How to read this tier list
The useful question is not simply which Shell is strongest. Ask which Shell is forgiving while learning, which compresses boss phases, and which supports the weapon or Tarstone interaction you actually use.
Four ranking lenses
We separate survivability, boss damage, crowd control and mobility. A Shell that leads one category may be awkward in another, so the final choice should reflect your route.
Version note
This is a launch-build evaluation assembled from current guides. It will be revised after balance patches or when repeatable testing overturns an early assumption.