Overview
This page provides quick access to all character-related information in Crimson Desert. The game features three playable characters, each with a unique combat style and dedicated skill tree. Throughout the story, players interact with dozens of NPCs, recruit companions for the Greymane mercenary band, and navigate the complex political landscape of Pywel's many factions.
Playable Characters
Crimson Desert has three playable characters. Kliff is available from the start of the game, while Damiane and Oongka are unlocked as the main story progresses. Each character plays differently and has access to unique weapons and skills. Players can switch between unlocked characters using the character switching system.
Character | Role | Combat Style |
|---|---|---|
Leader of the Greymanes. The main protagonist. | Versatile fighter proficient with swords, spears, bows, and hand cannons. Adapts to any situation. | |
A skilled swordswoman with ties to the Kingdom of Demeniss. | Fast, precise melee combatant specializing in rapier and shield techniques with elegant combo chains. | |
A powerful non-human warrior from the Bonepit. | Heavy-hitting brawler who uses brute strength, grapples, and raw power to overwhelm enemies. |
Character Customization
Players can modify their character's appearance through the Character Customization system. Additional cosmetic options are available at the Barber Shop and Dyehouse found in major towns. The Dye System allows recoloring of equipped armor and weapons.
Skills
Each playable character has a dedicated skill tree unlocked by spending Abyss Artifacts. Skills are also learned through Observation Learning, where characters pick up techniques by watching NPCs and enemies perform them in the world.
Skill Page | Description |
|---|---|
General overview of the skill system across all characters. | |
Kliff's full skill tree including sword, spear, bow, and hand cannon branches. | |
Damiane's skill tree focused on rapier and shield combat. | |
Shared combat abilities and techniques. | |
Practical guide to unlocking and upgrading skills efficiently. |
Character Stats
Character performance is governed by several stat attributes. See Character Stats for a full breakdown of what each stat does and how it affects gameplay. The Progression System page explains how characters grow stronger over time through combat experience, skill upgrades, and equipment improvements.
Status Effects
Various conditions can affect characters positively or negatively during gameplay. Status Effects covers all buffs, debuffs, and ailments including poison, burning, freezing, and bleeding. Understanding these is especially important for boss encounters. The Temperature System can also impose cold or heat effects on characters depending on the region and time of day.
Companions and the Greymane Band
The Greymanes are the mercenary band at the center of the story. Key members join as companions who fight alongside the player, offer dialogue, and contribute to camp life at Greymane Camp. Building companion trust unlocks new interactions, story scenes, and gameplay benefits. Companions can also be sent on missions through the Freesword Dispatch System.
Companion | Description |
|---|---|
A veteran mercenary and one of the founding Greymane members. | |
An experienced warrior who is a key ally. | |
A loyal companion who has fought alongside the Greymanes for years. | |
A skilled fighter and trusted member of the Greymane band. | |
A pragmatic mercenary who handles logistics and scouting. | |
A fierce warrior with a strong sense of loyalty. | |
A resourceful member of the Greymanes. | |
A Greymane member with expertise in ranged combat. |
Notable NPCs
Pywel is populated by hundreds of NPCs with their own daily routines. Key figures include faction leaders, quest givers, and mysterious characters tied to the Abyss. See Notable NPCs for the full list. NPC Vendors buy and sell goods in towns and settlements across the world.
NPC | Description |
|---|---|
A mysterious sage who guides Kliff with knowledge of the Abyss. | |
A Hernand noble involved in the region's political struggles. | |
A character connected to the supernatural elements of the story. | |
A mysterious witch who appears at key moments throughout the story. | |
A figure involved in the faction conflicts across Pywel. | |
An NPC encountered during the main storyline. | |
A fearsome warrior known for his combat prowess. | |
The ruler of the Kingdom of Demeniss. |
Factions
The political landscape of Pywel is shaped by several powerful factions. Each faction has its own goals, territories, and questlines. See Factions of Pywel for the full overview.
The Greymanes - The mercenary band led by Kliff
The Black Bears - A rival faction and early antagonist in the story
Kingdom of Demeniss - The powerful northern kingdom
Faction Wars - Large-scale battles between factions
Build Guides
For optimized character builds and recommended skill paths, see the dedicated build guides.
Build Guide: Kliff - Recommended skill and equipment loadouts for Kliff
Build Guide: Damiane - Optimal builds for Damiane's rapier and shield style
Build Guide: Oongka - Best builds for Oongka's heavy combat approach
Build Guide: Swordsman - Sword-focused build applicable to multiple characters