Mortal Shell II: What to Finish Before Sending Ova?

Before you send your ova for incubation in Mortal Shell II, you need to complete the main story quests that unlock the ability to create a new shell, and you should also finish the side quests that grant permanent upgrades. This article explains exactly what to finish, why it matters, and what happens after you send them.

Background: What Are Ova and Why Send Them?

Ova are the reproductive seeds of the Sacred Glands, the mysterious entities that grant you a new body when you die. In Mortal Shell II, you collect ova from defeated bosses and hidden locations. Sending ova to the Incubation Pool is the final step to create a new shell, which allows you to start a new playthrough with a different starting class or with extra benefits. The game does not force you to send ova until the very end, but doing so early can lock you out of certain content.

What to Finish Before Sending Ova: The Essential Checklist

Here is what you should complete before you send any ova, because once you send them, the world state changes and some areas become inaccessible:

• Main story quests: Finish the main questline up to the point where you have defeated the final boss of the current area. The game will warn you before the point of no return, but it is safe to finish all main story objectives first.
• All side quests that grant permanent upgrades: These include quests that give you extra health, stamina, or weapon upgrades. Once you send ova, you cannot go back to complete them.
• Collect all lore tablets and hidden items: Some lore items are only available before you send ova. They are not required for the ending, but they fill out the story.
• Max out your current shell’s skills: If you have a favorite shell, make sure you have unlocked all its abilities. You will lose access to the old shell after sending ova.
• Upgrade your weapons to the highest level possible: Weapon upgrades carry over to the next playthrough, so it is worth doing before you send ova.

How Sending Ova Works

Once you have collected at least one ova, you can go to the Incubation Pool in the Fallen Temple. Interacting with the pool will let you choose which ova to send. After sending, you will be taken to the character creation screen where you pick a new shell. The old shell is lost, but you keep all your collected items, upgrades, and lore. The world resets to the beginning, but with increased difficulty and new enemy placements (New Game Plus).

What Happens If You Send Ova Too Early?

If you send ova before finishing the main story, you will be locked out of the final area and the true ending. The game will not let you continue the main quest; you will be stuck in a loop of New Game Plus without the ability to progress. To get the true ending, you must have all three ova and have completed the main story up to the final boss. Sending ova early is not recommended unless you are intentionally starting a new run.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

A common mistake is thinking you need to send ova to unlock New Game Plus. Actually, you can start New Game Plus from the main menu after beating the final boss, without sending ova. Sending ova is only for creating a new shell with a different starting class. Another misconception is that ova are consumed permanently; they are not, you can keep them in your inventory and send them later. Also, you do not need to send all three ova at once; you can send them one by one, but each send resets the world.

Comparing Ova Types and Their Benefits

There are three types of ova, each granting a different starting bonus:

• Ova of the First Flame: Grants +10% fire resistance and a starting fire weapon.
• Ova of the Deep: Grants +10% poison resistance and a starting poison weapon.
• Ova of the Storm: Grants +10% lightning resistance and a starting lightning weapon.

Choose the one that matches your preferred playstyle. If you are a melee player, fire might be best; if you rely on stealth, poison could be useful. The bonuses are not huge, but they can help in the early game.

Costs and Requirements

Sending ova does not cost any in-game currency, but it does require you to have at least one ova in your inventory. Ova are obtained by defeating the three major bosses: the Hollow Knight, the Witch of the Woods, and the Drowned King. Each boss drops one ova. There is no level requirement, but the bosses are difficult, so it is recommended to be at least level 30 with upgraded weapons.

Safety and Save File Tips

Before sending ova, make a backup of your save file. This is not an official feature, but on PC you can copy the save folder from your user directory. On consoles, you can upload your save to the cloud. This way, if you regret sending ova, you can reload. Also, be aware that sending ova is a one-way action; there is no confirmation dialog, so double-check your choice before confirming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send ova after beating the final boss?

Yes, you can send ova after beating the final boss, as long as you have not started New Game Plus. The game will let you continue in the post-game world, and you can still send ova to start a new shell.

Do I lose my weapons when I send ova?

No, you keep all your weapons, armor, and items. Only your shell (your character class) is replaced. Your upgrades and inventory carry over to the new playthrough.

What is the best ova to send first?

It depends on your build. If you are a strength build, fire is good; if you are a dexterity build, poison might be better. There is no best overall, but storm is often considered the most versatile because lightning damage is effective against many enemies.

Can I get more than three ova?

No, there are only three ova in the game, one from each major boss. You cannot obtain more, so choose wisely.

Does sending ova affect the ending?

No, sending ova does not affect the ending. The ending is determined by your actions during the main story, not by sending ova. However, sending ova early can prevent you from reaching the true ending because you cannot continue the story.

Can I undo sending ova?

No, there is no in-game way to undo sending ova. You must reload a previous save file if you have one.

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