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Where to Find the Faded Gland in Mortal Shell 2 and How to Use It
The Faded Gland is located in the Faded Capital , specifically within the Citadel Annex . You will find it resting in a water-filled pit near a candle-lit brazier, just past the Citadel Annex Beacon. This item is a critical component for the Seedbearer’s Scripture quest, which provides essential protection against Cosmic Disease during the final boss encounter. Note that you must be in Night Mode to turn this item in at the Forgotten Tower.
In the haunting world of Mortal Shell 2 , survival often depends on your ability to navigate complex environments and secure rare artifacts. Among the most sought-after items is the Faded Gland. Unlike standard consumables, this item serves as a key to unlocking one of the most effective defensive tools in the game: the Seedbearer’s Scripture. According to Fextralife's Mortal Shell 2 Wiki , the Faded Gland is one of three special glands required to complete this secret questline.
Finding the gland is only half the battle. Many players encounter significant hurdles, ranging from environmental hazards to mechanical confusion regarding the game's "Night Mode" state. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of the Citadel Annex, explains the differences between quest glands and upgrade glands, and offers solutions for the common "Insufficient Materials" error that plagues many adventurers.
How to Find the Faded Gland in the Faded Capital
The Faded Capital is a sprawling, labyrinthine zone that serves as one of the final challenges before the game's conclusion. To locate the Faded Gland, you must navigate to the southernmost Corrupt Gate. This area is notoriously difficult due to its verticality and the presence of high-level sentinels. Your primary objective is to reach the Citadel Annex Beacon , which acts as the final checkpoint before the gland's resting place.
Reaching the Citadel Annex Beacon
Starting from the main entrance of the Faded Capital, head south toward the towering spires of the Annex. You will need to bypass or defeat several Gloom Seekers—agile enemies that can quickly deplete your stamina. Once you reach the Citadel Annex Beacon, rest to set your spawn point. From this Beacon, look toward the lower courtyard. You will see a significant drop-off point leading into a submerged area known as the Annex Pit.
Image source: YouTube
Locating the Water Pit and the Brazier
After dropping down from the Beacon, scan the center of the water-filled area. You are looking for a specific visual landmark: a well-like structure or an unlit brazier surrounded by a ring of flickering candles. The Faded Gland is placed directly inside this structure. Be cautious, as the perimeter is often patrolled by a Gloom Seeker. It is generally safer to clear the area before attempting to interact with the brazier, as the pickup animation leaves you vulnerable for a few seconds.
Special Glands vs Revered Glands — What Is the Difference?
One of the most frequent points of confusion for players is the distinction between the different types of glands found throughout the game. While "Revered Glands" are relatively common and used for upgrading your healing capacity, the "Special Glands" (Faded, Thawed, and Depleted) are unique quest items. According to GameRant's gland guide , there are only three of these special items in the entire game.
| Item Category | Total in Game | Primary Use | Rarity / Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Glands (Faded, Thawed, Depleted) | 3 Total | Seedbearer’s Scripture Quest | Key Item (Blue Icon) |
| Revered Glands | 14 Total | Increase Healing Item Quantity | Consumable (Gold Icon) |
If you find an item labeled "Gland" but the icon is gold, you have found a Revered Gland. These are excellent for general progression but will not advance the Seedbearer’s Scripture quest. Always check your inventory's "Key Items" tab to confirm you have the correct version for the giant skeleton in the Forgotten Tower.
How to Activate Night Mode to Progress the Quest
A critical mechanic in Mortal Shell 2 is the day/night cycle, which is not automatic. The world state only changes when you interact with specific NPCs. The Faded Gland—and its counterparts—cannot be offered to the quest NPC during the day. You must transition the world into Night Mode to reveal the giant skeleton in the Forgotten Tower and enable the turn-in dialogue.
