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Desert Cult
March 21, 2026 at 04:52 AM
Initial article on the Desert Cult hostile faction
The Desert Cult is a hostile faction in Crimson Desert that operates within the desert regions of Pywel. They worship an ancient god and represent one of the major threats Kliff encounters while traveling through the continent. As one of the factions that begins at Hostile or War standing, they will attack players on sight in their territory.
Along with the Black Bears, Wolf Trackers, and Gwen Kraber's Forces, the Desert Cult is one of the four factions that start at Hostile or War status in the faction reputation system. While the main story requires confronting the Black Bears, the Desert Cult and other hostile factions can theoretically be de-escalated through specific diplomatic quest chains, though most players encounter them purely as enemies.
Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
Type | Hostile faction (cult) |
Region | Desert regions of Pywel |
Starting Reputation | Hostile or War |
Belief System | Worship of an ancient god |
Alignment | Hostile |
The Desert Cult is centered around the worship of a powerful ancient god. The Crimson Desert region, a vast expanse of crimson sands stretching across the southern portion of Pywel, is dotted with ancient ruins that hint at a pre-historical civilization once buried beneath the sands. The cult's religious practices appear to be connected to these ancient sites and the forces found within them.
Desert oases serve as the main points of civilization in the desert region, functioning as small communities built around water sources that act as trading posts and rest stops. The cult's presence among these scattered settlements makes travel through the desert region more dangerous, since their members can be found along routes between oases.
The Desert Cult operates in the desert regions of Pywel. The desert's lawless nature provides a backdrop for the cult's activities, and their familiarity with the harsh terrain gives them an advantage over travelers and outsiders. Players who venture into the desert should be prepared for hostile encounters with cult members, particularly near ancient ruins and along trade routes connecting the scattered oasis communities.
Like all factions in Crimson Desert, the Desert Cult uses the five-tier faction reputation scale: War, Hostile, Neutral, Friendly, and Alliance. The cult begins at Hostile or War status. Whether or not this standing can be improved depends on the availability of diplomatic quest chains for the faction. Attacking cult members or completing quests for rival factions will further decrease your standing with the Desert Cult.
Pywel contains 110 distinct factions across its regions, including mercenary bands, noble houses, goblin guilds, military organizations, cults, and mystical guardians. The Desert Cult falls into the cult category and is one of the most hostile groups players will encounter.
Prepare for desert conditions: Travel through cult territory requires adequate supplies. Stock up on recovery items before venturing into the desert.
Stay alert near ruins: Ancient ruins in the desert region are particularly dangerous, as cult members often congregate near these sites.
Use the terrain: The open desert can leave players exposed. Use rock formations and dunes for cover when engaging cult enemies.
