Overview
Crimson Desert follows Kliff and the Greymanes across the continent of Pywel through 12 main chapters, a Prologue, and an Epilogue. The main story alone runs roughly 60 to 80 hours, while tackling side content, faction quests, and collectibles pushes total playtime past 150 hours. There is no traditional experience point system in this game. Instead, your power grows through Abyss Artifacts that unlock and upgrade nodes on the skill tree. Certain abilities can only be learned by observing NPCs during specific quests, making it worthwhile to complete side content as it becomes available.
This guide lays out the recommended order of progression through each chapter, when to pause the main story for side activities, and which unlocks to prioritize. For detailed step-by-step quest walkthroughs, see the individual chapter walkthrough articles linked throughout.
The main story runs roughly 60 to 80 hours, while completing side content, faction quests, and collectibles pushes total playtime past 150 hours. Since several critical traversal abilities are locked behind main story progress, knowing when to push forward and when to pause for side activities can save you dozens of hours of backtracking.
This guide provides a recommended route through each phase of the game. It covers what to prioritize before advancing the story, which skills and items to pick up along the way, and the best windows for tackling side content. For detailed step-by-step quest instructions, see the individual chapter walkthroughs linked throughout. For a broader overview of all chapters and their quests, see the Game Progress Route article.
Before You Start: Early Priorities
Before diving deep into the main story, take care of three things that will save you dozens of hours later:
Find Sealed Abyss Artifacts early. Challenge progress toward unlocking these artifacts only counts after you pick them up. Anything you accomplish before finding them does not count retroactively. Use your sword's Guiding Light to spot the blue glimmer of nearby Sealed Artifacts along roads and paths. There are 141 total across Pywel.
Activate the 8 Hidden Bells. Ringing all eight bells uncovers the entire world map, removing the fog of war. This makes planning your route through each region far easier and reveals points of interest you would otherwise miss.
Establish Fast Travel Points. As you explore, activate Traces of the Abyss for fast travel access. Spreading these across all five major regions early on prevents long backtracking trips when faction quests send you to distant locations.
Prologue: Dead of Night
The Prologue is the game's tutorial and introduction to Kliff's backstory. You start in the Hills of No Return, meet key Greymane members (Marius, Ross, Oongka, Naira, Yann), and fight the Black Bear ambush. The battle against Myurdin is an expected loss that triggers the transition to the Abyss.
In the Corridor of the Void, you learn basic movement and acquire the Blinding Flash skill. After navigating platforms and following glowing pipes with the Lantern, you step on an Artifact to exit The Abyss. You then arrive at Three Saints' Falls, where you learn fishing, pet the Floppy-Eared Bulldog, follow Sebastian, defeat some Bleed Bandits, collect your first two Sealed Abyss Artifacts, and ride to the City of Hernand.
Quests: Unfamiliar Lands, In Ashes, Realm of Uncertainty, New Journey
Chapter 1: The First Encounter
Chapter 1 opens up the City of Hernand as your first major hub. This is where the game's structure clicks into place: you interact with NPCs, build trust, and pick up your first wave of side activities.
Main Quests
The chapter splits into two main arcs. The first, Trials of Kindness, has you completing tasks to earn the trust of Hernand's citizens: Where Rumors Gather, Mysterious Man (give copper to Alustin), True Wisdom in Kindness (free the White Crow in the sewers), Actions Speak Louder Than Words (rescue a cat from the roof for Rulupee), and Heart Beyond Borders.
The second arc, Trace, takes you into the Axiom Archive and the Ethereal Pathway: Mystical Key, Polar Opposites, Abyss Without Balance, and Woman in White. You learn Force Palm and receive the Flight ability from the White Crow.
Side Content Available
Hernand Commissions from Turnali, Renee, and Rhett (harvest Timber, cook Fish Porridge, collect Iron Ore). These reward inventory expansion tools, which are extremely valuable since the game has no storage chests.
Visit shops: Bank, Equipment, Blacksmiths, Tailor, Tannery
Clean the house for Arlan and Lauren to get the Hernandian Attire (required to enter Hernand Castle)
Key Unlocks
Blinding Flash skill (Prologue, carried into Chapter 1)
Axiom Force skill (from the White Crow in the Axiom Archive)
Force Palm skill (from hologram in Ethereal Pathway)
Flight ability
Fast Travel via Abyss Nexuses
Recommended Actions During Chapter 1
Complete both main arcs: Trials of Kindness and Trace. These unlock Force Palm, Axiom Force, and Flight.
Do the three Hernand Commissions: Turnali's Request (logging for Timber), Renee's Request (cooking Fish Porridge), and Rhett's Request (mining Iron Ore). Each awards a Standard Inventory Expansion Tool that adds 3 slots.
