Revision 5

Game Progress Route

Crimson Desert is structured around a Prologue, 12 main chapters, and an Epilogue, totaling roughly 168 main story quest steps. While the open world allows for non-linear exploration, certain critical abilities and fast travel points are locked behind main story progress. This guide covers the recommended progression order and when to take breaks for side content.

Chapter Overview

The main story is divided into the following chapters. Each chapter consists of multiple arcs with their own quest chains:

Recommended Progression Strategy

The most efficient way to progress through Crimson Desert is to follow the main story until you hit a natural break point, then spend time on side content before pushing forward. The Main Story Walkthrough provides detailed quest-by-quest guidance, but the general approach is as follows:

Prologue Through Chapter 2: Follow the Story

The early game is largely linear. Focus on learning combat mechanics, gathering resources, and completing the introductory quests. Chapter 2 introduces you to Hernand, one of the game's major hub cities, and opens up the map significantly.

• Pick up every resource you see. Early materials are used for crafting essential gear.

• Talk to NPCs and accept any Request quests you encounter. These build NPC trust and provide useful rewards.

• Buy a few healing items from vendors before entering combat-heavy story sequences.

Chapters 3 and 4: Explore and Build Your Base

Chapter 3 introduces the Greymane Camp as your home base. This is the first major opportunity to invest in side content. Spend time upgrading your camp, completing Hernand Commission quests for inventory expansion, and exploring the surrounding areas.

• Complete Hernand Commission quests to expand your inventory by 3 slots each.

• Activate the camp's Supply Chest (behind Rory) to store excess loot.

• Invest in cooking. Hearty Grilled Meat is cheap to make and restores over 200 HP.

• Start leveling Health and Stamina in the skill tree before transitioning to Spirit later.

Chapter 4: Unlock Focus Palm Force

Chapter 4 is a critical milestone. Completing its story quests unlocks Focus Palm Force, a traversal ability essential for reaching previously inaccessible areas. After obtaining this ability, activate the Greymane Camp Abyss Nexus waypoint for convenient fast travel back to your base.

Chapters 5 Through 8: Alternate Story and Side Content

The mid-game chapters introduce new regions, companions, and increasingly difficult enemies. Follow the main story to unlock new areas and abilities, but take regular breaks to:

• Activate Abyss Nexus fast travel points whenever you find them. Prioritizing these early saves significant travel time during later chapters.

• Complete faction quests and companion-specific quests to unlock playable characters and backstory content.

• Sell enemy drops and purchase ores from vendors to prepare for gear upgrades.

• Seek out the Palmar Pill recipe in Shadow's Whisper Cave (northern Hernand). These pills automatically revive you at 30% HP during battle.

Flight Unlock

Progressing further through the main story unlocks Flight, another essential traversal ability. Once you have both Focus Palm Force and Flight, the entire open world becomes much more accessible. This is a great time to revisit earlier areas and complete any content you skipped.

Chapters 9 Through 12: Push to the Finish

The late-game chapters ramp up in difficulty and narrative intensity. Chapter 9 is one of the longest in the game with six arcs. Make sure you are well-prepared before heading into the final stretch:

• Upgrade your equipment to the best available tier.

• Stock up on healing meals and consumables.

• Complete any remaining companion quests before the story reaches its climax.

• Chapter 12 and the Epilogue are the final sequences. Save before entering them if you want to return to the open world afterward.

Side Content Priorities

Not all side content is equally important. Here are the highest-value activities to prioritize between story chapters:

Estimated Time per Chapter

Completion times vary depending on how much side content you tackle. These estimates assume a balanced playthrough that mixes main story with moderate exploration:

For a complete breakdown of game length estimates, see How Long to Beat Crimson Desert.

Tips

• Follow orange markers on your map. They indicate your current main quest objective.

• Do not rush. Players who try to speed through the main campaign will still need to engage with side content to stay strong enough for later bosses.

• Some chapters have no fast travel points along the main path, forcing you to go off the beaten path to tag teleporters.

• Check the Beginner's Guide for essential tips on combat, crafting, and exploration.