Overview
The Flying Fortress Orbian is a massive airborne stronghold in Crimson Desert, controlled by H.A.L.L., the artificial intelligence created by the scientist Marni. It serves as the climactic location for Chapter 11 of the main story. The fortress is an enormous structure that hovers high above Pywel, and Kliff approaches it on the back of a Dragon mount for one of the most spectacular set-piece encounters in the game.
Description
The Orbian is a mammoth structure of metal and Abyss-infused technology. Its exterior bristles with defensive weaponry, including turrets, energy cannons, and automated defense drones. The fortress is kept aloft by massive anti-gravity engines powered by concentrated Abyss energy, making it both a technological marvel and a symbol of the dangers of unchecked Abyss exploitation.
The interior consists of interconnected corridors, research laboratories, weapons bays, and the central command chamber where H.A.L.L. resides. The architecture reflects Marni's genius combined with the cold efficiency of an AI-controlled military installation.
Chapter 11: The Assault
During Chapter 11, players mount a Dragon and fly toward the fortress in one of the game's most dramatic sequences. The approach involves aerial combat against the fortress's defensive systems while navigating around its massive hull.
Dragon Approach
Players control Kliff on dragonback, dodging turret fire and energy blasts from the fortress defenses.
The flight sequence requires maneuvering through a barrage of projectiles while closing the distance to the fortress.
Once close enough, Kliff lands on the fortress exterior and begins infiltrating the structure on foot.
Interior Infiltration
After landing on the fortress, players fight through automated defenses and corrupted soldiers as they push deeper toward the command center. The corridors feature puzzle elements involving Abyss-powered security systems that must be bypassed.
H.A.L.L. Confrontation
The chapter culminates in a confrontation with H.A.L.L. in the central command chamber. This encounter reveals critical story information about Marni's original intentions, the true nature of the Abyss, and the AI's plans for Pywel.
Boss Fight Strategy
The confrontation with H.A.L.L. is a challenging aerial boss fight that rewards preparation. The key to victory lies in selecting the right combat abilities before entering the encounter. If you arrive without the proper skills leveled, you may want to reload a save and respec first.
There are multiple ways to deal damage to the boss, but Force and Nature abilities are far more effective than arrows alone. The fight revolves around filling the boss's yellow stagger bar, which creates openings for heavy damage.
Damage Methods
Force Current (Recommended)
Force Current is one of the most effective tools for this fight. To unlock Force Current, you must first level up Force Bomb (an upgrade on the Force Palm skill tree). You also need Force Palm leveled to at least level 3.
During the fight, latch onto the boss and send electrical current into him. Force Current can instantly fill the boss's yellow stagger bar in a single use, making it extremely powerful. Once the stagger bar is full, you gain a window to follow up with additional attacks.
Nature's Snare Level 2 (Most Effective)
Nature's Snare at level 2 is arguably the strongest option for this encounter. Activate it by pressing R3+L3, then rotate the right stick to charge it up. When released, it completely fills the boss's yellow stagger bar in one burst and deals massive damage.
You can chain multiple Nature's Snare charges throughout the fight to steadily chip away at the boss's health pool. Between charges, use Force Current to keep pressure on the stagger bar.
Arrows
Arrows work as a supplementary damage source but are not very effective on their own for breaking the stagger bar. However, arrows deal noticeably more damage when the boss's eye color changes, signaling a vulnerable phase. Arrows also deal decent damage while the boss is staggered, making them a solid follow-up after filling the yellow bar.
Basic arrows can be purchased at Greymane Camp or any armor and weapon shop in stacks of roughly 60. Stock up before the encounter so you do not run out mid-fight.
The Stagger Mechanic
The boss has a yellow stagger bar that must be filled to create damage windows. Force Current and Nature's Snare are the fastest ways to fill it. Once the yellow bar is completely filled, the boss becomes temporarily vulnerable. During this stagger window, you have several options:
Fire arrows for increased damage while the boss is stunned.
Attach to the boss using the Grappling Hook (Axiom) to close the distance and land melee hits.
Continue using Nature's Snare charges and Force Current to deal sustained damage.
Spirit Management and Force Palm Healing
Your Spirit is the green bar displayed above your health, marked with a leaf icon. Using abilities like Nature's Snare and Force Current drains Spirit. When your Spirit runs out, you cannot activate these abilities.
To recover Spirit, use Force Palm Healing: press R3+L3 without pressing any other input. Your character will perform an animation that recharges your Spirit gauge. This technique is essential for sustaining damage output through a prolonged fight.
A useful trick is that you can activate Nature's Snare directly from the Force Palm Healing animation without needing to exit first. This lets you seamlessly recover Spirit and immediately launch your next charged attack, keeping up relentless pressure on the boss.
Recommended Preparation
Level up Force Bomb to unlock Force Current.
Raise Force Palm to at least level 3.
Unlock Nature's Snare level 2 for maximum stagger damage.
Buy plenty of basic arrows from Greymane Camp or any weapon shop (stacks of ~60).
If you reach the fight without these abilities leveled, consider reloading a save and respeccing before attempting the encounter.
Connection to Marni
The Flying Fortress Orbian represents the pinnacle of Marni's technological achievements. Marni created H.A.L.L. as an artificial intelligence to manage and protect Pywel, but the AI's interpretation of its directive evolved beyond Marni's original vision. The fortress serves as H.A.L.L.'s physical seat of power, from which it oversees its operations across the continent.
Players visiting Marni's Masterium earlier in the game gain context about the technology used in the Orbian's construction, making the fortress feel like a natural escalation of Marni's earlier work.
Enemies
Automated turrets and energy cannons on the exterior.
Defense drones patrolling the corridors.
Corrupted soldiers and guards within the interior.
H.A.L.L.-controlled security systems (puzzle/combat hybrid encounters).
H.A.L.L.: The final confrontation of Chapter 11.
Items
High-tier equipment and weapons found in the fortress armories.
Abyss-infused technology components for crafting.