Buy a Pickaxe and Logging Axe from vendors as soon as possible. These let you farm ore and wood for gear refinements throughout the game.
Clean the house for Arlan and Lauren to receive the Hernandian Attire. This outfit is required to enter Hernand Castle, which gates further progression.
Spend your first Abyss Artifacts on Health and Stamina. Everything in the early game (fighting, running, climbing, gliding) depends on having enough of both. Do not spread artifacts across secondary characters yet.
Unlock | Source | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
Prologue: Corridor of the Void | Reveals hidden Abyss Nexus points and Sealed Artifacts | |
Chapter 1: Ethereal Pathway hologram | Opens Abyss-sealed doors and puzzles throughout the game | |
Chapter 1: White Crow in Axiom Archive | Manipulates heavy objects for puzzle solving | |
Chapter 1: White Crow reward | Enables gliding for traversal and reaching distant areas | |
Inventory Expansion (x3) | Adds 9 total inventory slots; no storage chests exist |
Chapter 2: Golden Greed
Chapter 2 expands the playable area around Hernand significantly. You clear bandit outposts, explore new locations, and deal with the threat of Kailock the Hornsplitter. This chapter introduces environmental combat (fire arrows), Memory Fragments, and several important faction quest chains.
Main Quests
Three story arcs here. Unexpected Gift (Where the Light Leads, Memory Fragment, Reunion) introduces you to the Lioncrest Watchtower area and Meandering Hills. Hernand in Chaos (For Honor, Awestruck, Shadow Cast Over the River, Where Misery Gathers, Trial After Trial, The Man Trapped in the Mire, Missing Companion, Secrets Hidden in the Dark) has you investigating bandit activity and dueling Matthias. The End of Greed (The Dark Veil, The Flames of Greed, Kidnapped Healer, Rebellion or Revolution, Cheers Echoing From the Edge) culminates in the boss fight against Kailock at the Goldleaf Guildhouse.
Side Content Available
Four faction quests at Springtide Mill: Missing Cows, Horn Thief, Missing Wooly, Strange Noises From the Cave. Completing all four unlocks The Dark Veil main quest.
House Roberts faction quest at Karin Quarry (Stolen Quarry). Rewards the Mining Knuckledrill, which boosts ore drops by 10%. Grab this early since ore is needed for weapon upgrades.
House Celeste bounty notices (Jeffrey, Simon De Montfort, Alessio, Blix, Bianca, Salvatore, Warren, Billy).
Explore Bloomwood Ranch and Capra Pasture for Memory Fragments and Palmar Pills.
Key Unlocks
Nature's Grasp skill (Meandering Hills)
Dropkick skill observation (Bloomwood Ranch, observe 3 times)
Mining Knuckledrill (House Roberts faction quest)
Environmental fire arrow combat
Recommended Actions During Chapter 2
Complete all four Springtide Mill faction quests (Missing Cows, Horn Thief, Missing Wooly, Strange Noises From the Cave). Finishing all four unlocks The Dark Veil main quest, which is required to progress the story.
Do the House Roberts quest at Karin Quarry (Stolen Quarry). The reward is the Mining Knuckledrill, which boosts ore drops by 10%. Since ore is needed for every weapon refinement, getting this early pays off for the entire game.
Observe Matthias during the duel to learn the Pump Kick skill. When the game prompts you to watch, press L1 immediately. This is an observation-only skill.
Observe the bandit at Specter's Hideout three times to learn Dropkick. You need three separate observations, so do not rush through this fight.
Pick up Palmar Pills from bandit camps (Capra Pasture, Bloomwood Ranch, Specter's Hideout). These restore 30% HP during tough fights and are invaluable for multi-phase bosses.
Visit the Shadow's Whisper Cave in northern Hernand to find the Palmar Pill recipe on a table inside. Crafting your own supply using water and insects/plants via alchemy is far cheaper than buying them.
Unlock | Source | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
Meandering Hills Abyss Cresset puzzle | Lifts walls and heavy environmental objects | |
Meandering Hills hologram | Precision ability used in later puzzles | |
Observe Matthias during duel | Powerful melee knockback skill | |
Observe bandit 3 times at Specter's Hideout | High-damage aerial strike | |
House Roberts: Stolen Quarry quest | 10% ore drop boost for all mining |
Chapter 3: Howling Hill
Chapter 3 shifts focus to rebuilding the Greymane Camp at Howling Hill. This is when the camp management system opens up and companions become available for dispatch missions.
