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All Secret Places Locations - Version 8 vs Version 9
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11There are 60 Secret Places (also called Abyss Cressets) scattered across the world of Pywel in Crimson Desert. On the in-game map they appear as Abyss Cressets, but in the Challenge Menu they are listed under the Wandering Footsteps exploration challenge series. Discovering all 60 unlocks the Pilgrim of Wonders trophy and counts toward the Expert Explorer achievement.22Each Secret Place rewards an Abyss Artifact (one Skill Point) and permanently unlocks a Fast Travel point at that location. Because many Cressets sit on mountaintops, cliff ledges, or hidden caves, reaching them often requires creative use of gliding, Force Palm aerial boosts, and careful platforming.44How to Find Secret Places66Secret Places are indicated on the world map by white search areas with a question mark icon ("?"). These search areas can also contain other points of interest, so not every question mark is a Secret Place. To narrow things down, use the Lantern (CTRL on keyboard, L1 on PlayStation, LB on Xbox) while exploring. The Lantern highlights nearby Abyss Cressets with a faint glow, making them easier to spot against rocky terrain.88You can also use Guiding Light (CTRL + Left Click on keyboard, L1 + R1 on PlayStation, LB + RB on Xbox) to send out a pulse that points you toward the nearest undiscovered Cresset. This is especially useful in dense regions like Demeniss and the Crimson Desert zone where multiple Secret Places cluster together.1010Useful Abilities1212Gliding: Many Secret Places sit on isolated peaks. Glide from a higher point to reach them without climbing.Force Palm (Aerial): Performing Force Palm in mid-air gives an upward boost. Essential for reaching pillars at locations like Mushroomcap Cliff and An Unreachable End.Turning Slash: Required at certain Pailune ruins to destroy frozen pools blocking the path.Nature's Snare: Used after Turning Slash at icy ruins to drain water and reveal hidden passages.1515Hernand Region1717The Hernand region contains 13 Secret Places. Most are located on mountain peaks and cliffs in the northern and western portions of the map, including several in the snowy Everfrost area.1919#NameLocationHow to Reach1Precipice of SilenceNorthwest of Spire of StatsOn a mountain peak. Easiest approach is gliding from Secret Place #20 (Haven Past the Snowfall) rather than climbing from below.7A Detailed GlanceSouthwest of Sunset ValleyOn top of the cliffs near the map edge. Follow the cliff path southwest from Sunset Valley.8Giant Hand of EverfrostNortheast of Sanctum of BenedictionOn top of the mountain immediately west of the R in the HERNAND map text. The rock formation resembles a giant hand with stone pillars sticking out.13A Hill Guided by LightEast of Equinsher SaddleryOn top of the hill directly east of the saddlery. Watch out for the damaging plants growing on the sides of the cliff path.14Guide in the DarknessSouthwest of Sanctum of DeliveranceStand on the stone platform to drop into an underground area. The floor collapses, leading to the ruins below where the Cresset waits.15Where Sky Meets EarthEast of Sanctum of PenitenceAt the top of the Galepulley. Ride the pulley mechanism to the highest point and the Cresset is at the summit.17An Unreachable EndSoutheast of Spire of InsightOn cliffs leading out toward the water. Use Force Palm in the air to boost yourself upward and reach the elevated platform.19Subtle GapAnvil Hill, beside Wild Raiders CampEnter through a hole on top of Anvil Hill, or use the cave entrance in the southern part of the raider camp. Both paths lead to the Cresset.20Haven Past the SnowfallEast of Snowy Plateau CabinFollow the marked road south and west from Kharonso all the way to its end. The cabin on the snowy plateau sits at the peak of the Everfrost mountains.21WindcrestSouthwest of Mountain of Frozen Souls HearthOn top of the cliffs near the map edge. Climb or glide to the southwest cliffs from the Hearth.22Hill of the AbandonedSouth of Mountain of Frozen Souls HearthOn top of the cliffs south of the Hearth. A straightforward climb from the mountain path.60Watcher on the CliffNortheast of Hoenmark RuinsOn the edge of a cliff overlooking the landscape. Approach from the ruins and head northeast along the ridge.2121Demeniss Region2222The Demeniss region holds 10 Secret Places. Many are clustered southeast of Jijeong Temple, making that area one of the densest concentrations of Cressets in the game. Several locations sit on coastal pillars or atop waterfalls.2424#NameLocationHow to Reach3Breathless LakeNorthwest of Hexe SanctuaryIn a crater lake set against the cliffs. Head northwest from the sanctuary and look for the lake tucked into the rock face.4Peak's Green BloomSoutheast of Jijeong TempleOn top of a pillar rising from the water. Glide from a nearby cliff or use Force Palm to reach the pillar's summit.16Rock Worn Down by the Ocean WindSouth of Bowsprit CapeImmediately east off the shore, in a small alcove carved into the rock pillar. Drop down carefully from the cliff above.23Wrecked DreamSouth of Bloodsteel CampOn a thin rocky outcrop leading out into the water. Follow the narrow ridge south from the camp.24Hill of