The Iconoclast is the weapon you start Mortal Shell II with, and it is easy to underestimate. Two-handed but unusually light for its class, it ships with a wide pool of compatible Tarstones, a clean one-two light combo, and — the real reason to keep it around — access to Curse, a status effect only two melee weapons in the game can inflict.
Note: screenshots below are in-game frames referenced from a community weapon-guide video, credited in the sources section.
Where to get The Iconoclast
You do not find The Iconoclast — it is the default starting weapon. If you traded away or skipped it, the in-game merchant sells tips that permanently mark weapon locations on your map, which is the game's built-in answer to missed weapons.
Moveset overview
- Light attacks — a quick one-two chain. With the right Tarstone, the third light attack becomes another one-two combo, so the string keeps rolling.
- Heavy attacks — a thrust into a heavy overhead slam. Good opener into a crowd's frontline.
- Running light — a jumping strike that closes gaps quickly.
- Running heavy — a wide golf swing that sweeps everything in front of you.
Best Tarstones
The Zealot's Stone is the standout combat pick. Its light-combo finisher chain pays out 150% Resolve, and it converts the third light attack into a one-two combo — more hits, more gauge, no downside for this moveset. Until you locate it, most early combat Tarstones work fine; the weapon is not picky.
Infusions: lean into Curse
Two infusion options exist here: Arbiter's Prize and the Curseblood Stone, both driving the Curse status. Curse is arguably the strongest status in the game — a cursed enemy that swings at you gets staggered and takes the damage itself, like a reflective iron-maiden effect. Maintaining Curse on a boss trivializes otherwise punishing exchanges, and The Iconoclast applies it reliably.
Special ability
The Strike Stone is the recommended unique: a flashy combo with strong break damage and AoE coverage. The Unwieldly Stone and Acolyte's Stone are serviceable placeholders until you find it.
Verdict
Do not bench the starter. Between the Resolve-hungry light chain, the self-punishing Curse loop, and a low barrier to entry, The Iconoclast stays competitive deep into the run — and it teaches the parry-and-punish rhythm the whole game is built on.