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Game Progress Route
March 21, 2026 at 04:51 PM
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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.
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.
The Prologue serves as 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 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.
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.
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)
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
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.
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.
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.
Nature's Grasp skill (Meandering Hills)
Pump Kick skill observation (duel with Matthias)
Dropkick skill observation (Bloomwood Ranch, observe 3 times)
Mining Knuckledrill (House Roberts faction quest)
Environmental fire arrow combat
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.
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.
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.
Companion Dispatch system
Camp upgrades and management
Witch's Lair shops (Abyss Artifact purchases)
Master Camper trophy/achievement milestone
Chapter 4 takes you to the Kilnden Workshop and the Scholastone Institute. The story centers on forbidden knowledge and the consequences of pursuing it.
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).
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.
Abyss Artifact reward from Gate to the Otherworld
Archery skill observations
Access to Scholastone area
Deeper understanding of Abyss lore and mechanics
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.
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).
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.
Access to Demeniss-related story content
Church investigation area
Political faction quest chains begin
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.
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).
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.
Large-scale battle mechanics
Siege equipment access
Mounted Combat becomes a central focus
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.
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).
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.
Camp relocation to Pailune
Protector of Pailune achievement milestone
Pailune region fully accessible for exploration
New faction questlines
The story moves toward Demeniss, the political capital of Pywel. Intrigue, rebellion, and the confrontation with Fortain, the Cursed Knight define this chapter.
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).
Demeniss region fully opens for exploration
Political faction quests (House Wells, Demeniss court quests)
Boss fight: Fortain, the Cursed Knight
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Delesyia region fully opens
Mechanical and technology-based enemies
Battle Robot encounters and late-game mech content
Advanced weapons and equipment from Ironworks
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.
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.
Cloud Castle Orbian area
Late-game lore revelations about the Abyss
Final preparation window before the endgame
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.
The Final Battle, Precise Execution, Deferred Advance, Departure of the Brave, Forbidden Gate, The Void, A Shadow in the Void, Blinding Darkness.
The Abyss as a fully explorable zone
Final boss encounters
Story conclusion leading into the Epilogue
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.
Chapter | Key Unlocks | 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 | Fire arrows, faction quests | ||
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) | Boss: Fortain |
Chapter 9 | Enlightenment abilities | Boss: Black Witch | |
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 |
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.
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.
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.
Since there is no traditional leveling, your power comes entirely from the skill tree and gear refinement. Here is 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.
