Overview
Caves are hidden exploration areas scattered throughout Pywel in Crimson Desert. They contain valuable loot including rare gear, Abyss Artifacts, Golden Palmar Pills, crafting materials, and ore deposits. Caves come in several types: Waterside Caves hidden behind waterfalls, Mountain Caves, Forest Caves, Painted Caverns with ancient murals, Frozen Caves, Gold Mines, and more.
To enter a Waterside Cave, approach the waterfall, stand at the water wall, then hold the heavy attack input and release to perform a Stab through the waterfall. Not all waterfalls hide caves; look for a platform and stacked stones near the entrance as indicators. Completing the Dragon's Stone Chamber Puzzle marks all waterfall cave locations on your map.
Waterside Caves
Waterside caves are hidden behind waterfalls and are the most common cave type. They contain treasure chests with rare items. Use the Stab technique to enter through the waterfall.
Cave | Region | Entry Method | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
Hidden behind Three Saints Falls; silvery rock blocks access | Vast hidden interior space | ||
Blade Cave | Hidden behind the waterfall of Fort Warspike | Shallow interior with water sounds | |
Shadowheart Grotto | Hidden behind the waterfall in Duskwood | Shallow depths with echoing water | |
Hidden behind the Precipice of Echoes | Strange energy lingers from echoing sounds | ||
Hidden behind the waterfall across from Senia | Wind whistles through crevices | ||
Cloudmist Cave | Hidden behind a waterfall in Duskwood | Tiny drips dampen walls | |
Hidden behind a waterfall on the Mountain of Frozen Souls | Morning sun creates brilliant light displays | ||
Hidden behind the waterfall of Thornbriar Mountains | Wind creates a dreamlike whistling hum | ||
Hidden behind the waterfall at the Hills of No Return | Bathed in orange twilight at sunset | ||
Nightstorm Cave | Hidden behind the waterfall of Haunted Hill | Night winds create storm-like sounds | |
Death's Grip Cave | Hidden behind the waterfall of Everfrost Basin | Legend of an ancient final breath lingering | |
Hidden behind the waterfall of Everfrost | Droplets create a cascading starry appearance | ||
Ancient's Heart Cave | Hidden behind Mystic Falls | Massive rock with silvery glow blocks entrance | |
Frozen Soul Cave | Hidden behind the waterfall of Everfrost | Almost no light; cold and deathly still | |
Hidden behind the waterfall of Everfrost, between claw-like cliffs | Valuable early-to-mid game loot; treasure chests | ||
Three Saints Falls Cave | Accessible by falling through the hole near Three Saints Falls | Extremely narrow passages; thick with mushrooms | |
Snowwind Cave | Hidden behind the waterfall near Vannstein Lake | Heavy snow fills the interior | |
Hidden behind the Benus River Waterfall | Massive rock guards entrance | ||
Hidden behind the waterfall in the Smoking Lands | Gold sparks visible through haze |
Mountain and Frozen Caves
Cave | Region | Entry Method | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
Tucked away within Stormtalon Ridge | Time flows differently; contains rare ores | ||
Everfrost Cave | Found within the Everfrost area | Requires endurance against extreme snow and cold |
Forest Caves
Cave | Region | Entry Method | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
Beneath the cliffs of Hernand Highlands | Bandits frequently ambush visitors; diamond crystals on cave floor | ||
Located south of Hernand | Frequently occupied by bandits; signs of animal butchery | ||
King's Rest Cavern | Cliffside overlooking a bridge | Legendary ancient king's final resting place | |
Near Arboria Forest | Dark interior choked with thick spider webs | ||
Deepfog Basin Mistwind Cave | Located in Deepfog Basin | Former mine; now used as military hideout | |
Within Silver Wolf Mountain cliffs | Swarms of bats; golden glint throughout cavern | ||
Second cave of Five-Finger Mountain | Gold veins hidden; entrance nearly impossible to find |
Painted Caverns
Painted caverns contain ancient murals and artwork on their walls, providing lore about the history of Pywel.
Cave | Region | Entry Method | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
Accessible by breaking rocks on the cliff | Ancient gold mining site with mural of a human figure | ||
Beneath the hill of the Kilnden Workshop; sealed with iron jail | Walls covered in mysterious paintings |
Gold Mines
Gold mines are located in the desert region and are the primary source of Gold Ore, used in high-tier crafting.
Cave | Region | Entry Method | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
Located in Sandpeak | Gold glimmers from rock shadows | ||
located in Crimson Mountains valley | Red rocks and shimmering gold in contrast | ||
Valley location in Crimson Mountains | Gold traces visible at entrance | ||
Desert lakeshore location | Sunlight reflects off water illuminating gold |
Other Caves
Cave | Region | Entry Method | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
Anvil Hill Stoneback Crab Cave | Vertical shaft piercing through Anvil Hill | Mystical traces of ancient civilization |
Cave Exploration Tips
Look for stacked stones: Waterfall caves are marked by a small platform with stacked stones near the water. If you see stacked stones, there is a hidden cave behind that waterfall.
Use Stab to enter waterfalls: Hold the heavy attack button and release while standing at the waterfall. This performs a Stab that pierces through the water wall.
Complete the Dragon's Stone Chamber Puzzle: This puzzle rewards you by marking all waterfall cave locations on your map, making exploration much easier.
Bring food and elixirs: Some caves contain enemies, bandits, or environmental hazards like extreme cold. Prepare before entering.
Check for diamond crystals: Diamonds appear as crystals on cave floors (not wall veins). The Hernand Highlands Cavern is the best known location for them.
Collect Abyss Cressets: Many secret cave locations contain Abyss Cressets, which grant a Skill Point and unlock a Fast Travel Point.