Headgear

Headgear is one of five Armor slots available in Crimson Desert, alongside chest armor, gloves, leg armor, and boots. Head armor pieces provide defensive stats, movement speed bonuses, and sometimes special effects such as faction disguises or elemental resistance. Like all equipment, headgear can be upgraded through the Refinement system at the blacksmith in Hernand, and many pieces feature Abyss Core slots for additional stat customization.

Headgear Types

Head armor in Crimson Desert comes in three material categories, plus a special quest item category. Each type has different strengths:

• Cloth Headgear: Lightweight options that typically offer movement speed bonuses rather than raw defense. Cloth headgear is crafted using Cloth Pieces and Fleece, making these pieces easy to produce early in the game. Most cloth headgear can also be purchased from the Tailor Shop for 56 Bronze.

• Leather Headgear: Mid-range options balancing defense with mobility. Leather pieces require hides and bones obtained through hunting.

• Plate Helms: The heaviest head armor, offering the highest defense values. Plate helms require ores obtained through mining. Since there is no equipment weight penalty in Crimson Desert, plate armor does not reduce movement speed.

• Special/Accessory: Unique headgear tied to specific quests or milestones. The Visione is a one-of-a-kind quest item that allows Memory Fragment reading, while the Hernandian Crown is a cosmetic accessory purchased with Contribution points.

All Headgear Pieces

The following table lists all known headgear pieces in Crimson Desert. Defense values and stats represent base values before Refinement upgrades. Prices are listed in the currency required for purchase. Headgear marked as "Crafting" must be produced at a workbench using the listed materials.

Acquisition

Headgear can be obtained through several methods depending on the piece:

• Shop Purchase: Many cloth headgear pieces are sold by the Tailor Shop for 56 Bronze each. Leather and plate helms are available from the Hernand Equipment shop or the Back Alley Shop at varying Silver prices.

• Crafting: Cloth headgear such as the Drish Cloth Cap, Raccoon Cloth Hat, and Ziggurat Cloth Helm can be crafted at a workbench using 5 Cloth Pieces and 1 Fleece. Some items like the Labrak Cloth Headgear and Radein Cloth Cap are available both from shops and through crafting.

• Contribution: The Bolton Plate Helm (4 Contribution), Unyielding Warrior's Plate Helm (5.28 Contribution), and Hernandian Crown (70 Contribution) are purchased using Contribution points earned through quests and activities in Hernand.

• Quest Rewards: The Visione is a unique quest item that cannot be bought, sold, or crafted. It is obtained through story progression.

Visione

The Visione is a special headgear piece that stands apart from all other head armor in the game. Rather than providing defense or movement speed bonuses, the Visione grants the ability to read Memory Fragments scattered throughout the world. These Memory Fragments reveal lore, backstory, and hints about the game's narrative. The Visione cannot be purchased, sold, or traded, and it is obtained exclusively through the main storyline.

Refinement and Upgrades

All headgear with a refinement gauge can be upgraded through 10 refinement levels at the blacksmith in Hernand. Each refinement level increases the piece's base defense stat. The materials required depend on the armor type:

• Cloth headgear: Cloth Pieces, Fleece, and Feathers

• Leather headgear: Hides and Bones from hunting animals

• Plate helms: Ores such as Iron Ore, Copper Ore, Gold Ore, and Silver Ore from mining

Higher refinement levels require rarer materials, including Abyss Artifacts obtained by defeating enemies, completing challenges, and finishing quests.

Abyss Core Slots

Most headgear pieces feature one or more Abyss Core slots that allow players to socket modifiers for additional stat bonuses. The Raccoon Cloth Hat is notable for having two Core Slots, while most other headgear pieces with slots have one. Abyss Cores can provide effects such as health regeneration, stamina boosts, and elemental resistance. Visit the Abyss Core NPC to slot or swap cores as needed.

Disguise Headgear

Certain headgear pieces grant disguise effects, allowing the player to blend in with specific factions or groups. These pieces are useful for infiltration missions and can prevent hostile NPCs from attacking on sight.

• Jackals' Leather Helm: Grants the Jackal Disguise, letting the player pass as a member of the Jackals faction. This helm also provides 3 DEF and Movement Speed Lv.1, making it a solid combat option even outside of stealth scenarios.

• St. Halssius Priest's Hat: Grants the St. Halssius Disguise for blending in with priests and clergy. At 3 DEF with Movement Speed Lv.1, it offers decent protection for a cloth piece.

Tips

• Cloth headgear is the easiest to obtain early on. Most cloth pieces cost just 56 Bronze from the Tailor Shop, or they can be crafted with Cloth Pieces and Fleece purchased from the Provisioner's Shop.

• Plate helms offer the highest defense values without any movement speed penalty, making them the strongest option for raw protection. The Bolton Plate Helm and Blackwing Mask both reach 4 DEF, the highest base defense among all headgear.

• The Canta Plate Helm's Tinnitus Immunity effect is particularly useful against enemies that inflict stun or disorientation. At 2.82 Silver from the Hernand Equipment shop, it is relatively affordable for its utility.

• Keep disguise headgear in your inventory even if you prefer a stronger helmet. You can swap to it before entering restricted areas.

• The Raccoon Cloth Hat is the only headgear with two Abyss Core slots, making it a strong choice for players who prioritize stat customization over raw defense.

• For Contribution-based purchases, the Bolton Plate Helm at 4 Contribution offers the best defense value. Save the 70 Contribution needed for the Hernandian Crown only if you want the cosmetic.