Main Quests
The Homestead arc (Old Friend, A Fresh Start, Reward for Their Sweat, Return of the Comrade, Familiar Curses) reunites the scattered Greymanes. The Face Behind the Mask (Return, Traces in the Manor, Nonhuman, Seed of Unease, Dance with the Devil) digs into darker lore. Pioneering (Hope After the Draught, Scattered Comrades, Rumors From the Sawmill, A Gentle Touch, Bustling Hill, Greymanes Reunited) wraps up the chapter and fully establishes the camp.
Side Content Available
Greymane Camp management: assign companions to dispatch missions (8 to 16 in-game hours each). Start these before embarking on long quests to gather resources passively.
Greymane faction quests at Scattered Embers and Grounds of the Sunrise (Record of the Greymanes, Strongbox with Wheels, Chance to Make a Fortune, Embers of Return, and others).
Witch's Lair shops unlock in this chapter, allowing you to purchase Abyss Artifacts with gold.
Key Unlocks
Companion Dispatch system
Camp upgrades and management
Witch's Lair shops (Abyss Artifact purchases)
Master Camper trophy/achievement milestone
Recommended Actions During Chapter 3
Complete the Homestead arc first (Old Friend, A Fresh Start, Reward for Their Sweat, Return of the Comrade, Familiar Curses). This reunites the scattered Greymanes and opens the camp.
Start dispatch missions immediately. Assign companions before every long quest. Missions run on timers (8 to 16 in-game hours) and gather resources passively while you play. The materials fuel camp upgrades and gear refinements.
Observe the Reed Devil during Dance with the Devil to learn Swift Stab. This is the only chapter where the observation is available.
Complete the Grounds of the Sunrise faction quests (Record of the Greymanes, Strongbox with Wheels, Chance to Make a Fortune, Embers of Return). These quests expand your camp and recruit useful NPCs like cooks and blacksmiths.
Visit the Witch's Lair. Shops there unlock in this chapter and sell Abyss Artifacts for gold. If you are sitting on extra silver, convert it to Abyss Artifacts to accelerate your skill tree progression.
Chapter 4: The Price of Knowledge
Chapter 4 takes you to the Kilnden Workshop and the Scholastone Institute. The story centers on forbidden knowledge and the consequences of pursuing it.
Main Quests
Mysterious Iron Pot (Kiln Repair at the Kilnden Workshop, The Mysterious Pot, The Iron Pot's Usage). Daily Life (Disturbance at the Arena, Skilled in Archery). Forbidden Knowledge (The Words of Alustin, Scholastone, On the Right Path, Gate to the Otherworld, Spire of the Stars, Obsession and Madness, Casted Shadow).
Side Content Available
Arena Fighting and archery contests become available.
Continue collecting Sealed Abyss Artifacts across the expanding map. By now you should have a good collection of challenges tracking progress.
Explore the Scholastone Institute area for lore collectibles and hidden chests.
Key Unlocks
Abyss Artifact reward from Gate to the Otherworld
Archery skill observations
Access to Scholastone area
Deeper understanding of Abyss lore and mechanics
Critical: Do Not Fast Travel to Scholastone
The Focused Force Palm skill is learned during the journey to Scholastone. If you fast travel directly to the Scholastone Institute instead of following the quest objectives on horseback, you will skip the cave encounter where the skill is taught. The skill becomes available again later if you return to the exact location, but the intended route gives it to you naturally. Travel on horseback when the quest directs you to Scholastone.
Recommended Actions During Chapter 4
Repair the kilns at Kilnden Workshop to obtain the Kuku Iron Pot. This unlocks a new crafting mechanic that remains useful through the endgame.
Ride to Scholastone on horseback (do not fast travel). Learn Focused Force Palm from the spirit guide on the road.
Participate in Arena Fighting and archery contests. These become available during the Daily Life arc and provide archery skill observations.
Activate the Greymane Camp Abyss Nexus. After learning Focused Force Palm, travel to Karin Quarry. Descend into the ruins, retrieve the Abyss Transporter, and bring it back to camp. Use Blinding Flash with Concentrating Light to burn the vines covering the platform, then slam the transporter into place with Force Palm. This gives your camp a fast travel point.
Explore the Scholastone area for lore collectibles and hidden chests. The area has a high density of Abyss Artifacts and knowledge items.
Chapter 5: Guest Unbidden
The political stakes escalate sharply. A delegation from Demeniss arrives, plots are exposed, and the story takes a darker turn as you investigate the Crowcaller and Bloodwind threats.
Main Quests
Uninvited Guest (Double-Sided Invitation, Unwelcomed Guests, Demenissian Delegation, Exposed Plot). Black and White (The Missing Seal, Crowcaller, The Crow's Warning, Bloodwind, Secret at the Church, Toward the Nest).
