Mortal Shell 2: Veteran’s Battle Axe & King’s Crypt

This guide covers the Veteran’s Battle Axe location in Mortal Shell 2 and provides a complete walkthrough for the King’s Crypt area. You’ll learn exactly where to find the axe, how to navigate every room and trap in the crypt, and what rewards await you there.

Background: What is the Veteran’s Battle Axe?

The Veteran’s Battle Axe is a heavy weapon in Mortal Shell 2, known for its high damage and slow swing speed. It’s a favorite among players who prefer a strength-based, hard-hitting playstyle. The axe scales primarily with Strength and offers a unique moveset that can stagger most enemies in one or two hits. Its heavy attack has a wide arc, making it effective against groups of weaker foes, but its slow recovery leaves you vulnerable if you miss.

Unlike some weapons that are found early, the Veteran’s Battle Axe is tucked away in a side area of the King’s Crypt, requiring a bit of exploration and a willingness to face tough enemies. It is not a quest item and can be missed entirely if you rush through the main path.

How to Get to the King’s Crypt

The King’s Crypt is a late-game area, accessible only after you’ve obtained the Crypt Key from the Cathedral of Ash. This key is dropped by the boss Bishop Sol after defeating him. Once you have the key, fast travel to the Fallgrim Outskirts and head to the large stone door on the eastern side, near the ruined tower. Use the key to unlock it, and you’ll enter the King’s Crypt.

Inside, you’ll find a dark, labyrinthine tomb filled with skeletal warriors, traps, and environmental hazards. The area is divided into three main sections: the Entrance Hall, the Bone Corridors, and the Royal Chamber. The Veteran’s Battle Axe is located in the Bone Corridors, but you’ll need to be thorough to find it.

King’s Crypt Walkthrough: Entrance Hall

Upon entering, you’ll be in a large hall with a broken chandelier. Straight ahead is a locked gate that requires the Crypt Key (which you already have). Go through it, and you’ll face two skeletal archers on a balcony above. Take them out with a bow or a thrown weapon to avoid taking cheap shots.

After the archers, you’ll see a hallway to the left and a staircase to the right. The staircase leads to a lower level with a lever that opens a shortcut back to the entrance. Pull it, then return to the hallway. The hallway has a pressure plate that triggers a spike trap from the ceiling. Time your run carefully, or use a ranged attack to destroy the mechanism on the wall (a small glowing rune) to disable it permanently.

King’s Crypt Walkthrough: Bone Corridors

The Bone Corridors are a maze of narrow passages lined with bones and skulls. Here, you’ll encounter the Bone Reavers – fast, dual-wielding skeletons that can be tough if you’re not prepared. Use a shield or a parry to counter their attacks, and try to fight them one at a time by luring them with a thrown object.

As you navigate, you’ll come across a room with a large bone pile in the center. This is a trap: the pile will burst, releasing a Bone Golem – a mini-boss with high health and a devastating ground slam. Defeat it to earn a Golem’s Core, which is used to upgrade your shell. After the fight, look behind the pile for a hidden alcove. Inside, on a stone pedestal, is the Veteran’s Battle Axe. It’s impossible to miss if you explore this room thoroughly.

Continuing through the corridors, you’ll find several shortcuts that loop back to the Entrance Hall. Make sure to open all of them to save time on subsequent trips. The corridors also contain a few chests with Tar (the game’s currency) and Glimpses (used for abilities).

King’s Crypt Walkthrough: Royal Chamber

The Royal Chamber is the final area of the crypt, guarded by a large door with a skull motif. To open it, you must collect two Royal Seals – one is in the Bone Corridors (on a corpse near a spike pit), and the other is in a side room off the Entrance Hall (behind a breakable wall).

Once inside, you’ll face the boss The Skeletal King. He has two phases: in the first, he uses a large sword and can summon adds; in the second, he grows more aggressive and gains a lunging attack. Use the pillars in the room to break his line of sight and heal. After defeating him, you’ll receive the King’s Crown (a headpiece that boosts Resolve gain) and access to a treasure room with several high-tier items.

Veteran’s Battle Axe: Stats and Moveset

The Veteran’s Battle Axe has the following base stats (at +0):

Physical Damage: 78
Scaling: Strength (B), Agility (D)
Stamina Cost: 15 per light attack, 25 per heavy attack
Weight: 12 (medium-heavy)

Its light attack is a horizontal slash, and the heavy attack is an overhead chop that can be charged for extra damage. The weapon’s special ability, War Cry, costs one Resolve bar and grants a temporary damage buff to you and nearby allies. This makes it excellent for boss fights.

Common Mistakes and Tips

Missing the axe: Many players miss the alcove because they don’t check behind the bone pile after the Golem fight. Always explore every corner.
Rushing the corridors: The Bone Corridors have many traps and ambushes. Take your time, use a torch to see, and listen for the sound of pressure plates.
Not using the shortcuts: The crypt is large, and you’ll need to backtrack. Unlock every shortcut you find to make travel easier.
Forgetting to upgrade: Once you have the axe, upgrade it at the Blacksmith in Fallgrim using Tar and Glimpses. It becomes significantly more powerful at +3 or higher.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Veteran’s Battle Axe worth using?

Yes, if you enjoy slow, powerful weapons. It deals massive damage per hit and can stagger most enemies, but it leaves you open if you miss. It’s a solid choice for a strength build, especially when upgraded.

Can I get the axe without fighting the Bone Golem?

No, the Bone Golem must be defeated to access the alcove. However, you can run past him if you’re fast, grab the axe, and leave – he won’t follow you out of the room.

What is the best weapon to use in the King’s Crypt?

Weapons with fast attacks, like the Martial Blade, are useful for dealing with the fast Bone Reavers. However, the Veteran’s Battle Axe itself is excellent once you have it, as its heavy attack can one-shot most regular enemies.

How long does it take to complete the King’s Crypt?

On a first playthrough, expect to spend 1-2 hours exploring and fighting the boss. If you’re just rushing for the axe, it can be done in about 15 minutes.

Are there any other hidden items in the crypt?

Yes, there are several hidden chests and a secret room behind a false wall in the Bone Corridors that contains a Weapon Lute – a collectible that lets you play music. Also, the Royal Chamber has a hidden area behind the throne with a Greatsword.

Can I return to the King’s Crypt after finishing the game?

Yes, after the final boss, you can continue exploring the world in New Game Plus. All areas, including the King’s Crypt, remain accessible.

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