Icemoor Castle Ruins
Complete guide to Icemoor Castle Ruins in Crimson Desert, covering location access, exploration layout, collectible items (Fallen Kingdom's Rapier, Sydmon Spear, Leather Cloak of the Fallen Kingdom), the Saigord the Staglord boss fight with all three phases, quest walkthrough for Lord Amidst the Ruins, rewards, and nearby points of interest in the Hernand region.
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Overview
Icemoor Castle Ruins is a crumbling fortress located in the frozen northern reaches of the Hernand region. Once a seat of power for an ancient kingdom, the castle now is a frost-encrusted shell of its former glory, with collapsed towers, ice-covered halls, and snow drifting through broken walls. The ruins are one of the most dangerous optional locations in the Hernand area, combining extreme cold temperatures with hostile enemies and a powerful boss encounter.
A fallen king named Saigord the Staglord sits upon a forsaken throne deep within the ruins, awaiting any challengers bold enough to face him. Players encounter Saigord during the "Lord Amidst the Ruins" faction quest, which becomes available as they progress through the Hernand storylines. Beyond the boss fight, the ruins also serve as a treasure trove for explorers willing to search its crumbling corridors, housing several pieces of the Fallen Kingdom equipment set and other valuable weapons.
Location and Access
The castle ruins are positioned far to the north of Hernand, well beyond the Hernand Farmhouse and the surrounding settlements. The path leading to the ruins crosses through open snowfields where temperatures drop sharply. This freezing environment significantly hinders stamina regeneration, making preparation essential before venturing to this location.
To reach the ruins, players typically follow the questline starting at Hernand Farmhouse, where Williem's Lieutenant sends them to investigate a disappearance. The route passes through Ivynook before continuing northwest toward the castle. Along the trail, two Stone Lanterns can be activated, which trigger a brief cutscene that advances the time to morning and serve as waypoints marking the correct path.
Players should bring cold-resistance food and equip a cloak to maintain at least Level 5 Ice Resistance before entering the area. At this threshold, the cold's effects on stamina are completely negated, allowing normal stamina recovery throughout exploration and combat. Without proper cold protection, every fight in the ruins becomes considerably harder due to sluggish stamina regeneration.
Exploration and Layout
Icemoor Castle Ruins is a multi-level structure with several interconnected areas. The main approach leads through a series of crumbling staircases that ascend to the upper levels of the castle. From there, multiple paths branch off into ruined halls, collapsed corridors, and hidden chambers.
The upper level of the castle is the starting point for most exploration. From the topmost accessible area, turning right reveals a staircase that descends into the interior. Several rooms along this path contain enemies and loot. Careful exploration is rewarded, as many of the castle's best items are tucked away in concealed locations that are easy to miss on a first visit.
Secret Passages and Hidden Caves
The ruins contain at least two hidden areas blocked by destructible wooden planks:
Upper Cave Entrance: Near the descending staircase on the upper level, a small cave entrance is blocked by wooden planks. Breaking through reveals a cave containing a treasure chest and the Fallen Kingdom's Rapier, which sits on the ground next to a barrel to the left of the chest.
Lower Secret Passage: On the lower left side of the ruins, another entrance blocked by planks leads to a dark room. Players need to use their lantern to illuminate the space, where a chest containing the Leather Cloak of the Fallen Kingdom can be found.
Enemies patrol the corridors between these areas, so players should stay alert while exploring. The ruins are also home to wall-mounted weapons that can be pulled free and collected.
Collectible Items
Icemoor Castle Ruins contains several unique weapons and equipment pieces, many belonging to the Fallen Kingdom set. These items are particularly valuable during the early and mid-game, offering solid stats that can carry players through a significant portion of the Hernand storyline.
Item | Type | Attack | Location Within Ruins | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
One-Handed Rapier | 17 | Attack Speed Lv. 2, Refinement 5/10 | Hidden cave behind wooden planks on the upper level, next to a barrel left of a treasure chest | |
Spear | 16 | Critical Rate Lv. 1, Attack Speed Lv. 1, Refinement 2/10 | Stuck on the left wall inside the main ruins area | |
Spear | 17 | Attack Speed Lv. 1, Refinement 2/10 | Stuck on the wall in the same area as the Tammaso Guard spear | |
Cloak | N/A | Defensive cloak | Inside a dark room through the lower secret passage; requires lantern to navigate | |
Treasure Chest Loot | Misc. | Varies | Multiple chests scattered across the upper and lower levels |
The Fallen Kingdom's Rapier is especially noteworthy for players who favor a fast, agile playstyle. Its Level 2 Attack Speed makes it one of the quicker weapons available in the mid-game, and its high refinement cap of 5/10 means it can be upgraded considerably at a blacksmith.
