Overview
Hernand Town is the first major settlement players encounter in Crimson Desert. Nestled within the broader Hernand region of the continent of Pywel, this medieval town serves as the primary hub during the early hours of the game. The streets are bustling with activity, from merchants hawking their wares to NPCs going about daily routines that react to weather and time of day. Even during preview sessions limited to four hours, testers reported never making it far from town because of how much there was to discover.
Hernand Town draws visual inspiration from pastoral, France-inspired countrysides and features a mix of stone buildings, market stalls, narrow alleys, and a prominent castle overlooking the settlement. The Greymane Camp is established nearby after Kliff and his companions lose their home to the Black Bears faction.
Key locations
Location | Description |
|---|---|
Hernand Castle | The fortified castle overlooks the town and plays a role in the main story. Kliff must acquire Hernandian Banquet Attire to infiltrate the castle, sneaking past guards in a sequence reminiscent of stealth games like Hitman and Kingdom Come: Deliverance. The castle connects to the Abyss. |
Tavern | A social gathering point where players can participate in minigames such as arm wrestling, card games, and horseback racing challenges. NPCs here offer side quests and rumors about the surrounding region. |
Blacksmith | Sells weapons and provides weapon refinement services. Hernand's blacksmith is typically the first one players encounter, offering basic gear suitable for early combat encounters. |
Tailor | Handles armor purchases and outfit customization. Certain outfits, like the Hernandian Banquet Attire required for the castle infiltration, can be obtained through tailors or quest rewards. |
General shops | Various merchants sell consumables, cooking ingredients, crafting materials, and other supplies. Hidden shops tucked into back alleys reward exploration. |
Nas River Fishing Dock | Located along the Nas River at the edge of town. Players learn the fishing skill here by observing a fisherman NPC. See the full Nas River article for details. |
Races and inhabitants
Hernand Town is populated by a striking variety of fantasy races that give the settlement a distinctly Tolkienesque atmosphere. Walking through the crowded streets, players will spot giants towering above the crowd and antlered elf-like beings moving among the human residents. This racial diversity is not purely cosmetic; different races serve as vendors, quest givers, and background NPCs who contribute to the feeling of a living world.
The town's diverse population reflects the broader lore of Pywel, where multiple races coexist across the continent. NPCs engage in conversations with each other, react to weather changes, and follow daily routines rather than standing idle at fixed positions.
Activities in Hernand
Side quests: Townspeople offer a range of requests, from simple deliveries to more involved investigations. Quests discovered organically while wandering are common
Minigames: The tavern hosts arm wrestling, card games, and other social activities
Cooking: Recipes can be discovered by speaking to NPCs and visiting food stalls. Ingredients gathered from the Hernand region are used to prepare meals at the Greymane Camp
Rock-paper-scissors: A quirky encounter where players can challenge local ruffians to games of chance
Hidden discoveries: Back alleys and rooftops hide secret shops, lore items, and NPC encounters that reward thorough exploration
Story significance
The early story chapters are set in and around Hernand Town. After losing their home, the Greymanes establish a camp in the Hernand area and begin working to rebuild their strength. Players interact with local factions, take on mercenary contracts, and gradually expand the Greymane Camp's facilities using gold and resources earned through exploration and combat.
Hernand Castle's infiltration sequence is a major early story beat, requiring players to acquire the right attire, navigate social stealth, and ultimately gain access to the Abyss. This event marks a turning point in the narrative and introduces the supernatural elements that become central to the later game.
Tips for new players
Spend time exploring every corner of town before heading into the wilderness. Hidden shops and NPCs are easy to miss on a first pass
Visit the blacksmith early to purchase or refine a weapon before venturing into the Deepfog Basin
Talk to the fisherman at the Nas River dock to learn the fishing skill, which provides a steady source of ingredients for cooking
Check the tavern for available minigames and rumors. Some rumors lead to valuable side quests in the surrounding area
The Hernandian Banquet Attire for the castle infiltration is obtained through story progression. Do not worry about finding it through shops