Progression / 14 / FIELD NOTE
Mortal Shell 2 How to Level Up: Gloom and Glimpses
A clear spend map for Gloom, Glimpses, Shell points and Tarstone XP, without collapsing separate progression systems.
Four separate progression sinks
Gloom, Glimpses, Shell points and Tarstone XP are separate systems. Gloom drops on death and is spent through the hub economy; Glimpses deepen a Shell and do not refund; Shell points move within the unlocked tree; Tarstone XP ranks equipment at Franz.
Spend after the route is readable
Recover a dropped Gloom pile before a second death whenever the path is safe. Upgrade the Shell and weapon you can already use consistently rather than spreading early materials over every new pickup. A new route marker is not proof that its reward should replace your current build.
Do not confuse respec with refund
The public guide distinguishes movable Shell points from non-refundable Glimpses. Treat Glimpses as a permanent investment in the body you intend to wear, and use point refunds to adjust a tested tree after a boss exposes a real problem.
Tarstone order
Choose the weapon or sidearm first, then check whether a Combat, Infusion or Ability Tarstone is compatible. Unlock Etching Needles before planning around the second and third Tarstone ranks; the Tarforge controls that upgrade path separately from melee and sidearm ranks.
Sources
- How to Level Up: Gloom, Glimpses, and Stones External guide ยท checked 2026-08-25