Finding Thestus in Marrow Keep
To change the world state, travel to the top of Marrow Keep . Here, you will find an NPC named Thestus. He is a mysterious figure who manages the "Gloom" of the world. By speaking to him, you can toggle between Day and Night. However, this service is not free. You will need a Gloombound Flame to initiate the change. These flames can be purchased from Vlas or found as rare drops from elite enemies in the Stonebled Gate area.
Identifying Night Mode
Once Night Mode is active, the atmosphere of the game changes significantly. You will notice a thick, purple-tinted fog rolling across the landscape, and glowing runes will appear on ancient structures. This state also spawns more difficult enemies, so ensure you are prepared for a tougher journey back to the Forgotten Tower. If you need to revert the world to Day Mode, you can return to Thestus at any time, though it will cost another Gloombound Flame.
Where to Turn in the Faded Gland for the Seedbearer’s Scripture
Once you have secured the Faded Gland and activated Night Mode, your next destination is the Forgotten Tower . This location is situated in the heart of the central hub, but its true secrets are only accessible when the Gloom is present. The NPC you are looking for is a giant, bird-faced skeleton resting at the base of the tower's interior.
Image source: Rock Paper Shotgun
The giant skeleton will not speak to you unless you possess at least one of the special glands. When you offer the Faded Gland, the skeleton will provide lore snippets regarding the "Cosmic Disease" that has ravaged the land. To receive the final reward—the Seedbearer’s Scripture —you must provide all three special glands: the Faded Gland (Citadel Annex), the Thawed Gland (Frostbitten Peak), and the Depleted Gland (Stonebled Gate).
- Seedbearer’s Scripture Reward
- Active Mitigation: Provides 50% Cosmic Disease resistance for 30 seconds upon use.
- Passive Mitigation: Provides a permanent 15% reduction in Cosmic Disease buildup while equipped.
- Usage: Essential for the final encounter against the Unchained Remnant.
Why Am I Getting an Insufficient Materials Message?
A common source of frustration for players is the "Insufficient Materials" prompt when interacting with the giant skeleton. This is often mistaken for a bug, but it is actually a specific quest requirement. The game typically requires you to have all three special glands in your inventory simultaneously to trigger the final reward dialogue. According to community reports on Reddit , attempting to turn them in one by one can sometimes lead to the game "consuming" a gland without granting the Scripture.
To avoid this, follow these troubleshooting steps:
- Inventory Check: Ensure you have the Faded, Thawed, and Depleted Glands in your "Key Items" tab.
- World State: Double-check that Night Mode is active. The skeleton will not accept materials during the day.
- Backup Save: Before speaking to the skeleton, it is highly recommended to create a backup save. Some players have reported a rare glitch where the quest resets if the game crashes during the dialogue.
- Sequential Offering: If the skeleton accepts one gland but the prompt remains, continue the dialogue. You may need to select the "Offer Gland" option three distinct times.
How to Find the Secret Map in Stonebled Gate
While many players use external guides to find the Faded Gland, the developers included an "intended" way to discover these locations in-game. In the Stonebled Gate area (near the Lost Child boss arena), there is a hidden puzzle that rewards you with a secret map. This map highlights the exact coordinates of the Faded, Thawed, and Depleted Glands.
To find the map, navigate to the bottom of the Stonebled Gate canyon. You will find three explosive red barrels placed in front of specific, jagged stalagmites. By detonating these barrels (either with a ranged attack or by kiting an enemy explosion), you will reveal a narrow crawlspace. Inside this passage lies the "Cartographer’s Remnant," which adds the gland locations to your world map. This is a top-tier discovery for players who prefer an immersive, guide-free experience.
Getting the Axatana While Completing This Quest
The Forgotten Tower is not just a quest hub; it is also the location of the Axatana , which ranks among the top weapon choices in Mortal Shell 2 . Because the tower is dangerous to navigate, it is most efficient to combine the gland turn-in with the acquisition of this weapon. The Axatana is a dual-mode weapon that can switch between fast dual-blades and a heavy greataxe.