Side Content Available
Hernand political quests open up (Gunshot Heard Throughout the Mountains, Blindfolded Threat, Spire of Insight, Collapsed Stone Tower).
This is a good moment to refine your gear to Level 5 or 6 before the battles ahead.
Complete any outstanding Hernand Commissions for inventory expansion.
Key Unlocks
Access to Demeniss-related story content
Church investigation area
Political faction quest chains begin
Recommended Actions During Chapter 5
Refine your gear to Level 5 or 6 before finishing this chapter. Chapters 6 and 7 are combat-heavy war chapters. Enemies hit significantly harder, and you want solid equipment before entering them.
Complete any remaining Hernand Commissions for additional inventory expansion. By this point, you should have most of the available commission quests done.
Clear bounty notices. Bounty notices from House Celeste (Jeffrey, Simon De Montfort, Alessio, Blix, Bianca, Salvatore, Warren, Billy) provide Contribution Points and silver. The Contribution Shop at Hernand Castle sells unique equipment in exchange for these points.
Stock up on food. Crimson Desert has no health potions. Food is how you heal mid-combat. Buy meat from butchers and vegetables from grocers and cook large batches of Hearty Grilled Meat (200+ HP regeneration). Reserve Palmar Pills for multi-phase bosses; use them only in the final phase to avoid restarting the entire encounter.
Invest in Defense and Dodge upgrades on the skill tree. After Chapter 5, enemies hit significantly harder. If you have been putting all artifacts into offense, now is the time to balance your build.
Chapter 6: Cracks in the Shield
The war chapters begin. Chapter 6 is one of the longest in the game, featuring large-scale battlefield sequences, siege encounters, and a traitor reveal.
Main Quests
Four major arcs. Blazing Beacon (News, To the Battlefield, The Counterattack). Under the Banner Pike Again (Cradle of Defense, The Touch of Deliverance, Fire on the Frontlines). Turning Tides (Fire Support, In Ashes (Chapter 6), Hidden Fangs, Reclamation). The Unyielding Shields (A Thousand Troops, Traitor, All Quiet on the Front, News of Victory, Return Home).
Side Content Available
Complete Battle Challenges during the war sequences. These count toward Sealed Abyss Artifact unlocks.
Siege Battles content becomes available. Practice mounted and ranged combat.
Important: Get watchtower-related challenges done as early as possible. Liberating all enemy bases can make some watchtower challenges impossible to complete later.
Key Unlocks
Large-scale battle mechanics
Siege equipment access
Mounted Combat becomes a central focus
Chapter 6 Priority Actions
Complete watchtower challenges early. Liberating all enemy bases can make some watchtower-related challenges impossible to complete later. Do these before clearing out every outpost.
Practice mounted and ranged combat. Siege content makes bows and firearms much more relevant. Invest in ranged skills on the skill tree if you have not already.
Complete Battle Challenges during the war sequences. These count toward Sealed Abyss Artifact unlocks and are easiest to complete while the battles are actively happening.
Chapter 7 Priority Actions
Relocate your camp to Pailune after the main story arc here. This earns the Proud Returnee achievement and puts your base closer to the action for Chapters 8 and 9.
Explore Pailune thoroughly for region-specific collectibles and hidden Abyss Cressets before heading to Demeniss.
Pick up Pailune faction quests (Pailune Militia: Crossroads of Succession and related chains). These provide strong equipment and Contribution Points for the Pailune region.
Chapter 7: Homecoming
Chapter 7 is the emotional core of the game. The Greymanes return to Pailune, their homeland, and the stakes reach their peak with betrayal, large battles, and a showdown at Silverwolf Mountain.
Main Quests
Dawn Mist (Ashes of Treachery, Trust Lost, Bared Fang, Rekindled Hope, Podium of Resolve). Dawnrise (Shadows Over Pailune, Driving Out the Shadows, Lurking Wolves, Reclamation (Chapter 7), Lonely Jackals, Resolution). Decisive Battle (The Counterattack, Unleashed Fury, The Final Bridge, Broken Claws, Battle at Silverwolf Mountain, Incomplete Victory). Twisted Fate (Ludvig's Whereabouts, Time to Face Justice).
Side Content Available
Camp relocation to Pailune becomes available after the main story arc here. Completing it earns the Proud Returnee achievement.
Pailune faction quests open (Pailune Militia: Crossroads of Succession and related chains).
Explore Pailune's snowy terrain for region-specific collectibles and hidden Abyss Cressets.
Key Unlocks
Camp relocation to Pailune
Protector of Pailune achievement milestone
Pailune region fully accessible for exploration
New faction questlines
Chapter 8: Blood Coronation
The story moves toward Demeniss, the political capital of Pywel. Intrigue, rebellion, and the confrontation with Fortain, the Cursed Knight define this chapter.
