Overview
Blazing Beacon is the first quest arc of Chapter 6: Cracks in the Shield in Crimson Desert. It consists of three quests that thrust Kliff and the Greymanes into the war against the Black Bears. After receiving urgent news that Calphade is under siege and a Greymane comrade is trapped in the fighting, Kliff rides to the front lines and raises a fallen banner to restore the army's shattered morale.
Chapter Context
Chapter 6 marks the transition from political intrigue to open warfare. The events of Chapter 5 exposed the connection between Demeniss and the Black Bears, and now the consequences are playing out on the battlefield. Marquis Serkis summons Kliff to Hernand Castle where Duke Celeste delivers the grim news: Calphade is under attack and a Greymane is caught in the middle. The Blazing Beacon arc is the opening salvo of this chapter's large-scale combat.
Quest Progression
Quest | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
Speak with the soldier at camp; meet Marquis Serkis at Hernand Castle | Narrative quest; two cutscenes | |
Travel to the beacon; survive the Black Bears ambush | Combat encounter is optional; you can escape instead | |
Raise the fallen Calphadean Banner Pike | Uses Nature's Grasp ability to lift and place the banner |
Notable Encounters
Black Bears Ambush
During To the Battlefield, Kliff rides toward Calphade and encounters an ambush by Black Bears soldiers along the mountain path. This encounter is flexible: you can fight through the enemies or simply ride past them on horseback. Either approach allows progression. At the end of the road, you meet Barden Middler at Calphade Gate.
Raising the Banner
The Counterattack introduces the Nature's Grasp mechanic for carrying objects. After arriving at the battlefield, locate the fallen red banner and use Nature's Grasp (Y+B on Xbox, Triangle+Circle on PlayStation) to pick it up. Carry the banner pike up the wooden stairs to a platform and place it with LB+X or L1+Square. The ability has a limited duration, so move quickly to avoid dropping the banner.
Rewards
The Blazing Beacon arc does not grant specific item rewards. Completion unlocks the next quest arc, Below the Banners.
Tips
During the ambush in To the Battlefield, staying on horseback and riding through is the fastest approach if you want to save resources for later fights.
When carrying the banner pike, sprint directly up the stairs. If Nature's Grasp expires, the banner drops and you will need to pick it up again.
This arc is relatively short and straightforward compared to what follows. Use it as an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the battlefield layout.
After completing The Counterattack, the story continues with Below the Banners.