Overview
The Hwando Katana (also referred to simply as the Hwando or Hwando Sword) is a two-handed weapon in Crimson Desert. It is a large katana with a base Attack of 19 and comes pre-equipped with three Abyss Gears out of five total slots. This combination of solid base damage, built-in enhancements, and room for further customization makes the Hwando one of the most sought-after early-game weapons.
The weapon is found inside a locked chest in a building adjacent to Lioncrest Manor, located in the northwestern part of Hernand. Players can obtain it very early in the game without any combat, using only a Key and a Mask purchased from the Back Alley Shop for a combined cost of 40 Bronze Coins. The chest also contains a Refined Palmar Pill, which revives the player at 100% health instead of the standard 30%.
As a two-handed katana, the Hwando features wide sweeping attacks that can hit multiple enemies at once, making it effective for clearing groups. Its pre-installed Abyss Gears provide boosts to critical rate, attack power, and stamina recovery on hit, giving players a significant edge in early combat encounters.
Weapon Stats
Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
Weapon Type | |
Attack | 19 |
Defense | 0 |
Attack Speed | Lv. 0 |
Movement Speed | Lv. 0 |
Critical Rate | Lv. 1 |
Abyss Gear Slots | 5 total (3 pre-installed) |
Sell Price | 15.39 Silver Coins |
Pre-Installed Abyss Gears
The Hwando Katana comes with three Abyss Gears already equipped, which is rare for a weapon obtainable this early in the game. These built-in enhancements contribute to its reputation as a top-tier early weapon.
Abyss Gear | Effect |
|---|---|
Insight I | Increases Critical Rate by Lv. 1 |
Stamina Transference | Provides Stamina Siphon Lv. 1, recovering stamina on hit |
Destruction I | Increases Attack by 1 |
Stamina Transference is particularly valuable because it lets you sustain longer attack combos without running out of stamina. Combined with the critical rate boost from Insight I, the Hwando rewards an aggressive, combo-heavy fighting style right from the start.
With two additional Abyss Gear slots still open, players can further customize the weapon as they acquire new Abyss Gears throughout the game. This upgrade potential means the Hwando can remain competitive well beyond the early chapters.
Location
The Hwando Katana is located inside a locked chest on the second floor of a smaller building adjacent to Lioncrest Manor. Lioncrest Manor is the estate belonging to House Alfonso, situated in the northwestern part of Hernand town. The building containing the weapon is to the left of the main manor structure when facing it from the front.
The manor area is guarded, with sentries posted at the main entrances to both the manor itself and the adjacent building. The front doors are not accessible through normal means early in the game. However, the western side of the smaller building has a window without glass that can be climbed through to bypass the guards entirely.
How to Obtain
Obtaining the Hwando requires no combat. The entire process involves purchasing two inexpensive items and sneaking into the building through a window. The weapon can be acquired as soon as you have access to Hernand, making it one of the earliest powerful weapons available.
Required Items
Item | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
30 Bronze Coins | Grimrack at the Back Alley Shop | |
10 Bronze Coins | Grimrack at the Back Alley Shop |
Grimrack operates the Back Alley Shop located southeast of Hernand town, near the windmill close to the river. He sells both the Key and the Mask. The Mask is needed because the chest's contents are considered stolen goods, and equipping the Mask allows your character to steal items. The Key is required to unlock the door on the second floor.
Keys can also be obtained as loot from defeated bandits if you prefer not to purchase one. The Mask can alternatively be earned by completing Jeffrey's bounty at the Constabulary in the western part of Hernand town.
Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Gather at least 40 Bronze Coins by selling items, completing activities, or exploring.
Visit Grimrack at the Back Alley Shop southeast of Hernand. Purchase a Key (30 Bronze Coins) and a Mask (10 Bronze Coins).
Open your inventory and equip the Mask using the D-pad quick menu (on controller) or the appropriate keybind.
Travel to Lioncrest Manor in the northwestern part of Hernand town.
Approach the smaller building to the left of the main manor. Do not attempt to enter through the front doors, as guards are posted there.
Go to the western side of the building and look for a closed window that has no glass. Climb the wall up to the window and open it when prompted.
Once inside, make your way up to the second floor. You will find a single locked door.
Walk your character into the locked door to automatically use the Key and unlock it.
Inside the room, approach the glowing treasure chest along the wall. Open it to receive the Hwando Katana and a Refined Palmar Pill.