Main Quests
Ashen Steps (Healing Pailune, A Bond, Ritual Preparations, Where the Wind Guides You). To Demeniss (Chasing a Shadow, Blazing Fire, Whispering Shadows, Bloodied Invitation, Resolve Amidst a Storm). Traitor (Rebel Suppression, The Cursed Knight, The Blood Coronation, Clue).
Key Unlocks
Demeniss region fully opens for exploration
Political faction quests (House Wells, Demeniss court quests)
Boss fight: Fortain, the Cursed Knight
Recommended Actions During Chapters 8 and 9
Fully explore Demeniss once it opens during Chapter 8. Political faction quests (House Wells, Demeniss court quests) become available, and the region has its own Contribution Shop with unique equipment.
Pace yourself through Chapter 9. With 25 quests, this is the longest chapter. The six arcs (The Calling, Shattered Ties, Thinning Blade, Six Pensive Statues, Veiled Witch, Enlightenment) cover a lot of ground. Do not rush through the Jijeong Temple section; it contains important lore and puzzle rewards.
Pick up the Antumbra Order quest chain (Darkness Over the Sanctum, Cloister of Ruination). This side chain becomes available during Chapter 9 and provides valuable endgame preparation.
After Chapter 9: last major side content window. This is your final good opportunity to complete outstanding challenges, faction quests, and collectibles before the endgame push. Chapters 10 through 12 move quickly and leave less room for side activities.
Chapter 9: The Sage of the Desert
Chapter 9 sends Kliff on a spiritual journey through the eastern reaches of Pywel. You travel to the Cloister of Enlightenment, face the Black Witch, and learn some of the most powerful late-game abilities. This chapter has the most quests of any chapter in the game (25 quests), so pace yourself.
Main Quests
The Calling, An Unknown Voice, The Cloister of Enlightenment, Shattered Ties, Mark of the Scar, Shackles of Fate, Thinning Blade, Crossing Point, Unwavering Steps, Six Pensive Statues and the Evil Spirit, Morning Fog, Jijeong Temple in Chaos, Path of Enlightenment, Path of the Disciple, True Strength, Face the Inner Self, Veiled Witch, Fragments of Darkness, Pursuit Beyond the Veil, Black Witch, Enlightenment, The Cloister of Enlightenment (II), The Sage of the Desert, New Perspectives, Lust for Power.
Key Unlocks
Enlightenment abilities and powerful late-game skills
Access to the Cloister region and Jijeong Temple
Boss fight: Black Witch
Antumbra Order quest chain (Antumbra Order: Darkness Over the Sanctum, Cloister of Ruination)
Chapter 10: Counterattack
Chapter 10 takes you into Delesyia, the most scientifically advanced region of Pywel. You encounter mechanical enemies, clockwork insects, and powerful war machines. The chapter focuses on acquiring a secret weapon to turn the tide of the conflict.
Main Quests
Secret Weapon, Untouchable, The Gate of War, Master of the Ironworks, Hidden Ace, Clockwork Insect Clash, Greater Firepower, Beating Heart, Invaders From the East, Frozen Hearted Predator, Lingering Shadow.
Key Unlocks
Delesyia region fully opens
Mechanical and technology-based enemies
Battle Robot encounters and late-game mech content
Recommended Actions for the Endgame
Upgrade weapons and armor to maximum refinement before starting Chapter 12. The final bosses are the toughest in the game. Keep a large stockpile of ore; weapon refinements require progressively more at higher levels.
Stock your inventory with Palmar Pills and the best food available. The Abyss bosses have multiple phases. Running out of healing items mid-fight means restarting from the beginning.
Explore Delesyia fully during Chapter 10. Advanced weapons and equipment from the Ironworks become available. The region also introduces Battle Robot encounters and late-game mech content.
Use Chapter 11 as your final preparation window. Cloud Castle Orbian provides the last accessible shopping and crafting opportunities before the Abyss.
After the Epilogue, you retain full world access. Any remaining collectibles, challenges, and faction quests can be completed freely. New Game Plus carries over your skills and gear.
Chapter 11: Truth and Reality
Chapter 11 takes the story to Cloud Castle Orbian, a mysterious location that challenges everything Kliff thought he knew. The narrative builds toward the final confrontation as secrets about the Abyss and Pywel's history are revealed.
Main Quests
Brave New World, The City of Steel, Crossroads, Strange Manor, Fortress Keys, Truth and Lies, Foreboding Shadow, Master of a Forgotten Land, Whispers in the Wind, Cloud Castle Orbian.
