Controls
Platform | Sheathe | Unsheathe |
|---|---|---|
PC Keyboard | Press T | Press weak or strong attack (Left Click or Shift+Left Click) |
Xbox Controller | Left on D-Pad | Press X (weak) or Y (strong attack) |
PlayStation Controller | Left on D-Pad | Press Square (weak) or Triangle (strong attack) |
Sheathing works on both weapons and equipped tools such as the Pickaxe or Logging Axe. The input is the same regardless of which item you have drawn.
Stylish Sheathe
On a controller, pressing Left on the D-Pad twice triggers a stylish sheathing animation where Kliff twirls the blade before putting it away. This looks great but takes longer than the standard quick sheathe. The keyboard equivalent is pressing T twice in rapid succession.
Why Sheathing Matters
Many actions in Crimson Desert cannot be performed while your weapon is drawn. Interacting with NPCs, browsing vendor shops, picking up items, and entering minigames all require an empty hand. You also cannot mount your horse while holding a weapon.
More importantly, approaching NPCs or entering towns with your weapon drawn can raise your bounty. Guards may become hostile and attack you on sight. Some settlement zones enforce a weapon-free rule where drawing your weapon automatically gets flagged as a crime. Make it a habit to sheathe before entering any settlement.
Auto-Sheathe Behavior
Crimson Desert does not automatically sheathe your weapon after combat ends. Unlike some open-world RPGs, you must manually press the sheathe input every time. This is easy to forget after clearing a bandit camp or roadside encounter, so get into the habit of pressing T or Left D-Pad as soon as the last enemy falls.
During certain cutscenes and scripted sequences, the game will sheathe your weapon automatically. However, control returns to you with whatever weapon state you had before the cutscene started, so check your hands afterward.
Tips
Sheathe immediately after combat ends to avoid accidental bounties while running through populated areas.
The quick sheathe (single press) is faster and should be your default outside of photo opportunities.
If you accidentally draw your weapon near guards, sheathe it instantly. There is a short grace period before your bounty increases.
You can sheathe mid-sprint without losing momentum, making it easy to put your weapon away while running toward a settlement.
Sheathing is also required before you can interact with campfires, cooking pots, and beds for resting.