Overview
Beetle is an insect-type gatherable in Crimson Desert. It belongs to the Beetle subcategory within the Lifeforms knowledge entries. An insect that freely flies around in its tough armor, it is an alchemy ingredient and contributes to knowledge completion.
Appearance
An insect protected by a strong and durable exoskeleton that provides resistance to external impacts. This tough armor enables it to survive across various environments. It is smaller and more common than specialized beetle variants like the Longhorn Beetle or Rhinoceros Beetle.
Habitat
Beetles are found near trees and wooded areas throughout Pywel. They tend to rest on tree trunks and fallen logs. Some beetle species are more active at dusk and dawn, so check different times of day if you are having trouble finding them. Approach slowly and interact when prompted.
The common Beetle is one of the most widespread insect gatherables in Pywel. Forested areas around Hernand are a reliable early-game spot, particularly the woodlands north of the town near the cliffs and tree line. Beetles also appear along the Nas River corridor, though they are less concentrated there than in dense woodland patches. Unlike the Jewel Beetle, which only shows up during early evening, the common Beetle can be found throughout most of the day.
To catch a Beetle, simply walk up to it and interact with the gathering prompt. No tools are required; beetles are gathered with bare hands. Move slowly as you approach, since sudden sprinting nearby can cause them to fly off their perch. Beetles on tree trunks tend to stay put longer than those resting on fallen logs, so prioritize scanning standing trees first.
Uses
Dye crafting ingredient through the dye system; beetles are commonly used in dye production.
Registers under Beetle in the Lifeforms knowledge category.
Dye Crafting
Beetles play a central role in the dye system. Every dye recipe combines a flower (which sets the base color) with a mixture of insect types (which determine the shade). The four beetle types used in dye recipes are the common Beetle, Longhorn Beetle, Stag Beetle, and Rhinoceros Beetle. The ratio of these beetles controls whether the result is a bright, standard, or deep shade within a given color family.
As a general rule, recipes weighted toward Longhorn Beetles produce brighter shades, while swapping in Stag Beetles pushes the result toward darker tones. For example, a Dark Yellow Dye calls for 10 Dunbaria, 3 Beetle, 1 Longhorn Beetle, and 2 Stag Beetle; whereas a Bright Yellow Dye uses 10 Dunbaria, 3 Beetle, and 3 Longhorn Beetle with no Stag Beetles at all. This pattern holds across the red, yellow, green, violet, purple, blue, and orange dye families.
Alchemy and Elixirs
In the alchemy system, beetles function as reagents. A reagent's raw consumption effect determines the type of elixir it produces when brewed at a Cauldron. Combining one or more reagents with a catalyst and an Empty Bottle yields an elixir whose effect mirrors the reagent's raw properties. Experiment with different beetle types at the Cauldron to discover new recipes through the Improvise system. Not all beetle recipes are found in the world as written manuals; some must be discovered through trial and error.
Tips
Beetles sit on tree trunks and logs. Scan trees carefully as you pass through forested areas.
Unlike butterflies, beetles do not fly away as quickly. You generally have more time to approach and catch them.
Other beetle variants like the Longhorn Beetle and Rhinoceros Beetle are separate species with their own knowledge entries.