Overview
Masks are required to steal items in Crimson Desert. Without a mask equipped, the "Steal" prompt will not appear when interacting with NPCs or objects. Masks are part of the crime system and enable an entire underground gameplay loop.
How to Equip a Mask
Controller: Hold Left D-Pad to open the radial menu, navigate to the top-left mask slot, then press LT/RT (Xbox) or L2/R2 (PlayStation) to toggle the mask on or off.
Keyboard: Press F2 to open the radial menu, then use the mouse wheel or click to toggle the mask.
You can toggle the mask off just as quickly when you want to walk around without drawing suspicion.
Where to Buy Masks
Masks cost 10 copper coins from Back Alley Shops found throughout the world. The first Back Alley Shop is located southeast of Hernand City along the stream. These shops appear on the map as a red circle icon with a mask symbol. You can also obtain masks as drops from defeated bandits.
What You Can Do with a Mask
Steal items from NPCs, shops, and containers throughout the world.
Threaten and intimidate NPCs to force them to hand over belongings.
Consequences
Getting spotted: If an NPC or guard sees you stealing, you become wanted and guards will search for you.
Prison: If caught, you serve time in jail. Guards will confiscate your mask after you are released.
Bounty: Repeated crimes increase your bounty, making guards more aggressive.
Tips
Buy multiple masks so you have a spare if one gets confiscated.
Steal at night when fewer NPCs are around to spot you.