb to destroy it. Behind the wall is a small alcove with the Revered Gland on a pedestal, surrounded by a faint blue aura. Pick it up to complete the area’s main objective.

Note: If you leave the area without picking up the gland, it will remain there. There is no time limit, but the area does not respawn enemies until you rest at a checkpoint, so you can safely return.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Rushing the pressure plates: Many players trigger the spike wall by stepping on the wrong tile. Always look for the tile with a slightly different color (darker gray).
• Missing the hidden wall: The breakable wall is not obvious. It has a small crack and a faint glow. Use a torch or lantern to spot it.
• Falling off the rooftop: The gaps are wider than they look. Use the sprint button and jump at the last moment. If you fall, you’ll land in a lower area with a few enemies, but you can climb back up via a ladder.
• Not using the environment: The fire pots and explosive barrels are placed intentionally. Use them to clear groups of enemies before engaging in melee.

Tips for the Guildmaster’s Shadow Fight

The Guildmaster’s Shadow is weak to fire. If you have any fire resin, apply it to your weapon before the fight. Its attacks have a long wind-up, so you can parry easily if you time it right. When it glows red, it will do a three-hit combo; dodge backward three times. After the combo, it is stunned for two seconds, giving you a window for a heavy attack.

Alternatives and Missables

If you miss the Revered Gland, you cannot progress to the next area. However, you can return to the Thieves Retreat at any time from the fast travel shrine. There is also a secondary quest in the area: finding the Thief’s Ledger, which is hidden in a secret room near the first courtyard. It is not required for the main story but gives a lore entry and a small amount of Tar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the Revered Gland without fighting the Guildmaster’s Shadow?

No. The altar will not activate until the mini-boss is defeated. However, you can use a stealth approach to get a free hit before the fight starts by attacking from behind while it is spawning.

What happens if I die after picking up the gland?

You will respawn at the last checkpoint, but the gland will be in your inventory. You do not need to re-enter the area unless you want to explore more.

Is the Thieves Retreat the only place to find a Revered Gland?

No, there are three Revered Glands in the game, each in a different area. The Thieves Retreat is the second one you can obtain. The first is in the Forest of Echoes, and the third is in the Sunken Crypt.

Can I skip the Thieves Retreat and come back later?

Yes, but you will not be able to access the second major boss arena until you have the gland. The area’s enemies do not scale with your level, so you can return later if you are underleveled.

What is the best weapon to use in the Thieves Retreat?

Weapons with a wide swing arc, like the Hammer and Chisel, work well in the tight corridors. For the mini-boss, a faster weapon like the Dagger is recommended because of the quick dodge windows.

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