Best Mining Locations

Overview

Mining is one of the most important life skills in Crimson Desert. Ores and minerals are the backbone of the refinement system, and you will need a steady supply of materials from the moment you first upgrade a weapon until you are pushing endgame gear. This guide covers the best farming spots for every ore type in the game, along with recommended routes, the tools you need, and practical tips to keep your inventory full.

Every mineral deposit in the game respawns after roughly seven in-game days. Because of this timer, the most efficient approach is to mine all of your routes on the same day each week so that every node resets together. The locations below are organized by ore type, starting with the common early-game materials and working up to the rarest finds.

Tools and Prerequisites

Before you head out to farm, you will need the right equipment. There are several ways to harvest ore deposits in Crimson Desert, and having multiple options available gives you flexibility when you encounter nodes in awkward places.

The Pickaxe is the tool you will use most often. Upgrading it to Masterwork quality reduces mining time to roughly two seconds per node and raises yields to three to five ore per deposit, with a chance for a Critical Harvest bonus. You can also purchase a pickaxe from vendors in other towns once you have progressed further into the story.

Iron Ore

Iron Ore is the most common mining resource and one you will need throughout the entire game. Every stage of weapon and armor refinement calls for it, so building a reliable farming loop early is essential.

Hernand River Cliffs (Best Early-Game Spot)

The densest concentration of Iron Ore in the game sits along the cliffs of Hernand near the rivers. Approximately 14 deposits cluster along this stretch, each yielding up to six Iron Ore. The nodes are close together and easy to reach on foot, making this the single best place to farm Iron Ore at any point in the game.

Howling Hill

The cliff face at Howling Hill south of Hernand City runs from the base of the hill all the way to Unicorn Cliff. This long stretch is packed with both Iron and Copper nodes, making it a natural two-for-one farming route. It is accessible right from the start of the game and sits close to the Base Camp fast-travel point.

Anvil Hill

Anvil Hill in the Demeniss region has Iron deposits scattered along its exposed rock faces. The hilly terrain makes deposits easy to spot. Because many quests send you through this area, it is worth stopping by to clear the nodes whenever you pass through.

Other Iron Ore Locations

• Southeast of Hernand, along the Steel Mountains

• Southern Crimson Desert region, near Tashkalp town

• Delesyia, around Mount Benus

• Mineral Shops sell Iron Ore for 18 Bronze Coins each (stock of about six per visit)

Copper Ore

Copper Ore is the second staple material. It is used to upgrade weapons, plate armor, metal shields, and jewelry. Copper deposits have a subtle greenish tint that distinguishes them from the darker gray of Iron Ore, though they tend to appear in many of the same areas.

Hernand River Cliffs

The same river cliffs that hold Iron Ore also contain roughly 13 Copper deposits. Because both ore types share this stretch of terrain, you can farm Iron and Copper on the same run without any extra travel. Each Copper deposit yields up to six ore.

Anvil Hill Base

The base of Anvil Hill, southeast of Hernand City, is one of the closest Copper deposits to the starting area. Multiple nodes spawn along the hillside, and following the river flowing northward past Hernand City reveals additional Copper deposits.

Other Copper Ore Locations

Recommended Early-Game Mining Route

The single best route for new players combines the Howling Hill, Hernand River, and Anvil Hill areas into one loop. This route targets Iron and Copper together and can be completed in roughly 15 to 20 minutes of real time.

1. Start at Howling Hill. Begin at the Base Camp fast-travel point. Head to the cliff face at Howling Hill and mine every Iron and Copper node along the stretch leading toward Unicorn Cliff.

2. Circle to the Hernand River Cliffs. Follow the river southeast, clearing the 14 Iron and 13 Copper deposits along the cliff faces.

3. Continue to Anvil Hill. Head east to the lower edges of Anvil Hill. Mine the Copper and Iron deposits at the base of the hill and along the riverbed.

4. Extend north (optional). If you have time, continue north past Hernand City toward Three Saints' Falls for additional scattered nodes.

5. Return and rest. Head back to camp and sleep at a campfire or bed to advance time. After roughly seven in-game days, the entire route resets.

A full run of this loop typically yields 10 to 20 or more deposits. Mining everything in one session ensures that all nodes share the same respawn timer, which keeps future runs efficient.