The Power-Run Strategy:
- Collect all three glands (Faded, Thawed, Depleted).
- Activate Night Mode via Thestus in Marrow Keep.
- Enter the Forgotten Tower and ascend to the middle platform.
- Defeat the Gloom Seeker Sentinel guarding the weapon rack to claim the Axatana.
- Drop down to the base of the tower to speak with the giant skeleton.
- Offer the glands to receive the Seedbearer’s Scripture.
This workflow ensures you are fully equipped with both a high-damage weapon and the necessary disease mitigation before heading into the end-game zones.
Important Point of No Return Warnings
Timing is everything in Mortal Shell 2 . The Seedbearer’s Scripture quest has a strict "Point of No Return." Once you initiate the final boss sequence (after defeating the three main Temple Guardians), the world state shifts permanently. During this transition, Thestus may disappear from Marrow Keep, making it impossible to toggle Night Mode. Furthermore, the giant skeleton in the Forgotten Tower often becomes non-interactive once the final portal is opened.
To ensure you don't miss out on this essential item, complete the gland collection and turn-in immediately after defeating the second Temple Guardian . This provides a safe window where all NPCs are still available and the world remains stable. The Seedbearer’s Scripture is not strictly required to beat the game, but it makes the final encounter significantly more manageable by preventing the rapid health and stamina drain caused by Cosmic Disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the Faded Gland after beating the final boss?
No. After the final boss is defeated, the game enters a "New Game Plus" state or ends the current run depending on your choices. The world state changes significantly, and quest items like the Faded Gland are removed from your inventory. You must collect and turn in the glands before entering the final arena.
Do I need the Faded Gland to finish the game?
The Faded Gland is part of an optional questline. You can technically finish the game without it. However, the reward (Seedbearer’s Scripture) is highly recommended for players struggling with the Cosmic Disease mechanic, as it provides a significant defensive buff that few other items can match.
Where is the Citadel Annex Beacon located exactly?
The Citadel Annex Beacon is located at the southern tip of the Faded Capital map. It is situated on a high balcony overlooking a large, water-filled courtyard. If you have reached the area with the glowing purple braziers and floating platforms, you are very close to the Beacon.
What does Cosmic Disease actually do to the player?
Cosmic Disease is a status ailment that builds up in end-game zones. Once the meter is full, your maximum health is reduced by 20%, and your stamina regeneration speed is halved. The Seedbearer’s Scripture is the only item in the game that provides both active and passive mitigation against this effect.
Is there a way to reset Night Mode if I run out of Gloombound Flames?
If you run out of flames, you must farm them from elite enemies in the Stonebled Gate or the Faded Capital. They are not a guaranteed drop, so it is wise to keep a small stockpile. Alternatively, Vlas the merchant sells a limited supply of them at his shop near the entrance of Marrow Keep.
Summary of the Faded Gland Questline
Completing the Seedbearer’s Scripture quest is a significant step toward mastering the end-game of Mortal Shell 2 . By following the steps below, you can ensure your character is prepared for the final challenges.
- Locate the Gland: Head to the water pit in the Citadel Annex within the Faded Capital.
- Collect the Set: Ensure you also have the Thawed and Depleted Glands from other zones.
- Toggle the World: Use a Gloombound Flame at Thestus in Marrow Keep to activate Night Mode.
- Visit the Tower: Find the giant skeleton in the Forgotten Tower to offer your glands.
- Claim the Reward: Receive the Seedbearer’s Scripture for 50% active Cosmic Disease mitigation.
- Grab the Axatana: While in the tower, defeat the sentinel to secure one of the game's top-rated weapons.
- Watch the Clock: Complete all these steps before initiating the final boss sequence to avoid the point of no return.
Equip the Seedbearer's Scripture in your quick-item slot immediately before entering the final boss arena to maximize your survival chances.
