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Ambush - Version 5 vs Version 6
May 23, 2026, 03:41 PM
Added internal wikilinks
Jun 8, 2026, 09:26 PM
Removed duplicate in-body wikilinks
11Overview22Ambush is a combat skill in Crimson Desert that lets Kliff launch his Axiom Force claw at a targeted enemy and instantly teleport to them, delivering a powerful melee strike on arrival. It is one of the Axiom Force combat upgrades located in the Red (Health) branch of the skill tree.44This article covers the Ambush skill. For the Prologue quest of the same name, see the Ambush quest page.66Available Characters88Ambush is available to all three playable characters. Kliff has had access since launch. Damiane and Oongka both gained the skill with Patch 1.04, expanding the roster of characters who can open fights with a teleport strike and giving both of them a workable stealth approach for the first time.1111CharacterAccessAdded InKliffAvailable from the Axiom Force combat tree.LaunchDamianeLearnable through her skill tree once her own Axiom Force progression is unlocked.Patch 1.04OongkaLearnable through his skill tree once his own Axiom Force progression is unlocked.Patch 1.041313How to Use Ambush1414To activate Ambush, aim your Axiom Force at an enemy and hold LMB (PC) / R1 (PlayStation) / RB (Xbox). Kliff will fire the claw at the targeted enemy and teleport directly to them, striking them in quick succession. This makes Ambush extremely effective for closing distance against ranged enemies or fleeing targets.1616How to Unlock1818Ambush is found in the Red (Health) skill tree, branching off from the main Axiom Force node. To unlock it:2020First, unlock Axiom Force during the "Polar Opposites" quest in Chapter 1.Spend 1 Abyss Artifact to acquire the Ambush node from the Red branch of the skill tree.2222If you want to reallocate the point later, you can use a Faded Abyss Artifact to respec your skills. See How to Respec Skills for details.2424Combat Applications2626Gap closer: Ambush is one of the fastest ways to reach enemies who stay at range, such as archers and casters. Rather than sprinting toward them, you can teleport directly into melee range.Combo starter: The teleport strike on arrival can be chained into your normal melee combos, making it a strong opener for aggressive play.Synergy with other Axiom Force skills: Ambush pairs well with Winch (which pulls enemies toward you) and Aerial Maneuver (which provides a long-distance leap). Together, these skills make Axiom Force a versatile combat tool.2828Related Skills3030Winch: Pull an enemy in and slam them to the ground using Axiom Force. Requires Grappling and Axiom Force Lv. 3.Aerial Swing: Leap using Axiom Force to swing forward with powerful force. Requires Axiom Force Lv. 3.Aerial Maneuver: Lock onto a target and jump to leap a great distance using Axiom Force. Requires Axiom Force Lv. 2.3232Tips3434Ambush is widely recommended as one of the best skills to unlock early because it dramatically improves your ability to engage enemies on your own terms.Against bosses that create distance (like charging away or leaping backward), Ambush lets you stay on the offensive without losing uptime.You can find Abyss Artifacts throughout the world by solving environmental puzzles, opening Abyss Cressets, and progressing through the main story.3636Patch 1.04 Changes3838Patch 1.04 extended the Ambush skill to Damiane and Oongka. Before this update, Ambush was exclusive to Kliff and depended on his access to Axiom Force, which meant neither of the other playable characters could use the teleporting opening strike or rely on it as a stealth starter. With the update applied, both characters learn Ambush on their own skill trees and can use it in the same situations where Kliff already could.4040What Changed4242Damiane and Oongka can now learn and use the Ambush skill. This is a brand-new skill for both characters; it was not previously present on their skill trees.Alongside Ambush, both characters also learn a new skill that has the same effect as Kliff's Focused Force Palm. This unlocks the ability to break Axiom Force walls and solve the wall-breaking puzzles that were previously gated behind Kliff only.Both additions are learned through each character's existing skill tree progression. No separate quest is required beyond the prerequisites each character already has for their own Axiom Force unlocks.4444Impact on Playstyle4646Stealth opens up for every character. Damiane and Oongka can now start an encounter the same way Kliff has always been able to, by firing the claw from range and teleporting straight onto a targeted enemy for a powerful opening strike.Puzzle sections that blocked progress behind Focused Force Palm are no longer character-locked. Any save that has reached the point where the companion skill is available can clear the same Axiom Force walls regardless of which character is active, so mid-dungeon character swaps are no longer forced by puzzle gates.Existing Kliff Ambush usage is unchanged. The skill still works exactly as described above for him, and the controls, Axiom Force cost, and interaction with related skills like Aerial Maneuver and Winch remain the same.