Gold Ore

Gold Ore is one of the rarest materials in Crimson Desert and is found only inside Gold Mines. It is used for blacksmith refinement, particularly for upgrading accessories.

Anvil Hill Gold Mine (Demeniss)

The primary Gold Mine sits in the southwest of the Demeniss region at Anvil Hill. The entrance is at the bottom of a canyon, slightly east of the Gold Ore map icon. A large golden boulder blocks the way in; you must destroy it with Force Palm before you can enter.

Inside the mine, you will find 15 to 20 Gold Ore. Each gold deposit can be struck two to four times before it crumbles into smaller pieces, so make sure you hit every node multiple times to collect everything. Do not walk away after the first swing.

Silver Ore

Silver Ore is another rare material, used for upgrading jewelry at the blacksmith. It is found only in a handful of hard-to-reach caves.

Three Saints' Falls Hidden Cave (Hernand)

The best Silver Ore deposit is hidden behind the waterfall at Three Saints' Falls in the Hernand region. This single deposit yields 25 to 30 Silver Ore, making it by far the most efficient Silver farming spot in the game.

How to reach it: You will need the Stab skill (at least Level 1) and Force Palm. Navigate to the rock roughly halfway up the right side of the waterfall, the one that touches the falling water itself. Stand directly in front of the waterfall and activate the Stab skill (Shift + Right Click on PC, R1 + Triangle on PlayStation, RB + Y on Xbox) to pass through the water into a hidden cave. Use Force Palm to break the boulder blocking the deeper passage. Mine the Silver deposits at the end of the cave with your pickaxe or Force Palm.

Bismuth Ore

Bismuth Ore appears as golden, square-shaped blocks with a distinctive rainbow-colored glow. Standing too close to a deposit deals health damage, so approach carefully. Bismuth is used to upgrade plate armor, particularly boots and chest pieces.

The Witchwoods (Hernand)

Head southwest of Hernand toward the Witchwoods. Four Bismuth deposits cluster together here, each containing up to three ore pieces. This is the most accessible early-game Bismuth location.

Northeast of Hernand Castle

A second Bismuth cluster sits slightly northeast of Hernand Castle, across the river. These deposits are easy to reach once you know the spot and complement a broader Hernand-area mining run.

Bismuth Crabs

Southeast of Hernand, near the base of a cliff underneath the Abyss Cresset, several crabs spawn that drop Bismuth Ore when defeated. While this is not traditional mining, it is a reliable alternative source, especially if you are already in the area fighting enemies.

Scolecite Ore

Scolecite Ore is a crafting material used for upgrading weapons, plate armor, and metal shields. It appears most frequently in the Crimson Desert region.

Northern Road Toward Varnia (Best Spot)

The densest cluster of Scolecite deposits lines the main road heading north toward Varnia. A total of nine deposits sit along this corridor, each yielding up to six Scolecite Ore. This is the single best location for farming this material in bulk.

Southern Edge of Tashkalp

A smaller patch of Scolecite can be found on the cliffs at the southern edge of Tashkalp town. This is convenient if you happen to be in the area and want to pick up a few extra pieces.

Hernand Outskirts

A small cluster of Scolecite sits on the rocky outcroppings that lead up to the Lioncrest Watchtower, very close to Hernand City. This is easy to access early in the game but yields less than the northern corridor.

Azurite

Azurite is a blue crystal used specifically for upgrading jewelry at the blacksmith. Deposits yield up to six Azurite each.

Northern Road Toward Varnia (Best Spot)

Seven Azurite deposits cluster along the main northern road toward Varnia, the same corridor where Scolecite is abundant. This is the densest Azurite concentration in the game, making it the top farming location. You can combine Azurite and Scolecite runs in a single trip.

Rocca's Hill (Early Access)

The cliff face to the west of Rocca's Hill, across the river almost directly north of Hernand City, holds roughly five Azurite deposits. The ore sits at the foot of the cliff by the river, so you do not need to climb. This is the earliest Azurite location you can reach.

Other Azurite Locations

• Demeniss, at Anvil Hill

• Central Hernand, southwest of Hernand Castle

• North of Delesyia and slightly west of the town center

Garnet

Garnet is a rarer mineral found in mountainous areas. It is used for smithing and gear refinement. Garnet deposits tend to appear as reddish crystal formations.

