Time is running out for gamers to grab Mortal Shell for free on the Epic Games Store. This challenging Soulslike game, which normally costs $24.99, is available at zero cost until March 20, 2025, at 4 PM. Epic Games Store is offering this complete experience that typically takes players 15-20 hours to complete, making it a perfect game for those with limited gaming time.
This free offer is part of Epic’s weekly giveaway program that continues to provide quality games to players. Mortal Shell has gained recognition as an underrated gem in the Soulslike genre, offering a unique experience with its body-possession mechanic and atmospheric world. The game provides good value with its moderate length, allowing players to enjoy a complete adventure without the time commitment required by longer titles.
Once this offer expires, Epic will replace it with a new free game as part of their ongoing promotion. Gamers interested in challenging combat and dark fantasy settings should add this title to their library before the deadline passes, regardless of when they plan to play it.
What Is Mortal Shell?
Mortal Shell is an action RPG that wears its inspirations proudly on its armored sleeve. If you’ve ever been brutalized by Dark Souls, you’ll feel right at home here—though Mortal Shell brings its own twist to the formula. Developed by Cold Symmetry, it throws you into a grim, unforgiving world where survival depends on patience, precision, and an almost stubborn refusal to give up.
The game isn’t about creating your own character or choosing a class. Instead, you inhabit the bodies of fallen warriors—called “Shells”—each with distinct abilities and stats. Whether you prefer a tanky bruiser, a nimble rogue, or something in between, swapping Shells lets you adapt to different playstyles as the game unfolds.
Why You Should Grab It While It’s Free
Normally priced at around $30, Mortal Shell being free is kind of a big deal. This isn’t some throwaway indie or a limited demo—it’s the full game, and if you claim it during the giveaway window, it’s yours to keep forever. Epic’s giveaways are time-sensitive, though, and once the offer ends, you’ll either have to pay for it or wait for another (unlikely) freebie window.
And while it’s free, this is the Enhanced Edition, optimized for next-gen systems. That means sharper textures, faster load times, and smoother combat. On PC, the game looks stunning if you’ve got the hardware to crank it up.
What Makes Mortal Shell Stand Out?
Sure, it looks like a Soulslike on the surface—but Mortal Shell has a few standout mechanics that make it different from the crowd:
The Hardening Mechanic
Instead of blocking with a shield, you can “Harden” your body at any time, freezing yourself in stone to absorb attacks without taking damage. Time it right, and you’ll shrug off a massive hit and counterattack in one smooth motion. It adds an extra layer of strategy because you can Harden mid-swing or even in midair.
Shell Swapping
You don’t level up your base character. Instead, you inhabit different warrior corpses, each with unique strengths. Tiel is quick and stealthy, Solomon is a balanced tank, and Eredrim hits like a truck but moves slower. Unlocking and upgrading Shells gives you more options as you explore the twisted world.
Minimal Handholding
Expect to figure things out on your own. There’s no glowing breadcrumb trail or friendly NPC pointing you to your next objective. The world is cryptic, and the lore is pieced together through item descriptions and quiet exploration. If you like mystery, it’s all here.
Is Mortal Shell Right for You?
If you’re into punishing combat, dark fantasy worlds, and games that respect your intelligence, this is a no-brainer. The combat is weighty and deliberate, with a focus on timing and stamina management. Every fight feels meaningful, even against basic enemies. Bosses hit hard and don’t give you much room for error.
But if you’re hoping for fast-paced hack-and-slash action, this might not be your thing. Mortal Shell is slower, more methodical, and it rewards players who study enemy patterns and wait for the perfect opening.
How Long Does It Take To Beat?
A typical run will take around 12-15 hours if you focus on the main story. If you explore every nook and cranny, complete all side content, and max out your Shells, you’re looking at closer to 25-30 hours. And for those who enjoy self-inflicted pain, there’s a New Game+ mode and a “No Shell” run, where you play as the vulnerable Foundling with no armor and practically no health. Good luck with that.
The Epic Games Store Offer: What You Need To Know
- Availability: The free offer is live now but won’t last forever. You have until [insert date if you know it] to claim the game.
- How To Claim: Log in to your Epic Games Store account, head to the store page, and click the Get button. That’s it—no subscription or credit card required.
- Platform: This is the PC version. You’ll need the Epic Games launcher to download and play.
Final Thoughts
Mortal Shell was a sleeper hit when it dropped in 2020, and it’s only improved since then. Whether you’re a Souls veteran or a newcomer looking for a challenge, this game delivers atmospheric exploration and satisfying, high-stakes combat.
And right now, it costs exactly zero dollars. No reason not to grab it.
Key Takeaways
- Mortal Shell is free on Epic Games Store until March 20, 2025, at 4 PM, saving players the regular $24.99 price.
- The game offers approximately 15-20 hours of gameplay, making it accessible for players with limited gaming time.
- After March 20, Epic Games will replace Mortal Shell with a different free game as part of their weekly giveaway program.
Mortal Shell: The Opportunity and Process
Epic Games Store is offering Mortal Shell completely free for a limited time. This opportunity allows gamers to add a challenging Soulslike game to their library without spending a penny.
