Mortal Shell 2: Immersive vs Action camera

Mortal Shell 2 features two different camera options that you can tweak at any time, letting you select between an up-close-and-personal view or one that's more zoomed-out. It's rare to have multiple camera choices in a Souls game, and you may be wondering which is more likely to give you a better grip on the action.

We've tested both camera options extensively, and let's just say that looks can be deceptive! In this guide, we'll break down the pros and cons of Mortal Shell 2's Immersive vs Action camera styles and let you know which one you should choose.

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Immersive vs Action camera

In Mortal Shell 2, the Immersive camera view positions your Shell in the lower-left section of the screen and zooms out when you're running forward, or during combat (though it doesn't zoom out as much as the Action camera). It's basically similar to the camera angles in the recent God of War games, or Capcom's Resident Evil remakes.

Meanwhile, the Action camera always puts your Shell squarely in the centre of the screen in a view that's close to Mortal Shell 1, as well as other Soulslike games.

Immersive camera

Blackridge Cliffs as seen via the Immersive camera. Notice how it's basically the God of War perspective. | Image credit: Rock Paper Shotgun/Playstack

Pros:

• Immersive seems to be the developer's intended choice for players, seeing as how it's the default option. And it's not too zoomed-in all of the time - only at moments when you're not moving forward or fighting.
• Since Mortal Shell is a well-optimised game with some very eerily beautiful environments, the close view is nice, and lets you catch details you'd otherwise miss.
• Battles feel more personal, and I've found tackling bosses in Immersive view useful for learning their tells, since I can see their movements clearer.

Cons:

• There's a greater chance of unseen enemies ganking you from behind. That said, the side of the screen will flash red if a foe beyond your field of vision is about to attack you, letting you prepare accordingly.
• If you're not well-orientated, dashing can be dangerous in tight quarters or on cliffs. I rolled to my death at least once while using Immersive camera.

Action camera

Blackridge Cliffs in Action camera. Obviously, this type of view is old-hat for Souls fans. | Image credit: Rock Paper Shotgun/Playstack

Pros:

• If you've played Mortal Shell or any other Soulslike, the Action camera will feel very familiar, as it's basically the genre's default.
• The greater field of view allows for potentially easier parries, and comes in handy when you're surrounded by mobs and need a wider sense of your surroundings.
• Even though the view is more generous with Action, as is the case with Immersive camera, the side of the screen flashes red if an unseen enemy's about to attack you.

Cons:

• Action sometimes feels a little too zoomed out, especially once you get used to the Immersive camera. On more than one occasion I missed picking up an item on the ground that I probably would've seen in Immersive mode.
• The game's sense of atmosphere is somewhat lessened. This is especially true in creepy dungeons designed to make you unsettled, like the Hall of Illusions.

Which camera is better?

I find that I enjoy the Immersive camera more. This surprised me - I assumed that Action would be my go-to, but considering that the Immersive camera zooms out to a decent degree in combat, I don't have a problem with it.

Remember that the edge of the screen will always flash red when an unseen enemy is attacking you in both Immersive and Action views. So whichever you choose, you're covered to some extent. | Image credit: Rock Paper Shotgun/Playstack

It's worth noting, however, that I tend to harden more than I parry, since I'm used to the harden mechanic from Mortal Shell 1. If you're a purist and don't want your Shell taking up the majority of your screen and potentially lessening any opportunities for pinpoint precision, Action might be better.

Immersive camera and motion sickness An extra tip from Jeremy

If you're like yours truly and often suffer from motion sickness when playing a game that has a zoomed-in camera, don't count the Immersive camera out just yet. Instead, try turning off all of the camera shake options in the main menu. I did this, and Immersive works for my head just fine.

And that wraps up this guide on Immersive vs Action camera in Mortal Shell 2, as well as which camera option is best. For more on tips on getting started, check out our guides on how to fast travel between Beacons, how to get the Axe and Dagger, and how to get the Lute. Our list of all bosses will also serve you well as you get your preferred Shell ready for combat, and our walkthrough is a vital resource to ensure you can 100% this killer Soulslike.