South of Hernand (Early Game)

The best early-game Garnet location is south of Hernand, near the reed field where you fight the Reed Devil. A deposit also sits just across the river from the falls at Three Saints' Falls.

Rocca's Hill Ravine

Garnet and Azurite deposits appear near the large bridge to the north of the Rocca's Hill ravine, along with Iron and Copper scattered throughout the area. This makes Rocca's Hill a versatile multi-ore stop.

Demeniss Crater

In the southwest of the Demeniss region, drop through a hole in a crater to find a large Garnet deposit underground. This requires some exploration to locate but provides a substantial haul.

Purchasing Garnet

Mineral merchants sell around three to five Garnet per visit at 2.50 Silver Coins each. Because mining alone may not meet your needs for this rarer material, buying from vendors is a practical supplement. The earliest mineral shop you can access is at Cairn House, north of Hernand, which you unlock by clearing Bleed Bandits from the area.

Enemy Drops

Hexe Earthen Swordsmen, found in the Hexe Wasteland during the mid-to-late game, have a chance of dropping Garnet upon defeat.

Bloodstone

Bloodstone is a red ore that stands out visually against rock faces, making it easier to spot from a distance than most other minerals. It is used for upgrading weapons, armor, and metal shields.

Rocca's Hill Ravine (Best Early-Game Spot)

The ravine in the south of Rocca's Hill, across the river directly east of Hernand, is the best early-game Bloodstone location. Five veins here yield approximately ten Bloodstone total. The proximity to Hernand makes this a quick detour during regular play.

Road North of Tashkalp

Multiple Bloodstone deposit clusters line the main road heading north from Tashkalp toward Trader's Expanse. Several distinct deposit locations are spread along this route, offering a solid mid-game farming loop.

Other Bloodstone Locations

• East of Rocca's Hill, past Fort Anvil, at the bottom of a deep ravine north of the river

• Cliff face west of Delesyia town, accessible from the road leading out of the settlement

• South of Tashkalp town in the Crimson Desert region

Diamond

Diamond is among the most valuable minerals in Crimson Desert. Deposits are typically hidden inside caves and hard-to-reach areas. Diamond is used for high-level gear refinement.

Hernand Highlands Cavern (Earliest Source)

A cave full of Diamonds sits south of Hernand City in the Hernand Highlands, just below the entrance to the Dragon Stone Cavern. Follow the narrow opening inside and you will find 10 Diamonds at the end. This is the earliest reliable source of Diamonds in the game.

Howling Hill Crater

Southeast of Howling Hill in the Hernand region, there is a crater. At the bottom, inside a small cave, a Diamond crystal deposit awaits. It takes some climbing to get down into the crater, but the payoff is worth it.

Other Diamond Locations

Epidote

Epidote is a late-game mineral that only becomes accessible once you unlock the Pailune, Crimson Desert, or Delesyia regions through main story progression. It is used for high-tier refinement at the blacksmith.

Pailune (Primary Source)

Once you unlock Pailune, two Epidote mining locations become immediately available on both the western and eastern sides of the main city. This region holds the highest concentration of Epidote deposits in the game.

Other Epidote Sources

• Delesyia mountain areas, scattered across the borderlands

• East of Reedwind Fields near Dawn Cave

• Mineral merchants sell Epidote for 2.50 Silver Coins each (three to five per visit)

• Hexe Earthen Swordsmen north of the Demeniss region drop Epidote upon defeat

Because Epidote is locked behind story progression, purchasing from mineral merchants is the most practical early option. Each region has multiple mineral shops scattered across its areas where you can visit daily to buy Epidote ore.

Complete Ore Summary

The table below summarizes every mineable ore, its best farming location, what it upgrades, and the approximate yield you can expect from a single farming run.

Mineral Shop Prices

Buying ore from vendors is a practical supplement to mining, especially for rarer materials. The earliest mineral shop you can unlock is at Cairn House, north of Hernand. To open it, travel to Cairn House and defeat all the Bleed Bandits occupying the location. Once the area is cleared, the territory returns to Hernand and the shop opens.

Respawn Mechanics

All ore deposits in Crimson Desert respawn after approximately seven in-game days. Once you mine a deposit for the first time, its location is permanently marked on your world map under the Environment tab, so you will never lose track of a node you have already discovered.

