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Ambush
March 24, 2026 at 08:04 AM
Initial version with verified Ambush skill details
Ambush 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.
This article covers the Ambush skill. For the Prologue quest of the same name, see the Ambush quest page.
To 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.
Ambush is found in the Red (Health) skill tree, branching off from the main Axiom Force node. To unlock it:
First, 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.
If 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.
Gap 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.
Winch: 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.
Ambush 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.
