The Virtuous Cycle is Mortal Shell’s one-year anniversary DLC, perfect for fans who are looking to play through a new experience, and unlock new items such as the Hadern Shell. The Hadern Shell is available only through The Virtuous Cycle DLC, and the DLC is free to claim for a limited time. The Hadern Shell can acquire and activate any ability from each of the four other Shells after unlocking the respective Accretion abilities.

The Hadern Shell’s traits allow for a deeper level of customization and flexibility for builds but at the cost of additional Tar and Glimpses, on top of unlocking the respective Accretion ability. It is the most expensive shell to invest resources in, but it is a small price to pay for build experimentation in Mortal Shell. The Harden Shell stats are:

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  • Durability 6/10
  • Stamina 7/10
  • Resolve 3 Bars

Before the Hadern Shell can be unlocked, players will need to collect the Hallowed Sword, Smoldering Mace, Martyr Blade, and Hammer and Chisel weapons. Afterward, Hadern can be found at Fallgrim Tower on the second floor. Talk to Hadern to begin the “One Last Glimpse” mission, which is the final battle against Hadern. In addition to Hadern using his Axatana, the battle will be in two stages. In the first stage, Hadern will be more agile as he splits his Axatana into the dual katana variation. In the second stage, Hadern’s axe variation attacks are more powerful, but he moves much slower.

How to Unlock the Hadern Shell in Mortal Shell The Virtuous Cycle

After defeating Hadern, his sarcophagus will rise and allow the Foundling to claim his Shell. In addition to being able to activate an ability from other Mortal Shells, the Harden Shell has additional abilities. The full list of Hadern Shell abilities are:

  • Accretion of Resolve
  • Accretion of Endurance
  • Accretion of Ascent
  • Accretion of Inheritance
  • Accretion of Yearning
  • Accretion of Foresight
  • Accretion of Dominance
  • Recollection of Knowledge
  • Recollection of Strength
  • Recollection of Death
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The Virtual Cycle does not require that the Smoldering Mace, Martyr Blade, or Hammer and Chisel weapons be upgraded before fighting Hadern. Fighting against Hadern himself is a bit random, as he has the power to unlock abilities from the other Mortal Shells. Any ability chosen and switched from one Shell to another will cost additional Tar and Glimpse. Additionally, return to Hadern where he is located before the final fight to receive his Axatana.

Mortal Shell is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S platforms.

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About The Author


Kaleb Smith
(753 Articles Published)

Kaleb is a freelance writer for Screen Rant who regularly contributes to both of the Gaming Guides and Gaming Features sections. He has a BA in Digital Media Production from the State University of New York at New Paltz, focusing on the preproduction and production stages of TV & film. He also has an affinity for finding out the origin stories/inspirations of games and every character in them. Although he’s a mid-90s baby, Kaleb started gaming with Super Mario Bros, Pokémon Blue, Pac-Man, and Duck Hunt.

Kaleb also has a limited Journalism background in NY politics, corporate shareholder activism, cybersecurity, and ESG (environment, social, & governance). He spends too much time watching Pokémon Nuzlockes and rewatching Letterkenny, Brooklyn 99, and anything Star Wars or MCU-related. Contact Kaleb on Twitter @CaptnKahleeb.

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