Key Unlocks
Cloud Castle Orbian area
Late-game lore revelations about the Abyss
Final preparation window before the endgame
Chapter 12: The Abyss
The final chapter. Everything converges as Kliff and the Greymanes make their last stand. The Abyss itself becomes the final battleground, and the game's toughest bosses await.
Main Quests
The Final Battle, Precise Execution, Deferred Advance, Departure of the Brave, Forbidden Gate, The Void, A Shadow in the Void, Blinding Darkness.
Key Unlocks
The Abyss as a fully explorable zone
Final boss encounters
Story conclusion leading into the Epilogue
Epilogue: Journey's End
The Epilogue wraps up loose ends and lets you revisit the world. Quests include A New Beginning, Peace in Hernand, The Unyielding Shields, The Heart of Pywel, The Desert's Edge, The Enduring Flame, Evolving City, and New Horizons. After completing the Epilogue, you have full access to New Game Plus and can continue exploring for any remaining collectibles, challenges, and faction quests.
Key Milestones by Chapter
Chapter | New Areas | Notable Mechanics | |
|---|---|---|---|
Prologue | Hills of No Return, Three Saints' Falls | Basic combat, fishing tutorial | |
Chapter 1 | Fast Travel via Abyss Nexuses | ||
Chapter 2 | |||
Chapter 3 | Camp management, Witch's Lair shops | ||
Chapter 4 | Archery skills, Abyss Artifact rewards | ||
Chapter 5 | Political faction chains | Demeniss (partial), Church area | Political quest system |
Chapter 6 | Siege equipment | Frontline battlefields | |
Chapter 7 | Camp relocation, Pailune factions | Pailune (full access) | Large-scale battles, snow terrain |
Chapter 8 | Demeniss full access | Demeniss (full access) | |
Chapter 9 | Enlightenment abilities | ||
Chapter 10 | Advanced weapons, mech content | Delesyia (full access) | Mechanical enemies, Battle Robot |
Chapter 11 | Final preparation window | Lore revelations | |
Chapter 12 | Final boss encounters | The Abyss (explorable) | Endgame combat |
Epilogue | Full world open | Post-game completion |
Optimal Route Tips
When to Do Side Content
The best approach is to tackle side content in waves between main story arcs rather than saving it all for the end. Here is why: many skills are locked behind observing NPCs during side missions. If you skip these, you miss the observation window entirely and lose access to those skills until New Game Plus. Also, the Challenges system only tracks progress after you find the associated Sealed Abyss Artifact, so the earlier you collect those, the more naturally your challenge progress accumulates.
Recommended Pauses for Side Content
After Chapter 1: Complete all Hernand Commissions for inventory expansion. Visit every shop and buy what you need while prices are low.
After Chapter 2: Clear the four Springtide Mill faction quests and the House Roberts Stolen Quarry quest for the Mining Knuckledrill. Farm ore for weapon refinements.
After Chapter 3: Set up your camp dispatch system. Assign companions before starting Chapter 4 so resources accumulate while you play.
After Chapter 5: Refine gear to Level 5 or 6. Complete political quests and any remaining Hernand bounty notices. Chapters 6 and 7 are combat-heavy and you want solid equipment.
After Chapter 7: Relocate camp to Pailune. Explore the snowy region thoroughly for collectibles before heading to Demeniss.
After Chapter 9: This is your last good window for completing outstanding challenges and collectibles before the endgame push.
General Tips
Activate Sealed Abyss Artifacts before doing anything else in a new region. Challenges do not count retroactively. The sword's Guiding Light shows nearby artifacts.
Spend first artifacts on Grappling. The grappling skill in the blue tree gives you crowd control from the moment you unlock it. Follow up with Armed Combat and Unarmed Combat upgrades.
Use dispatch missions constantly. Assign companions before every long quest. The resources they bring back fuel camp upgrades and gear refinements.
Do not skip observation opportunities. When an NPC demonstrates a technique during a quest, that is your only chance to learn it. Pay attention to prompts.
Do watchtower challenges early. Liberating all enemy bases can lock you out of certain watchtower-related challenges permanently.
Keep ore stockpiled. Weapon refinements require progressively more ore at higher levels. The Mining Knuckledrill from Chapter 2 pays for itself many times over.
Skill Progression Recommendations
Since there is no traditional leveling, your power comes entirely from the skill tree and gear refinement. A rough priority order for spending Abyss Artifacts:
Grappling (Blue Tree): Your highest priority early. The throw/lariat focus upgrade gives you crowd control immediately.
Armed Combat upgrades: Makes your basic sword and weapon attacks hit harder. Worth investing in before branching out.
