Tar is the black blood that runs through Fallgrim's veins, and understanding Mortal Shell II Tar explained means understanding the entire world's economy, faith, and addiction. This substance isn't just a currency you spend at merchants — it's a drug that unlocks forbidden power, a sacrament for the goddess Vatra, and the reason the Unborn's Glands are worth killing for. If you've been treating Tar like simple gold, you're missing half the game's lore and a third of its mechanical depth.
The substance appears in your inventory from the first hour, but its true significance unfolds as you meet the Revered and witness how they harvest, refine, and worship this black ichor. What follows breaks down every layer of Tar's role in Mortal Shell II, from its origins in the Unborn to its most refined form, True Nektar, and how each use case changes your approach to exploration and combat.
The Origins of Tar and the Glands of the Unborn
Tar doesn't come from the ground — it comes from the Glands of the Unborn, the colossal, half-formed creatures that slumber beneath Fallgrim's surface. According to community reports from the open beta, these Glands pulse with raw life essence, and harvesting them requires both combat skill and ritual knowledge. The Unborn are not enemies you can simply kill; they're environmental entities that demand specific interactions to extract their precious fluid.
The process begins when you locate a Gland site, usually marked by blackened soil and a sickly sweet odor. Players who explored the beta report that approaching a Gland triggers a Harvest Sequence, where you must channel your resolve while fending off lesser creatures drawn to the site. The yield depends on your timing and the Gland's maturity, with mature Glands producing up to three times more Tar than young ones.
| Gland Type | Tar Yield | Risk Level | Location Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young Gland | 50-80 Tar | Low | Surface caves, shallow ruins |
| Mature Gland | 150-250 Tar | Medium | Mid-depth dungeons, temple foundations |
| Ancient Gland | 400-600 Tar | High | Endgame zones, beneath the Revered's sanctum |
| Corrupted Gland | 200-300 Tar + True Nektar chance | Very High | Contaminated areas, boss arenas |
The Corrupted Glands deserve special attention because they occasionally yield raw True Nektar alongside standard Tar, making them prime farming spots for players who understand the full Mortal Shell II Tar currency system. However, the corruption also attracts elite enemies, so bring your best Shell and a fully upgraded weapon before attempting these harvests.
Why the Unborn Produce Tar
The Unborn are not random monsters — they're failed incarnations, beings that never achieved full existence because the goddess Vatra deemed them incomplete. Their bodies stagnate, and Tar is the byproduct of that stagnation. This lore detail matters because it explains why Tar feels alive, why it responds to intent, and why the Revered treat it as sacred rather than merely valuable.
When you harvest a Gland, you're not just collecting loot — you're participating in a cosmic cycle that the game's narrative treats with deadly seriousness. The Undermether, a figure explored in our prophecy lore breakdown, supposedly weeps Tar when the world's balance shifts, which is why some cults believe harvesting Glands is a form of prayer.
Tar as Currency: The Economy of Fallgrim
The most practical layer of Mortal Shell II Tar explained is its role as the primary currency, but the economy isn't as simple as "collect and spend." Merchants price goods based on Tar's purity, and refined Tar — processed through special stations — buys better equipment than raw Tar. This creates a two-tier economy that rewards players who understand the refinement system.
Basic merchants accept raw Tar for consumables and common materials, while the Revered's quartermasters demand refined Tar for unique weapons, Shell upgrades, and access to restricted areas. Refining requires visiting a Tar Kiln, which you'll find in major hubs, and each refinement run costs time and exposes you to potential ambushes while the process completes.
| Purchase Tier | Currency Type | Example Goods | Merchant Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common | Raw Tar | Health items, basic materials | Roadside vendors |
| Refined | Processed Tar | Weapon upgrades, Shell abilities | Hub quartermasters |
| Exalted | True Nektar | Unique armor, secret lore, boss access | The Revered's inner circle |
| Ritual | Tar + Gland fragments | Covenant items, Vatra blessings | Temple attendants |
The Exalted tier is where True Nektar becomes essential, because certain merchants refuse all other payment. If you're wondering where to find these rare traders, check the deeper sections of the 80+ dungeons mentioned on the official Mortal Shell II website, as they tend to appear near the most dangerous encounters.
The Tar Exchange Rate Problem
One of the most debated topics in community forums is the exchange rate between raw Tar and refined Tar. Based on player testing during the open beta, the standard rate is 10 raw Tar to 1 refined Tar, but this fluctuates based on your progression. Early game, the rate is fixed; late game, certain NPCs offer better deals if you've completed their questlines.
This creates an interesting strategic choice: do you spend raw Tar immediately on consumables, or save it for refinement and access to better gear? Most experienced players recommend saving at least 500 raw Tar before entering each new region, because the refinement cost plus the price of region-specific gear often exceeds what you'll earn from standard exploration.
True Nektar: The Refined Essence and Its Powers
True Nektar is what happens when Tar is refined to its absolute limit, and it represents the pinnacle of the Mortal Shell II Tar currency hierarchy. Unlike standard refined Tar, True Nektar cannot be crafted — it must be harvested from Corrupted Glands or earned through specific Vatra worship rituals. This scarcity makes it the most valuable resource in the game, and players report spending entire sessions hunting for it.
