'We ended up kind of cornered there': Mortal Shell 2 devs say they didn't intend to 'lock everybody out' by disabling achievements for Slayer Seal 'easy mode' users

Summary

Mortal Shell 2, a challenging fantasy soulslike, has sparked controversy over its Slayer Seal item, which functions as an in-game "easy mode." Players who equip this seal are unable to earn Steam achievements, leading many to feel unfairly locked out. In response to the backlash, the developers clarified that they never intended to exclude everyone. The Slayer Seal was designed to help players who struggle with the standard difficulty to still enjoy the story, while achievements are meant to recognize mastery of the intended challenge. However, the team acknowledged that the execution created confusion and is exploring solutions, such as separate achievement lists or clearer in-game explanations. This incident highlights the ongoing challenge in soulslike games: balancing difficulty with accessibility and player reward. It also raises broader questions about whether official easy modes should be more common in the genre. The developers' willingness to listen and adapt could set a precedent for how other studios handle similar design decisions. For players, the outcome will affect not only their experience in Mortal Shell 2 but also expectations for future games in the genre.