Unarmed Combat: Essential for wrestling-style encounters and certain boss fights that disable your weapons.
Defense and Dodge upgrades: Prioritize after Chapter 5 when enemies hit significantly harder.
Ranged skills: Invest once you reach Chapter 6 and siege content. Bows and firearms become more relevant in the war chapters.
See the Skill Acquisition Guide for a complete breakdown of all available skills and how to unlock each one.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
Fast traveling to Scholastone in Chapter 4 | Miss Focused Force Palm at its intended location | Ride on horseback when the quest directs you there |
Ignoring Sealed Abyss Artifacts | Challenges do not count retroactively | Collect artifacts before doing anything else in each new area |
Spreading Abyss Artifacts across all characters early | Kliff is underpowered for most of the game | Focus entirely on Kliff until at least Chapter 7 |
Entering Chapter 6 with unrefined gear | War battles become extremely punishing | Refine to Level 5 or 6 during the Chapter 5 pause |
Liberating all bases before doing watchtower challenges | Some watchtower challenges become impossible | Complete watchtower challenges first in Chapter 6 |
Skipping the Karin Quarry quest in Chapter 2 | No Mining Knuckledrill; slower ore farming forever | Do the House Roberts Stolen Quarry quest early |
Not stocking food before boss fights | No healing mid-combat; must restart the fight | Cook large batches before every major encounter |
Rushing through Chapter 9 | Miss Enlightenment abilities and Antumbra quests | Pace yourself through all six arcs |
See Also
Before You Start: Three Rules for Efficient Progression
Crimson Desert does not use a traditional experience point system. Some abilities can only be learned by observing NPCs during specific quests. Missing an observation prompt means losing access to that skill until New Game Plus. Keep these three rules in mind from the start.
Find Sealed Abyss Artifacts immediately in every new area. Challenge progress only counts after you pick up the associated Sealed Artifact. Anything you accomplish before collecting it does not count retroactively. Use your sword's Guiding Light to spot the blue glimmer along roads and paths. There are 141 across Pywel.
Ring the 8 Hidden Bells early. Ringing all eight bells reveals the entire world map and removes fog of war. This makes route planning through each region far easier and exposes points of interest you would miss otherwise.
Activate fast travel points as you go. Spread Abyss Nexus activations across all regions early. Faction quests regularly send you to distant locations, and having fast travel coverage prevents long horse rides. Look for large question mark icons on the map or use Blinding Flash to reveal hidden Nexus points.
Phase 1: Foundation (Prologue and Chapter 1)
The Prologue is a linear tutorial. You meet core Greymane members, fight the Black Bear ambush, lose to Myurdin (this is scripted), and wake up in the Abyss. You learn the Blinding Flash skill and basic traversal. After exiting, you arrive at Three Saints' Falls, learn fishing, collect your first two Sealed Abyss Artifacts, and ride to the City of Hernand. There are no meaningful choices here; follow the quest markers.
Chapter 1 opens up Hernand as your first hub. Resist the urge to wander off exploring right away. Key traversal abilities like Force Palm, Axiom Force, and Flight are all unlocked during this chapter's main quests. Without them, you will run into walls, puzzles, and areas you cannot access.
Phase 2: Expanding Hernand (Chapter 2)
Chapter 2: Golden Greed expands the playable area significantly around Hernand. You clear bandit outposts, explore new locations, and deal with the threat of Kailok the Hornsplitter. This chapter also introduces fire arrow combat, Memory Fragments, and important faction quest chains.
Phase 3: Building the Camp (Chapter 3)
Chapter 3: Howling Hill shifts focus to rebuilding the Greymane Camp. This is when the camp management system opens and companions become available for dispatch missions. The camp is your long-term base of operations, and setting it up properly here saves significant time later.
Phase 4: Knowledge and Preparation (Chapter 4)
Chapter 4: The Price of Knowledge takes you to the Kilnden Workshop and the Scholastone Institute. This chapter contains the most puzzle-intensive quests in the game and one of the only quasi-missable skills.
Phase 5: Political Intrigue and Gear Check (Chapter 5)
Chapter 5: Guest Unbidden escalates the political stakes sharply. A delegation from Demeniss arrives, and you investigate the Crowcaller and Bloodwind threats. This chapter is shorter than the previous ones, making it the perfect window for a gear and preparation sweep.
Phase 6: The War Chapters (Chapters 6 and 7)
Chapters 6 and 7 are the most action-intensive portion of the game. Large-scale battlefield sequences, siege encounters, mounted combat, and a major traitor reveal drive these chapters forward. Chapter 6 alone has 15 main quests across four arcs. Chapter 7 brings 19 quests and the landmark Battle at Silverwolf Mountain.