The key to efficient farming is mining every location on the same in-game day. If you clear Howling Hill on a Monday and Anvil Hill on a Wednesday, they will respawn on different days, which means you will be making multiple shorter trips instead of one big loop. Pick one day each in-game week, clear everything, and then advance time by sleeping at a campfire or bed.

For more details on how resource respawning works, see the Enemy and Gatherable Respawning page.

Tips for Efficient Mining

1. Mine everything on the same day. This keeps all respawn timers synchronized. After clearing your full route, sleep at a campfire or bed to advance roughly seven in-game days, then repeat.

2. Use Worker's Hearty Stew. Cooking and eating a Worker's Hearty Stew at a campfire grants a +20% Gathering Speed buff and a +15% Rare Drop Rate bonus for 30 real-time minutes. Always eat one before starting a farming session.

3. Bring a dog companion. If you have a pet dog, it will automatically pick up dropped ore for you while you move to the next node. This saves time, especially along cliff faces where pieces can scatter.

4. Use the Environment map tab. Every ore node you have mined at least once is permanently marked on your world map. Open the map and select the Environment tab to see all discovered deposit locations at a glance.

5. Combine mining with other activities. Many ore locations overlap with quest areas, enemy spawns, and gathering spots. Plan routes that let you complete quests, harvest herbs, and mine ore in the same trip.

6. Get the Mining Knuckledrill. Completing the Estate in Dismay quest and defeating Marni's Excavatron rewards you with this weapon, which dramatically speeds up mining and boosts yields by 10%.

7. Hit gold deposits multiple times. Gold Ore nodes do not break in a single strike. Each deposit needs two to four hits to fully crumble. Walk away too early and you leave ore on the ground.

8. Watch your health near Bismuth. Bismuth deposits deal proximity damage. Mine them quickly and step back between swings if your health is low.

9. Sell excess Bloodstone for profit. Bloodstone sells for more than most other ore types. If you have a surplus, selling it to vendors is a solid way to earn extra coin. See the Best Ways to Farm Money guide for more money-making strategies.

10. Upgrade your pickaxe. A Masterwork Pickaxe reduces mining time to about two seconds per node and increases yields to three to five ore, with a chance for Critical Harvest. The refinement investment pays for itself quickly.

Advanced Farming Routes

Once you have unlocked more of the world map, you can chain together longer routes that cover multiple ore types in a single session.

Hernand Full Circuit

This route covers Iron, Copper, Garnet, Azurite, Bloodstone, Bismuth, Silver, and Diamond all within the Hernand region and its immediate surroundings.

1. Start at Howling Hill. Mine Iron and Copper along the cliff face to Unicorn Cliff.

2. Head to the Hernand River Cliffs. Clear the remaining Iron and Copper deposits.

3. Stop at Rocca's Hill Ravine. Collect Bloodstone from the five veins in the southern ravine, plus Azurite from the cliff base to the west and Garnet nearby.

4. Visit the Witchwoods. Grab Bismuth from the four deposits southwest of Hernand.

5. Enter the Hernand Highlands Cavern. Mine the 10 Diamonds south of Hernand City.

6. Finish at Three Saints' Falls. Use the Stab skill to enter the hidden cave behind the waterfall and collect 25 to 30 Silver Ore.

Northern Crimson Desert Corridor

For Scolecite, Azurite, Diamond, and Bloodstone, the road heading north from Tashkalp toward Varnia and Trader's Expanse is the most productive single corridor in the game.

1. Start at Tashkalp. Mine any nearby deposits south of town.

2. Follow the main road north. Hit the nine Scolecite deposits and seven Azurite deposits that line the corridor.

3. Collect Bloodstone from the clusters scattered along the road toward Trader's Expanse.

4. Check for Diamond crystal deposits north of Trader's Expanse.

See Also

• Mining - Overview of the mining life skill

• Refinement and Upgrade Materials - Full list of materials and what they upgrade

• Gathering - Guide to all gathering activities

• Pickaxe - Detailed tool information

• Tool Blueprints - All available tool types

• Best Ways to Farm Money - Selling ore for profit

• Enemy and Gatherable Respawning - Respawn timer details

• Caves - Cave locations for hidden ore deposits