Boss: Saigord the Staglord
Saigord the Staglord is a humanoid boss who wields a sword and shield. He describes himself as a fallen king who sits upon a forsaken throne. The fight takes place in a ruined throne hall within the castle, where the cold temperature remains a factor throughout the encounter. Saigord is considered one of the more challenging optional bosses in the Hernand region, requiring solid defensive fundamentals and awareness of his varied attack patterns.
Fight Phases
The Staglord encounter is a three-phase fight, with each phase represented by a different colored health bar. As his health depletes, Saigord becomes progressively more aggressive and introduces new attack patterns.
Phase | Behavior | |
|---|---|---|
Phase 1 | Blue | Focuses on measured sword slashes and shield bashes. Attacks are deliberate and telegraph clearly, giving players time to learn his patterns. |
Phase 2 | Green | Incorporates Shield Charge attacks that close distance rapidly. Adds leaping strikes with a distinctive antler-creak sound cue that cover large ground and must be dodged rather than blocked. |
Phase 3 | Red | Combines all previous attacks with increased speed and aggression. Uses charge sequences that can cross the arena in seconds. This phase tests everything learned in the earlier two. |
Attack Patterns
Saigord uses several distinct attack patterns throughout the fight. Recognizing each one is critical for timing parry windows and finding safe openings to deal damage.
Attack | Description | |
|---|---|---|
Expertise (Overhead Slash) | A large overhead slash followed by a second tracking overhead strike that covers long range and follows the player's position. | Keep distance and dodge sideways. Do not try to block the follow-up slash. |
Royal Combo | A three-hit sequence: wide slash, shield bash, then a strong overhead. Saigord steps forward during the chain, closing distance. | Parry the first hit to cancel the combo. This is the best damage window in the fight. |
A forward charge attack that closes distance quickly and deals heavy impact damage. | Counter with your own Shield Charge skill, or dodge to the side. | |
3-Hit Red Glint Combo | Wide slash into shield bash into overhead. Indicated by a red glint, meaning it deals massive stamina damage through blocks. | Dodge sideways. Never attempt to block red glint attacks. |
Shield Sweep | A sweeping attack directly in front of Saigord. Also carries a red glint indicator. | Roll backward or to the side to avoid the sweep's arc. |
Strategy
The most effective approach against Saigord centers on the Force Palm skill, which can stagger and cancel most of his combo strings. The recommended damage combo is: Parry the incoming attack, follow up with a Stab, transition into a Heavy Attack, connect with Force Palm to stagger the Staglord, then close with another Heavy Attack. This sequence deals consistent damage while keeping Saigord locked down.
Saigord is uniquely vulnerable to his own signature move, the Turning Slash Expertise. Players can learn this skill during the fight by keeping their distance and using the Watch and Learn mechanic when Saigord performs the attack. Once learned, the Turning Slash deals heavy burst damage against the Staglord. However, avoid spamming it recklessly. Saigord can retaliate even after being hit by the skill, so only deploy it when you have a clear opening after a stagger or parried combo.
Blocking is discouraged against Saigord, as many of his attacks carry a red glint indicator that deals massive stamina damage through blocks. Dodging and maintaining distance is more effective, especially during his three-hit Royal Combo and Shield Sweep attacks. Save your blocks for the normal (non-red-glint) attacks where a successful parry opens up the full damage combo.
In Phase 3, Saigord combines all his previous attack patterns with increased speed. The key is staying patient and not overcommitting. Continue using the same parry-stab-heavy-Force Palm-heavy combo when openings present themselves, and dodge everything marked with a red glint.
Recommended Preparation
The cold environment around Icemoor Castle Ruins imposes a severe penalty on stamina regeneration. Since the Saigord fight demands constant dodging, blocking, and Spirit management, entering the fight without cold protection puts players at a significant disadvantage.
Ice Resistance: Equip a cloak suited for cold environments and consume cold-resistance food to reach Level 5 Ice Resistance. At this level, players become fully immune to the cold's stamina penalty.