Phase 7: Demeniss and the Desert (Chapters 8 and 9)
Chapter 8: Blood Coronation takes Kliff to the political capital of Pywel. Chapter 9: The Sage of the Desert is the longest chapter in the game with 25 quests across six story arcs. It sends Kliff on a spiritual journey to the Cloister of Enlightenment, where you face the Black Witch and learn some of the most powerful late-game abilities.
Phase 8: The Endgame (Chapters 10, 11, 12, and Epilogue)
The final three chapters and Epilogue push the story to its conclusion. Chapter 10 takes you to Delesyia, the most technologically advanced region, where you encounter mechanical enemies and clockwork war machines. Chapter 11 brings you to Cloud Castle Orbian for the final lore revelations. Chapter 12 is the final confrontation in the Abyss itself, and the Epilogue wraps up loose ends and opens New Game Plus.
Chapter-by-Chapter Summary
Chapter | Region | Side Content Window | |
|---|---|---|---|
Prologue | Hills of No Return, Three Saints' Falls | None (tutorial) | |
Chapter 1 | Hernand Commissions, shops, mini-games | ||
Chapter 2 | Hernand surroundings | Springtide Mill quests, House Roberts, bounties | |
Chapter 3 | Companion Dispatch, Swift Stab | Camp management, Greymane faction quests | |
Chapter 4 | Focused Force Palm, Camp Nexus | Arena Fighting, archery contests | |
Chapter 5 | Hernand (political) | Political faction chains | Gear refinement, remaining commissions |
Chapter 6 | Frontline battlefields | Siege equipment, mounted combat | Battle Challenges, watchtower challenges |
Chapter 7 | Camp relocation, Pailune factions | Pailune exploration, collectibles | |
Chapter 8 | Demeniss full access | Political faction quests, Contribution Shop | |
Chapter 9 | Enlightenment abilities | Antumbra Order chain; last major window | |
Chapter 10 | Advanced weapons, mech content | Ironworks equipment, Battle Robot | |
Chapter 11 | Final preparation window | Last shopping and crafting opportunity | |
Chapter 12 | Final boss encounters | None (endgame push) | |
Epilogue | Full world | All remaining content accessible |
Skill Investment Priority Order
Here is the recommended order for spending Abyss Artifacts on skill tree nodes.
Priority | Skill Category | When to Invest | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Chapters 1 through 3 | Everything depends on having enough of both for fighting, running, climbing, and gliding | |
2 | Grappling (Blue Tree) | Chapter 1 onward | The throw/lariat focus upgrade provides crowd control immediately |
3 | Chapter 2 onward | Makes sword and weapon attacks hit harder; needed for Chapter 2 bosses | |
4 | Chapter 3 onward | Essential for wrestling encounters and bosses that disable weapons | |
5 | Chapter 5 onward | Enemies hit significantly harder after Chapter 5 | |
6 | Ranged Skills | Chapter 6 onward | Bows and firearms become central during siege and war content |
7 | Enlightenment abilities | Chapter 9 onward | Powerful late-game abilities unlocked during The Sage of the Desert |
Abyss Artifacts can be reset at any time using Faded Abyss Artifacts, so do not worry about making permanent mistakes. If your build feels wrong after a difficult boss, respec and try a different approach.
General Progression Tips
Cook Hearty Grilled Meat early and often. Purchase meat from Hernand butchers, cook at the bonfire. This dish provides 200+ HP regeneration and is cheap to produce. Farm Fine Meat from Mountain Goats; they go down faster than deer.
Sell documents and books you have already read. They take up inventory space and provide silver when sold. There are no storage chests in the world, so every slot matters.
Get a pet as soon as possible. Pets gather loot automatically, saving you from constant manual pickups during combat.
Visit Pororin Village for Sustained Supply Arrows. Lumiel, the Research Director, provides unlimited arrows. This removes the need to buy or craft ammunition for the rest of the game.
Refine gear regularly. Do not hoard materials waiting for the "perfect" weapon. Regular refinements to your current equipment provide steady power growth that makes every fight easier.
Do not commit crimes in regions where you need Contribution. Being caught reduces your Contribution Points. The exceptions are the Hernand Bank (yields 40+ Silver) and stealing the Gold Bar from Lioncrest Manor (500 Silver when exchanged), where the reward is worth the risk.
Use dispatch missions constantly. Assign companions before every long quest. The resources they bring back fuel camp upgrades and gear refinements. Start this habit in Chapter 3 and never stop.
Do not skip observation opportunities. When an NPC or enemy demonstrates a technique during a quest, watch for the observation prompt. These are your only chances to learn certain skills without spending Abyss Artifacts.