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Circus Lion
March 28, 2026 at 05:27 AM
Initial version: comprehensive Circus Lion mount article
The Circus Lion is a temporary mount in Crimson Desert and one of the most unusual mounts in the game. Unlike other predator mounts that must be subdued through combat, the Circus Lion can be mounted by simply walking up to it and pressing the mount button. It is found exclusively at The Laughing Marionette, a traveling circus located in the Demeniss region.
Despite sharing the same base stats as the wild Tiger (450 Health, 100 Attack, 45 Defense), the Circus Lion behaves quite differently. It has been trained by the circus and is docile around people, which is why no combat is needed to ride it. This also means the Circus Lion does not turn hostile after dismounting, unlike nearly every other predator mount in the game.
The Circus Lion has strong stats for a temporary mount, matching the wild Tiger:
Stat | Value |
|---|---|
Health | 450 |
Stamina | 100 |
Attack | 100 |
Defense | 45 |
Speed | 1 |
Acceleration | 1 |
Handling | 1 |
Jump Power | 1 |
Type | Ground |
In practice, the Circus Lion is noted for being extremely fast in a straight-line sprint but burning through its stamina rapidly. Players report that the lion feels faster than its speed stat would indicate, though this burst speed comes at the cost of quick stamina depletion. Its low stamina means sustained sprinting is limited, and you will need to let it rest frequently during extended travel.
The Circus Lion is found at The Laughing Marionette circus in the Demeniss region. On the world map, the circus is positioned between the 'M' and the second 'E' of the Demeniss label, just outside the City of Demeniss. Look for the cluster of circus tents with performers and NPCs nearby. The lion sits near the main tent area, being petted by circus workers.
Obtaining the Circus Lion is uniquely simple compared to every other predator mount:
Travel to The Laughing Marionette circus in Demeniss.
Approach the lion sitting near the circus tents.
Press the mount prompt (Square on PlayStation, X on Xbox) when it appears.
Ride away immediately. No fight, no taming minigame, no prerequisites.
Important: You must not be wearing a mask when attempting to mount the Circus Lion. The mount prompt will not appear if your character is disguised. Remove any equipped mask before approaching the lion.
Be aware that the guards in the Demeniss region are hostile to the player until after Chapter 8 of the Main Quest. If you visit the circus before completing Chapter 8, you will encounter aggressive guard patrols on your way to and from The Laughing Marionette. Plan your approach accordingly, and consider using stealth or a fast horse to reach the circus safely.
The Circus Lion is a temporary mount (Fleeting Companion). This means:
It cannot be registered at any stable or recalled through the mount menu.
It cannot be equipped with any mount gear.
It does not gain experience or level up.
Unlike most predator mounts, the Circus Lion does not turn hostile after dismounting. It will wander peacefully or eventually despawn.
Once you leave the area or the lion despawns, you must return to the circus and wait for it to respawn, which reportedly takes a significant amount of in-game time (several in-game weeks).
The Circus Lion and the wild Tiger share the same base stat values. Here is how they compare in terms of acquisition and behavior:
Feature | Circus Lion | Tiger |
|---|---|---|
Health | 450 | 450 |
Attack | 100 | 100 |
Defense | 45 | 45 |
How to Obtain | Walk up and mount directly (no mask) | Subdue through combat |
Location | The Laughing Marionette circus, Demeniss | Wilderness areas across Pywel |
Dismount Behavior | Remains docile, may wander or despawn | Turns immediately hostile |
Respawn | Long respawn timer at circus | Found naturally in the wild |
Variations | Single appearance | Multiple coat patterns |
Remove your mask before approaching the Circus Lion. The mount prompt will not appear while you are disguised.
Visit the circus after completing Chapter 8 of the Main Quest to avoid hostile Demeniss guards on your route.
The Circus Lion is extremely fast in short bursts but runs out of stamina quickly. Use it for short sprints rather than marathon rides.
Since the lion does not turn hostile after dismounting, you can park it near a destination and potentially re-mount it for the return trip (assuming it has not despawned).
The lion's long respawn timer at the circus means you should make the most of each ride. Do not dismount carelessly.
Riding the Circus Lion registers its entry in the Fleeting Companions section of the Knowledge Journal.
Wild lions found outside the circus in Demeniss are always aggressive and cannot be mounted. Only the trained Circus Lion at The Laughing Marionette is rideable.
The Circus Lion is one of only two temporary mounts (along with the Kuku Bird Hatchling) that does not turn hostile after dismounting.
Mounting the lion does not trigger a wanted status or any negative reputation effects in the Demeniss region.