The Excitement of Limited-Time Offers
Free game giveaways create a special kind of excitement in the gaming community. When a quality title like Mortal Shell becomes available at no cost, it presents a perfect chance to try something new without financial risk.
These limited-time offers from Epic Games Store typically last only a week. The clock is ticking on Mortal Shell, with the offer set to expire on March 21, 2025.
Missing out means having to purchase the game at its regular price of $29.99. Many gamers experience the “fear of missing out” with these promotions, which drives the urgency to claim the game now.
How to Access Mortal Shell for Free
Getting Mortal Shell requires just a few simple steps. First, players need to create or log into their Epic Games Store account through the website or desktop application.
Once logged in, navigate to the store page and look for the “Free Games” section. Mortal Shell should be prominently displayed among the current offerings.
Click on the game and then select “Get” to add it permanently to your library. The process takes less than a minute to complete.
No payment information is required for free games. After claiming Mortal Shell, players can download and install it immediately or at any time in the future.
Understanding Mortal Shell
Mortal Shell is a challenging action RPG similar to Dark Souls that offers unique gameplay mechanics centered around possessing different “shells” with varied abilities. Released in 2020, the game has gained recognition for its distinctive take on the soulslike genre.
Gameplay and Features
Mortal Shell’s core mechanic revolves around the ability to inhabit different shells—essentially dead warriors’ bodies—each with unique stats and playstyles. Players can switch between these shells to adapt to different combat situations. The game features a harden ability that temporarily turns the player to stone, adding a strategic element to combat encounters.
Combat is deliberate and methodical, requiring precise timing for parrying attacks. This parrying system allows players to counter with devastating ripostes when executed correctly. Healing works differently than in most games—players must find and consume items called “Tar” to restore health.
Boss fights serve as major challenges that test players’ mastery of the game’s mechanics. Each requires different strategies and careful observation of attack patterns. The game takes roughly 15-20 hours to complete, making it shorter than many other RPGs.
Graphics and Audio
The visual design creates a bleak, atmospheric world with decaying structures and foggy landscapes. Lighting effects enhance the gloomy mood, with rays of light occasionally breaking through to create striking visual contrasts.
Character models are detailed, particularly the different shells players can inhabit. Each has a unique appearance that reflects its background and abilities. The animation work shines during combat sequences, with fluid movements during attacks and parries.
The audio design complements the eerie atmosphere with subtle environmental sounds that heighten tension. The sparse musical score kicks in during key moments, particularly boss encounters. Voice acting is minimal but effective, delivering cryptic dialogue that adds to the mysterious world.
The Narrative and Setting
Mortal Shell takes place in a dying world filled with hostile creatures and forgotten ruins. The setting features distinct areas ranging from crumbling temples to swampy bogs, each with unique challenges and enemies.
The narrative unfolds through environmental storytelling rather than traditional cutscenes. Players piece together the world’s history by finding “memories” scattered throughout the environment. These memories provide glimpses into the past and explain how the world fell into ruin.
The story follows a nameless protagonist known as the Foundling who must recover powerful sacred glands. Each shell has its own backstory that players can discover, adding depth to the narrative experience. The fragmented storytelling approach encourages exploration and rewards attentive players with a deeper understanding of the game’s lore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Epic Games Store‘s free offering of Mortal Shell has sparked several common questions from gamers looking to claim this soulslike action RPG. Here are answers to the most pressing questions about this limited-time promotion.
How long will Mortal Shell be available to download for free on Epic Games Store?
Mortal Shell is available for free from March 13 until March 20, 2025, at 3:00 PM GMT. This gives players approximately one week to claim the game before the offer expires.
The game normally costs $29.99, making this a significant savings opportunity for gamers interested in trying this Dark Souls-inspired title.
What is required to access free games on Epic Games Store?
Players need a free Epic Games Store account to claim Mortal Shell. Creating an account requires only an email address and password.
The Epic Games launcher must be downloaded and installed on a PC to access the game library. Once claimed during the free period, the game is permanently added to the user’s library.
Is Mortal Shell exclusive to Epic Games Store, or can it be played on other platforms?
Mortal Shell is not exclusive to Epic Games Store. The game is also available on Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms.
However, this free promotion is only available through Epic Games Store. Players who want the game on other platforms would need to purchase it at regular price.
What happens after the free promotional period for Mortal Shell ends on Epic Games Store?
After March 20, 2025, Mortal Shell will return to its regular price of $29.99 on the Epic Games Store. Players who claimed the game during the free period will retain permanent access to it.
Those who miss the free window will need to purchase the game to play it. The game remains in the library of those who claimed it even after the promotion ends.
Can free games from Epic Games Store be played offline, or do they require a constant internet connection?
Most games from Epic Games Store, including Mortal Shell, can be played offline after initial installation and verification. The Epic Games launcher offers an offline mode for playing without an internet connection.
However, initial game download and activation require an internet connection. Some games with online features may have limited functionality when played offline.
Does Epic Games Store offer support or updates for free games such as Mortal Shell?
Yes, games claimed for free receive the same updates and support as purchased games. Epic Games Store delivers patches and updates as they are released by the developers.
Technical support is available through both Epic Games Store’s support channels and the game developer’s support systems. Free games are treated identically to purchased games in terms of ongoing support and updates.