SerenityNortheast of Thornbriar FortressIn the middle of an empty field area at the edge of a cliff. The Cresset sits on the cliff's edge with a panoramic view.25The Stairway FallsSoutheast of Thornbriar FortressAt the top of the river on the final waterfall. Climb alongside the waterfalls to reach the uppermost ledge.26Strange RiftBowsprit Cape, south sideIn a cave halfway down the cliffs on the south face of Bowsprit Cape. Look for a cave opening while descending the cliffside.27Peak of EnlightenmentSoutheast of Jijeong TempleOn top of the east mountain peak. Climb the mountain from the temple side for the most direct route.28Sanctuary of ReflectionSoutheast of Jijeong TempleInside a cave near some small ponds. Enter the cave system southeast of the temple and follow the passage to the Cresset.29Thunderwater FallsSouth of Sanctum of RevelationAt the top of a waterfall cliff. Climb to the very peak of the waterfall where the river drops off.30Edge of LearningSouthwest of Jijeong Temple PagodaOn a stone pillar in the water. Glide from the pagoda cliffs or use an aerial boost to land on the narrow pillar.2626Delesyia Region2727The Delesyia region contains 6 Secret Places. These are spread across the coastal areas and mountains, with several requiring careful navigation around cliff edges and castle fortifications.2929#NameLocationHow to Reach12Cliffside Marine Erosion PillarNortheast of Delesyia CastleOn a pillar at the edge of the water across the bay. Glide from the castle cliffs or swim across and climb the eroded rock formation.18Rock Atop the AltarNorth of Serpent ShrineOn the northernmost cliff edge of the same island as the shrine. Follow the island's coastline north to the highest point.32The Secret-Laden CaveWest of Marni's Steel ArmoryDrop through a hole northwest of the Abyss Nexus to reach an underground area. The Cresset is inside the cave below.33Peak of the Innovative MindSoutheast of Sanctum of VenerationOn top of the mountain. Climb the peak southeast of the sanctum for a straightforward ascent.34Cape of HopeSouthwest of Woodrock CabinLocated at the bottom of the E in the DEWHAVEN map text. Head southwest from the cabin along the coastline.35Hunter's OverlookWest of Arrowhead RockHalfway down the cliff face. Glide from the top and angle your descent to land on the ledge partway down. Do not jump straight down.3131Crimson Desert Region3232The Crimson Desert zone is the largest area and holds 18 confirmed Secret Places. The desert landscape features towering cliffs, quicksand hazards at Forebearer's Barrens, and rocky pillars along the coastline. Many of these locations sit on elevated terrain that requires climbing or gliding to access.3434#NameLocationHow to Reach6Blazing SandEastern Crimson Desert, near Ashen RiftDirectly east of the N in the CRIMSON DESERT map text, near the Ashen Rift location. The Cresset sits among the scorched sand dunes.9Trial of the SandscaleForebearer's BarrensIn the middle of an active quicksand area. You must glide directly to the center platform where the Cresset stands. Walking through the quicksand will pull you under.31Threefold ForkEast of Spire of ClockworkOn the small island in the middle of the three-way river junction. Swim or glide to the island at the fork.36Forgotten CliffSouthwest of Varnia Saltroad CampOn top of the cliffs southwest of the camp. Climb the cliff face from the camp side.37Saltshade HillSouthwest of Oasis HearthOn top of a tall cliff. Be cautious of rockworm enemies on the north approach. The south route avoids enemies and offers an easier climb.38Everflowing SpringOasis (Merchant's Rest Place)In the middle of the oasis, slightly east of Oasis Hearth. The Cresset is near the water source at the heart of the oasis.39Crimson RidgeSouthwest of Kharati-ram CampOn top of the cliffs directly between the I and D in the CRIMSON DESERT map text. Climb the ridge from the camp.40Hangman's CrestWest of Hangman's PassOn top of the rock pillar forming the southern part of Hangman's Pass. Climb the pillar from its base.41Peak of AbundanceEastern edge, above Skin Collector's HideoutOn top of the hill directly above the hideout. Follow the trail uphill from the Skin Collector's location.42Arehaza PeakSouth of Duskway Camp Ironcrawler StationOn top of the mountain in the center of the rainforest area. The tallest peak in the jungle canopy holds the Cresset.43Hill of GriefForebearer's BarrensOn top of the mountain directly north of BA in the FOREBEARER'S BARRENS map text.44Remnants of RuinForebearer's BarrensDirectly north of the map text, in the ruins east of the giant quicksand pit. Navigate carefully around the quicksand to reach the ruins.45The Desert's EndNorth of the C in CRIMSON DESERT textOn a stone pillar slightly out into the water along the northern coastline. Glide from the mainland to the pillar.47Mushroomcap CliffNorth of Varnia Saltroad CampOn top of a tall rock pillar. Jump onto the shorter neighboring pillar first, then use Force Palm mid-air to boost up to the main pillar's summit.49Whitesand CliffNorth of VarniaOn top of the cliffs near the northern map edge. A straightforward climb from the Varnia area heading north.57Peak of GriefNorthwest of Well of EnlightenmentOn top of the mountain northwest of the well. Climb the peak for a challenging but direct ascent.58The