Healing Supplies: Bring plenty of cooked food. Saigord hits hard, and any unblocked or mistimed dodge can take a significant chunk of health. Having enough healing items ensures you can survive learning his patterns.
Spirit Management: If your build relies heavily on Force Palm, make sure you have enough Spirit capacity to use it multiple times per phase. Running out of Spirit mid-combo leaves you vulnerable.
Quest: Lord Amidst the Ruins
"Lord Amidst the Ruins" is a faction quest that sends players to Icemoor Castle Ruins to confront Saigord. The quest becomes available during the mid-game as players progress through the Hernand faction storylines. It is structured in two parts: "The Broken Trail" and "King of the Fallen Kingdom."
Walkthrough
Meet the Lieutenant: Visit Hernand Farmhouse and speak with Williem's Lieutenant, who requests assistance locating Marshal Middler.
Search Ivynook: Travel to Ivynook and interact with the Wandering Freeswords to obtain clues about Williem's whereabouts.
Reach Icemoor Castle Ruins: Head northwest from Ivynook toward the abandoned castle. Along the way, activate the two Stone Lanterns that mark the trail. Arriving at the ruins triggers a discovery of Williem among the fallen.
Confront Saigord: Enter the throne hall and face Saigord the Staglord in a three-phase boss fight.
Collect Rewards: After defeating Saigord, collect the Staglord's Shield and an Abyss Artifact from the post-battle rewards.
Rewards
Defeating Saigord the Staglord and completing the quest yields the following rewards:
Reward | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
Sword Skill | Learned during the fight via Watch and Learn. A powerful follow-up downward strike that deals heavy burst damage. | |
Unique Shield | Defense 6, Attack Speed Lv. 2, Refinement 2, 2 Abyss Gear Slots. Comes with Fortification I and Aegis I perks. | |
Upgrade Item | Awarded upon quest completion. Used to unlock abilities and boost attributes. |
The Staglord's Shield is a solid defensive option with its dual ability slots and inherent defensive perks. Its Fortification I perk increases overall damage reduction, while Aegis I provides additional protection during blocking. The shield has a sell value of 7.70 Silver for players who do not need it.
Nearby Points of Interest
The northern Hernand region around Icemoor Castle Ruins contains several other locations worth visiting:
Hernand Farmhouse: The starting point for the Lord Amidst the Ruins quest. Contains quest givers and basic services.
Ivynook: A settlement northwest of Hernand proper, serving as a waypoint on the path to the ruins. Players gather intel from Wandering Freeswords here.
Hernand Highlands: The elevated terrain surrounding the castle ruins. Contains additional exploration opportunities and enemy encounters.
Hernand Highlands Cavern: A cave system in the highlands near the ruins area, offering additional loot and challenges.
Tips
Equip a cloak and consume cold-resistance food to reach Level 5 Ice Resistance before the fight. Without it, your stamina regeneration is severely reduced, making dodging and attacking much harder.
Use the Watch and Learn mechanic to acquire the Turning Slash Expertise during the fight. Keep your distance from Saigord when he performs the attack, and the skill prompt will appear. This skill is his biggest weakness.
Avoid blocking red-glint attacks at all costs. Dodge instead to preserve your stamina for offensive opportunities. The red glint indicates attacks that punch through blocks and drain stamina rapidly.
Manage your Spirit carefully if relying on Force Palm to stagger his combos. Save Force Palm for right after a successful parry to maximize stagger uptime and get the full damage combo in.
Explore the ruins thoroughly before engaging Saigord. The Fallen Kingdom's Rapier and other items hidden behind breakable planks can give you a meaningful equipment upgrade for the boss fight.
In Phase 3, Saigord is faster but uses the same core patterns. Stay patient, keep dodging red-glint attacks, and capitalize on the same openings that worked in earlier phases.
Bring extra food for healing. Saigord's heavier attacks deal significant damage, and having a healthy supply of cooked food lets you learn his patterns without restarting the encounter.
See Also
The Staglord: Full article on Saigord the Staglord, including lore and combat details
Faction Quests: Overview of all faction questlines in Crimson Desert
Bosses: List of all boss encounters in the game
Hernand: Overview of the Hernand region
Ice Resistance: How cold resistance works and how to increase it
Watch and Learn Skill Locations: All skills obtainable through the Watch and Learn mechanic
Staglord's Shield: Detailed stats and usage for the shield reward