Exit the building the same way you entered, through the window. The guards will not detect you.
Alternative Method
Players who progress the House Alfonso faction questline will eventually gain legitimate access to Lioncrest Manor. Completing faction quests such as Bruna's Request allows the guards to grant you entry freely, removing the need for stealth. However, most players prefer the sneaking method because it lets you obtain the Hwando much earlier in the game.
Chest Contents
The treasure chest containing the Hwando also includes a bonus item:
Item | Description |
|---|---|
Hwando Katana | Two-handed katana with 19 Attack and 3 pre-installed Abyss Gears |
Refined Palmar Pill x1 | A rare revival consumable that restores 100% health when used, compared to the standard 30% from regular Palmar Pills. Save this for a difficult boss fight. |
Combat Tips
As a two-handed katana, the Hwando offers a balance between the raw damage of heavier two-handed weapons and quicker attack animations compared to greatswords and warhammers. Its wide sweeping attacks hit multiple enemies per swing, making it effective for crowd control.
The Hwando's wide attack arcs are ideal for fighting groups of weaker enemies. Position yourself so that your swings connect with as many targets as possible.
Stamina Transference (Stamina Siphon) lets you sustain longer combo chains without needing to pause and recover stamina. Take advantage of this by staying aggressive.
The built-in Critical Rate boost means you will land critical hits more frequently than with most early weapons. Pair this with skills or accessories that amplify critical damage for even greater output.
Do not always commit to the full combo chain. Ending your attack string one or two hits early gives you recovery time to dodge incoming counterattacks, especially against bosses with fast retaliation patterns.
The two remaining Abyss Gear slots allow for further customization. Consider adding gears that boost Attack, Critical Damage, or defensive stats depending on your playstyle.
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|
High base Attack (19) for an early-game weapon | Requires stealth or faction progress to obtain |
3 pre-installed Abyss Gears with useful effects | Slower attack speed than one-handed weapons |
5 total Abyss Gear slots for long-term customization | Cannot be dual-wielded |
Multi-hit sweeping attacks effective against groups | Heavier weapons may deal more damage per hit in late game |
Can be obtained immediately with only 40 Bronze Coins | No ranged capability |
Comparison to Other Early Weapons
The Hwando Katana stands out among early-game options because of its combination of decent base damage and pre-installed Abyss Gears. Most weapons available in the opening hours of the game either have lower Attack values, fewer Abyss Gear slots, or no pre-installed enhancements. The Hwando's 5 total Abyss Gear slots also match the standard for two-handed weapons, which generally have more slots than one-handed weapons (typically 3 slots).
Game8 ranks the Hwando as an S-Tier two-handed weapon, placing it among the top weapon types in the game. Its ability to hit multiple enemies per swing, combined with stamina recovery and critical rate bonuses, makes it an excellent choice for players who prefer aggressive melee combat. While one-handed weapons offer faster attack speeds and the ability to use a shield, the Hwando compensates with superior reach, area damage, and more Abyss Gear customization options.
Additional Exploration at Lioncrest Manor
While at Lioncrest Manor to retrieve the Hwando, players with the Mask equipped can explore further for additional loot. The main manor building contains several valuable items, including:
A Strongbox Puzzle that rewards players who solve it
A shield that can be found elsewhere in the grounds
Gauntlets and other equipment pieces scattered throughout the manor rooms
A Memory collectible for the Knowledge System
Exploring the manor thoroughly while you have the Mask equipped is recommended, as you can steal multiple valuable items in a single trip.
Tips
The Hwando can be obtained as soon as you arrive in Hernand. Make it one of your first priorities for a significant combat advantage throughout the early chapters.
If you do not have enough coins for both the Mask and the Key, prioritize the Key. You can earn a free Mask by completing Jeffrey's bounty at the Constabulary.
The guards at Lioncrest Manor will not follow you inside the building or react to your presence as long as you enter through the window on the western side.
Save the Refined Palmar Pill from the same chest for a challenging boss encounter. Its 100% health revival is far more valuable than a standard Palmar Pill's 30%.
With a sell price of 15.39 Silver Coins, the Hwando is worth keeping rather than selling. Its Abyss Gear slots alone make it a strong weapon well into the mid-game.
Equip the Hwando from your inventory after picking it up. It will not automatically replace your current weapon.