Dragon's GazeNorthwest of Great Gate of UrdavahOn top of the mountain northwest of the gate. The rock formation at the summit resembles a dragon looking outward.59Sandsea WaymarkEastern Crimson DesertIn the center of the O, S, and E in the CRIMSON DESERT map text, at the top of the mountain. Climb to the summit of the peak at the heart of the desert.3636Pailune Region3737The Pailune region is a frozen northern territory that becomes accessible during Chapter 7 of the main story. This harsh land of heavy snowfall, blizzards, and treacherous mountain passes is believed to contain the remaining 13 undiscovered Secret Places (numbers 2, 5, 10, 11, 46, 48, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, and 56). The Pailune map can be revealed by activating the Toll of Pailune bell after completing Chapter 7.3939Community mapping of the Pailune Secret Places is ongoing. Below is a summary of what is currently known about these locations.4141#NameStatusNotes2UnknownUndiscoveredBelieved to be in the Pailune region. Check back for updates as community exploration continues.5UnknownUndiscoveredBelieved to be in the Pailune region. Check back for updates as community exploration continues.10UnknownUndiscoveredBelieved to be in the Pailune region. Check back for updates as community exploration continues.11UnknownUndiscoveredBelieved to be in the Pailune region. Check back for updates as community exploration continues.46UnknownUndiscoveredBelieved to be in the Pailune region. Check back for updates as community exploration continues.48UnknownUndiscoveredBelieved to be in the Pailune region. Check back for updates as community exploration continues.50UnknownUndiscoveredBelieved to be in the Pailune region. Check back for updates as community exploration continues.51UnknownUndiscoveredBelieved to be in the Pailune region. Check back for updates as community exploration continues.52UnknownUndiscoveredBelieved to be in the Pailune region. Check back for updates as community exploration continues.53UnknownUndiscoveredBelieved to be in the Pailune region. Check back for updates as community exploration continues.54UnknownUndiscoveredBelieved to be in the Pailune region. Check back for updates as community exploration continues.55UnknownUndiscoveredBelieved to be in the Pailune region. Check back for updates as community exploration continues.56UnknownUndiscoveredBelieved to be in the Pailune region. Check back for updates as community exploration continues.4343Pailune Exploration Tips4444Activate the Toll of Pailune bell after finishing Chapter 7 to reveal the full Pailune map, including question mark areas that may contain Secret Places.Bring cold resistance gear or consumables. Pailune's blizzards deal passive damage over time if you are not properly equipped.Several Pailune Ancient Ruins feature frozen pools that block paths. Use Turning Slash to shatter the ice, then Nature's Snare to drain the water.The terrain is steep and icy. Gliding is often safer than climbing, since icy surfaces can cause you to slide off cliff edges.4646Rewards4848Every Secret Place you discover grants two rewards: an Abyss Artifact that provides one Skill Point for upgrading your abilities, and a permanent Fast Travel point at the Cresset's location. Since Secret Places are often in remote or hard-to-reach spots, these fast travel points are particularly valuable for returning to areas that would otherwise require long travel times.5050Related Challenges5252ChallengeRequirementRewardWandering Footsteps IDiscover 10 Secret PlacesTitle unlockWandering Footsteps IIDiscover 20 Secret PlacesTitle unlockWandering Footsteps IIIDiscover 30 Secret PlacesTitle unlockWandering Footsteps IVDiscover 40 Secret PlacesTitle unlockWandering Footsteps VDiscover 50 Secret PlacesTitle unlockWandering Footsteps VIDiscover all 60 Secret PlacesTitle unlock + Pilgrim of Wonders trophy5454Tips and Strategy5555Work region by region. Clear all known Secret Places in one region before moving to the next. This keeps fast travel points close together and minimizes backtracking.Use the Lantern constantly. Get into the habit of pulsing your Lantern (CTRL / L1 / LB) while exploring. The glow highlights Cressets even when they are hidden behind rocks or inside caves.Prioritize high ground. Almost every Secret Place is either on top of something or hidden below something. When you enter a question mark zone, head for the highest point first and scan downward.Upgrade Force Palm early. The aerial boost from Force Palm is required for at least three Secret Places (An Unreachable End, Mushroomcap Cliff, and several Pailune locations). Unlock it before attempting a completionist run.Track progress in the Challenge Menu. Open the Challenge Menu and check the Wandering Footsteps series to see how many Secret Places you have found and how many remain. The challenge tiers at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 give you clear milestones.Save Pailune for last. Pailune unlocks during Chapter 7 and has the harshest environmental conditions. By the time you reach it, you should have all the traversal abilities needed to handle its steep, icy terrain.5757See Also5959Secret Places ChallengesAbyss CressetsFast Travel GuideTrophy GuideAll Ancient Ruins LocationsMap Markers GuideExploration Challenges