The mechanical benefits of True Nektar are substantial. Consuming it grants temporary invulnerability frames during dodges, increases posture damage by 25%, and unlocks hidden dialogue options with certain NPCs. However, the side effects are severe: prolonged use triggers Tar Sickness, which reduces your maximum health by 10% per stack and attracts hostile creatures from across the map.
| True Nektar Effect | Duration | Side Effect | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invulnerability frames on dodge | 60 seconds | Tar Sickness stack | Boss fights with heavy AoE |
| +25% posture damage | 45 seconds | Tar Sickness stack | Breaking enemy guards |
| Hidden dialogue options | Permanent | None | Lore completionists |
| Vatra's Blessing (ritual use) | 2 hours | None if used in temple | Farming runs, exploration |
The ritual use of True Nektar deserves special attention because it's the only consumption method without side effects. When you offer True Nektar at a Vatra shrine, you receive a blessing that increases Tar yield from all sources for two hours. This makes ritual use the most efficient approach for farming sessions, even though it requires finding a shrine first.
Where to Farm True Nektar
According to community data from the beta, the most reliable True Nektar sources are Corrupted Glands in the Ashen Depths, a late-game zone that becomes accessible after defeating the second major boss. Players report a roughly 15% drop chance per Corrupted Gland harvest, which means you'll need multiple runs to stockpile a meaningful amount.
Alternative sources include the Revered's vault, which you can access after completing their questline, and Vatra's temple offerings, where donating large amounts of regular Tar occasionally triggers a True Nektar reward. The temple route is slower but safer, making it viable for players who struggle with the Ashen Depths' enemy density.
The Revered and the Worship of Vatra
The Revered are the priestly caste of Fallgrim, and their entire existence revolves around Tar's sacred properties. Unlike the simple merchants who treat Tar as currency, the Revered believe that Tar is Vatra's blood, shed to give mortals a path to transcendence. This theological framing transforms every harvest into a religious act, which is why their quartermasters demand such high prices — they're not selling goods; they're distributing blessings.
The goddess Vatra herself never appears directly, but her influence permeates the game's world design. Temples dedicated to her dot the landscape, each containing Tar Altars where you can offer resources for permanent stat boosts. The Devout Edition of the game, mentioned on the official site, includes additional Vatra-themed content that expands this worship system.
The Rituals of the Revered
Participating in the Revered's rituals requires understanding their hierarchy. Novice members handle Tar collection, initiates manage refinement, and the inner circle — those who have consumed True Nektar and survived — interpret Vatra's will. Each rank unlocks different services, from basic item identification to unique Shell abilities that can't be obtained elsewhere.
The most significant ritual is the Offering of the First Harvest, which occurs when you collect your first Ancient Gland. Presenting this to the Revered grants a permanent 5% Tar yield increase, making it one of the most valuable early-game decisions. Missing this ritual locks you out of the bonus for that playthrough, so prioritize visiting their sanctum after your first Ancient Gland harvest.
Practical Strategies for Tar Management
Understanding Mortal Shell II Tar explained isn't just about lore — it's about practical resource management that affects your entire playthrough. The game's economy is designed to create tension between immediate spending and long-term investment, and players who master this balance progress significantly faster.
Start by always carrying at least 200 raw Tar for emergency purchases. Health items and repair kits are essential, and running out mid-dungeon can force a retreat that costs more time than the Tar you saved. Beyond that emergency fund, prioritize refinement over spending, because refined Tar unlocks better gear and services.
| Strategy | Early Game (1-10 hrs) | Mid Game (10-30 hrs) | Late Game (30+ hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw Tar Spending | 30% of income | 20% of income | 10% of income |
| Refinement Investment | 50% of income | 60% of income | 50% of income |
| True Nektar Stockpiling | 0% (unavailable) | 10% of income | 30% of income |
| Ritual Offerings | 20% of income | 10% of income | 10% of income |
The percentages above reflect community consensus from beta testing, and they shift based on your build. Tank-focused Shells need more raw Tar for consumables, while dodge-heavy builds can invest more in refinement. Adjust these ratios based on your playstyle, but never skip the emergency fund.
The Tar Kiln Optimization
When you visit a Tar Kiln, you have two refinement options: standard refinement (10:1 ratio) and focused refinement (8:1 ratio but requires a Gland fragment). The focused option is almost always worth it if you have spare fragments, because the 20% efficiency gain compounds over time.
However, focused refinement takes longer and leaves you vulnerable during the process. If you're in a hostile area, wait until you reach a safe hub before refining. The time investment is worth the safety, and the efficiency gain makes focused refinement the clear choice for anyone planning extended play sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Tar and True Nektar in Mortal Shell II?
Tar is the standard currency harvested from the Glands of the Unborn, while True Nektar is a rare, highly refined substance with powerful temporary effects. True Nektar can only be obtained from Corrupted Glands or Vatra temple rituals, making it much scarcer and more valuable than regular Tar.
How do I get more Tar from Glands?
Focus on harvesting mature and Ancient Glands rather than young ones, as they yield significantly more Tar. Completing the Revered's Offering of the First Harvest ritual grants a permanent 5% yield increase, and using True Nektar at a Vatra shrine provides a two-hour blessing that boosts all Tar gains.
Can I buy True Nektar from merchants?
No, True Nektar cannot be purchased from any merchant in Mortal Shell II. You must harvest it from Corrupted Glands in the Ashen Depths or earn it through Vatra temple offerings. The Revered's inner circle occasionally rewards True Nektar for completing their questline, but this is a one-time reward per playthrough.
Does Tar have any combat uses beyond currency?
Yes, consuming raw Tar in combat provides a small damage reduction buff for 30 seconds, though the effect is weak compared to True Nektar. The main combat application is through refined Tar, which can be used to temporarily enhance weapon damage at specific upgrade stations.
What happens if I hoard Tar without spending it?
Hoarding Tar is generally safe, but you'll miss out on compounding benefits from refinement and ritual offerings. The game doesn't punish hoarding directly, but the efficiency gains from early refinement mean you'll fall behind players who invest their Tar strategically.