Overview
The Abyss Kutum is an optional boss encountered at the Twisted Thicketway in the Abyss region of Crimson Desert. This creature guards one of the Abyss Challenges and must be defeated as part of the Twisted Thicketway puzzle sequence. The fight revolves around ranged combat; players must use their Bow and the Focused Shot skill to target the boss's eye and build up the Stagger bar. Once staggered, the boss becomes vulnerable to close-range combos.
Location and Access
Abyss Kutum is located at the Twisted Thicketway, an Abyss Challenge area that can be reached through two different routes:
Via Altar of Solitude: Use the teleporter at the Altar of Solitude, which sends you to a giant fan on the ground. Activate Flight to glide up from the fan and reach the Twisted Thicketway.
Via Skyloop Bridge: Follow the Skyloop Bridge abyss challenge chain in order: Spire of the Stars, Sanctorum of Insight, Secret Garden, Vault of Vengeance, Courtyard of Precision, Altar of Solitude, and finally the Twisted Thicketway.
Via Root's End Ruins: An alternative entry point through Root's End Ruins in the Pailune region, which does not require the Skyloop Bridge teleporter.
Twisted Thicketway Puzzle
Before facing Abyss Kutum, players must solve the Twisted Thicketway puzzle. The steps are:
Use the Blinding Flash ability to follow the cables and enter the cave.
Activate the elevator past the central pillar inside the cave.
Use the Axiom Bracelet to interact with the pillar device. Rotate the pillar into each socket until you hear a distinct audio cue.
Insert the pillar into the middle socket to activate the portal.
Return to the surface teleporter and use Force Palm to activate a wind device, then glide to reach the boss arena.
Boss Strategy
Key Mechanic: Eye Stagger
The central mechanic of this fight is targeting Abyss Kutum's eye with ranged attacks to fill the Stagger bar. The Focused Shot bow skill is essential for this fight. When fully charged, Focused Shot fires up to 4 arrows (more with skill upgrades) and is the most efficient way to build Stagger on the eye. Make sure this skill is unlocked before entering the Twisted Thicketway.
Attack Patterns
Attack | Description | Counter |
|---|---|---|
Laser Shower | Abyss Kutum charges its eye and fires multiple laser beams across the arena | This is actually the best opening to damage the eye. While the boss is charging, fire Focused Shot at the eye before the lasers launch |
Lightning Slam | The boss burrows underground and reappears nearby, slamming the ground with a lightning attack | Dodge to the side as soon as the boss surfaces. Do not stand still after it burrows |
Recommended Approach
Maintain mid-range distance: Stay at medium range to bait the boss into using its Laser Shower attack, which creates the best windows to target the eye.
Spam Focused Shot at the eye whenever the boss charges up. Each volley builds significant Stagger.
Once the Stagger bar fills and the eye is knocked down, rush in immediately and execute your most powerful melee combos to deal heavy damage.
Repeat the cycle: retreat to mid-range, bait Laser Shower, stagger the eye, rush in for damage.
Focused Shot Skill
Focused Shot is a Spirit Skill that costs 3 Spirit to use. While aiming your bow, activate Focus and then fire to release a volley of up to 4 shots. Each skill level increases the maximum number of shots by two.
Character | How to Unlock |
|---|---|
Kliff | Level both Marksmanship and Focus to Level 2, then spend 1 Abyss Artifact |
Damiane | Unlocked by default |
Oongka | Available through the skill tree (specific requirements vary) |
Leveling Focused Shot further unlocks Focused Evasive Shot (Level 2) and Focused Charged Shot (Level 3), both of which improve your effectiveness against stagger-vulnerable bosses.
Rewards
Reward | Details |
|---|---|
Abyss Artifact x1 | Used to upgrade character skills throughout the game. These are a limited resource, making every Abyss Challenge completion valuable |
Power Core: Spire of Defiance | A power core reward specific to this Abyss Challenge |
Abyss Artifacts are one of the most important resources in the game. They are required to unlock powerful skills across all three playable characters. See the Abyss Gear Guide for more information on how Abyss resources work.
Tips
Unlock Focused Shot before entering the Twisted Thicketway. Without it, building Stagger on the eye is extremely slow and inefficient.
Bring a good supply of arrows and Spirit recovery items. The fight is primarily ranged, and you will burn through Spirit quickly.
The Laser Shower attack looks dangerous but is actually your best friend. It gives you a long window to fire at the eye while the boss charges up.
If you are struggling with the Lightning Slam attack, watch for the ground disturbance that appears just before the boss surfaces. Dodge immediately when you see it.
After completing the puzzle and defeating Abyss Kutum, use Force Palm above the gate to restore the abyss and complete the challenge fully.