Build Guide: Kliff

Overview

Kliff MacDuff is the most versatile of the three playable characters, with access to eight distinct weapon types and a suite of unique traversal abilities. Because Crimson Desert has no class system, Kliff's combat identity is entirely determined by which weapons you choose to equip and how you combine them. This guide covers his full arsenal and strategies for making the most of his flexibility.

Weapon Arsenal

Kliff can equip and swap between the following weapon types mid-combat:

Key Abilities

Crow's Wing

Kliff's signature traversal ability, the Crow's Wing, allows gliding across large distances. Beyond traversal, it has combat applications: launch from a grapple point, glide over enemies, and use Axiom Force to crash down in a damaging shockwave. The glide is essential for reaching elevated treasure locations and Abyss portals.

Force Palm

The Force Palm is a charged palm strike that can be infused with any of the five elements through the Axiom Bracelet. In combat, it launches enemies skyward for aerial follow-ups. For traversal, directing it downward launches Kliff into the air. The fire-infused version deals the most direct damage, while the lightning version chains to nearby enemies.

Grappling Hook

Kliff's grappling hook slingshots him toward targets rather than snapping instantly. This creates opportunities for aerial combat transitions: grapple to a rooftop, launch into a glide, then divekick into a group of enemies. In boss fights, the grapple is essential for reaching elevated weak points.

Elemental Strategy

The Axiom Bracelet gives Kliff access to five elemental effects. Effective use of elements is one of the biggest differentiators between average and skilled play:

• Fire: Best for sustained damage against single targets and bosses

• Ice: Excellent for slowing fast enemies; freezing water surfaces creates platforms for puzzle solutions

• Lightning: Strongest against groups; chains between clustered enemies for area-of-effect damage

• Wind: Launches enemies upward for aerial combos; useful for crowd separation

• Nature: Creates afterimages that confuse enemies; utility over raw damage

Combat Flow

Kliff's greatest strength is seamless weapon switching. An effective combat flow chains different weapon types based on the situation:

Opening: Start with a bow shot to thin enemy ranks or draw aggro from a specific target.

Engage: Close distance with the grappling hook and transition into sword-and-shield for a safe opening exchange.

Press Advantage: After a successful parry, swap to Nitoryu (dual curved swords) for rapid combo damage during the stagger window.

Crowd Control: If surrounded, switch to the two-handed greatsword or axe for wide arcs that hit multiple enemies.

Finish: Use grapples, kicks, and Force Palm to launch remaining enemies and finish with aerial attacks.

Boss Fight Tips

• Sword and shield is the safest option for learning new boss patterns; the shield provides a reliable fallback when timing parries is uncertain

• Once you understand a boss's attack windows, switch to higher-damage weapons like the two-handed axe for punishment phases

• Keep explosive and freezing arrows stocked for bosses that summon minions (like Hexe Marie)

• The grappling hook is essential for climbing bosses like Queen Stoneback Crab and White Horn

• Fire elemental enhancement is generally the strongest choice for sustained boss damage

• Defeating bosses can grant their signature skills through special equipment drops

Progression Priorities

When spending Abyss Artifacts, prioritize based on your preferred weapon style:

• Aggressive melee: Invest in Health first (survivability), then Stamina for more dodge opportunities

• Ranged/tactical: Balance Health and Spirit for sustained elemental use

• Balanced: Spread across Health, Stamina, and Attack evenly

Remember that Abyss Artifacts can be refunded and reallocated at any time using the stat reset feature. Do not hesitate to experiment.