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Overview
Crimson Desert features a dynamic faction system with "dozens and dozens" of factions across the continent of Pywel. Player actions shift faction relationships and reshape the world. The world state changes globally based on what you do.
Faction map
The world map includes a faction overlay that shows which factions control which territories. Enemy-controlled areas are highlighted in red on the map. As you liberate territory and shift faction alignments, the map updates in real time to reflect the changing balance of power across Pywel. This visual system makes it immediately clear which areas are safe and which are contested.
World states
Faction relationships exist on a spectrum with three named states:
Stat | Effect |
|---|---|
At war | Hostile. The faction's forces attack you on sight. Resources in their territory are contested. |
Neutral | The faction tolerates your presence. You can trade and move through their territory without conflict. |
Alliance | Friendly. The faction provides support, access to unique vendors, assistance during battles, and resource nodes. |
These states shift based on your actions: liberating territory, completing quests, making dialogue choices, and engaging in combat. Improving relations with one faction may damage relations with their enemies.
Alignment consequences
Faction alignment has real consequences beyond combat:
Item | Description |
|---|---|
Opening paths | Allied factions grant access to their territory, vendors, resources, and encampments. |
Closing paths | Aligning with one faction can close off paths and encampments controlled by rival factions. You cannot be allied with everyone. |
Vendor access | Faction-aligned vendors sell unique items. Losing faction favor means losing access to those vendors. |
Resource nodes | Allied territory provides better resource access. Hostile territory has blockaded resource deposits. |
Named factions
Celeste
The Celeste faction is one of the first faction alliances available to the player. They help the Greymanes early in the game by providing support, resources, and information. Aligning with Celeste unlocks their vendors and resource nodes.
Black Bears
The Black Bears are the primary antagonist faction that destroyed the Greymanes at the start of the game. They control significant territory across Pywel and serve as a persistent military threat.
Outpost liberation
You can liberate outposts and territories held by hostile factions. The liberation process mirrors Ghost of Tsushima's outpost system:
Clear enemies -- Defeat the occupying faction forces.
Area becomes safer -- Hostile patrols are reduced or eliminated.
Residents return -- Civilians and settlers move back to the area.
Trading available -- Merchants and vendors set up shop in the liberated territory.
New quests and rewards -- Additional content becomes available in the freed area.
Resources flow -- Lumber, stone, and other resources become available for Greymane camp building.
Global effects
Faction relationship changes affect the entire map, not just the region you are in:
Trait | Effect |
|---|---|
NPC movements | Faction soldiers, patrols, and caravans move based on the current world state. Allied faction troops may appear as friendly reinforcements. |
Resource gathering | Access to crafting materials depends on which faction controls a region. |
Regional control | Factions gain or lose control of territories based on your actions. |
The Abyss threat
Beyond mortal factions, the Abyss is an existential threat that affects all factions. As the corruption spreads, it creates supernatural hazards that no single faction can handle alone.