- The Shard is the towering Kruger Security skyscraper hosting Mirror's Edge Catalyst's finale.
- Maintain Flow throughout — timed climbing sections punish hesitation at edges.
- Watch red flashes from guards and counter immediately with evades for clean takedowns.
- Unlock Quick Turn and Fast Climb before the finale to keep Momentum alive.
- The Gabriel Kruger chase precedes the climb — keep your line clean and wall-run marked surfaces.
The Shard: What It Is and Why It Matters
The Shard is the tallest and most iconic structure in the city of Glass, the gleaming corporate metropolis controlled by the Conglomerate. As the headquarters of Kruger Security (K-Sec) and Gabriel Kruger himself, it serves as the dramatic stage for the closing chapters of Faith Connors' origin story. Scaling this monolith of glass and steel is the climactic test of every parkour skill you've learned across the campaign.
The approach to the Shard begins in the later chapters, when Faith infiltrates the Kruger tower complex to save Noah and uncover the truth behind the Reflection project. The finale mixes timed climbing sequences with a last combat gauntlet, demanding full Flow and sharp reflexes.
Key facts at a glance:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Central Glass, Kruger tower complex |
| Story chapters | Chapters 7–8, the finale |
| Primary challenges | Timed climbs, combat gauntlet, Kruger chase approach |
| Required gear | MAG Rope, full traversal skill set recommended |
| Signature moment | Rooftop ascent and final confrontation |
Before starting the final missions, complete side activities to earn Chipsets and unlock Fast Climb, Quick Turn, and Mag Rope enhancements. The finale assumes you can chain wall-runs and mantles without breaking Flow.
The Kruger Chase: Reaching the Shard
The final missions open with the signature Gabriel Kruger helicopter chase across the rooftops of the View District. This sequence is pure movement — no combat, no detours — and it sets the tone for the relentless pacing of the finale.
Chase survival principles:
- Keep your line clean — plan two moves ahead using the marked red surfaces
- Wall-run every highlighted panel instead of jumping gaps blind
- Never hesitate at edges; hesitation kills Momentum
- Use coil jumps off high ledges to convert height into forward speed
| Chase Section | Route Tip | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Opening rooftops | Follow Runner Vision panels, chain wall-runs | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Vent and shaft descent | Drop through, kickslide under ducts | ★★★☆☆ |
| Final ascent | Mag Rope swings between anchor points | ★★★★☆ |
During the chase, the game funnels you along a specific route. Fighting the intended path or exploring side routes wastes time and breaks Flow — trust the red highlights and commit to every jump.
Inside the Shard: Climbing and Combat
Once inside the tower, the mission alternates between vertical climbing puzzles and encounters with elite K-Sec guards. The Shard's interior is dense with glass catwalks, maintenance shafts, and server floors — treat it as one continuous parkour line.
Timed Climbs
- Platform sequences collapse if you linger
- Mantle fast with Fast Climb unlocked
- Chain wall-runs between shafts
K-Sec Gauntlet
- Strike guards as they flash for counters
- Use Focus attacks from full sprint
- Vault shield troops, hit from behind
Vertical Escapes
- Break contact upward, not sideways
- Use maintenance shafts to reset fights
- Disruptor stuns create escape lanes
Faith doesn't use guns — combat inside the Shard is built around momentum and timing. Strikes launched from a sprint, wall-run, or slide hit far harder than standing attacks, and takedowns on staggered or unaware guards keep your Flow chain alive so you can exit each encounter at full speed.
Sentinels in heavy armor shrug off light attacks. Build speed with a wall-run first, then land a heavy strike or Focus attack to stagger them for an instant takedown.
Step-by-Step Finale Walkthrough
Complete the Kruger Chase
Sprint the View District rooftops following the marked line. Wall-run every highlighted surface, swing with the MAG Rope at anchor points, and never stop moving until the scripted sequence concludes.
Infiltrate the Tower Interior
Enter through the maintenance levels. Stay off the ground floor and out of K-Sec sightlines — climbing high through shafts keeps Flow unbroken and avoids unnecessary fights.
Clear the Server Floors
Handle the combat gauntlet with hit-and-run tactics: circle via wall-runs, Focus attack isolated guards, and counter on red flashes. Disengage upward when overwhelmed.
Ascend the Timed Sections
Climb the collapsing platforms and glass catwalks without pausing. Mantle instantly, coil off high ledges, and use Quick Turn if a route dead-ends.
Finish the Final Confrontation
The summit mixes a last climbing push with the closing story beats. Keep full Flow, strike guards as they flash, and close out Faith's story atop the Shard.
In the finale, sustained Flow is worth more than any single skill. An unbroken line with no stutters consistently beats risky shortcuts — exactly the philosophy that wins Time Trials and Dashes across Glass.
Checklist: Run the Finale Like a Pro
Before the Final Climb:
- Unlock Fast Climb and Quick Turn traversal skills
- Upgrade the MAG Rope reach for swing shortcuts
- Practice evade-counters on Sentinel-type guards
- Memorize the View District chase line in free roam
- Keep the Disruptor charged for group encounters
The finale also ties into completion goals — story completion unlocks the Freeflow trophy, and clean Flow-only runs count toward movement achievements. Players chasing the platinum should treat the Shard as a rehearsal ground: once you know the route, replay-friendly checkpoints make no-Flow-break runs far more achievable.
FAQ
Q: What is the Shard in Mirror's Edge Catalyst?
The Shard is the tallest tower in the city of Glass and the headquarters of Kruger Security. It serves as the setting for the game's final chapters, featuring the Gabriel Kruger chase, timed climbing sequences, and the story's climactic confrontation.
Q: Can I fight guards during the Kruger chase before the Shard?
No — the chase is a pure movement sequence. Engaging enemies is not an option; your goal is to keep an unbroken line along the marked rooftops and reach the tower while maintaining Flow.
Q: Which skills should I unlock before the finale?
Prioritize Fast Climb and Quick Turn in the Traversal branch, plus Mag Rope enhancements in Gear. These keep Momentum alive during timed climbs and let you redirect mid-run when routes dead-end.
Q: How do I beat the Sentinels inside the Shard?
Sentinels resist light attacks. Build speed with a wall-run or sprint, then land a heavy strike or Focus attack to stagger them, finishing with an instant takedown while your Flow chain stays alive.