Overview
The Iguana is a skittish but beautiful species of lizard with vivid colors, found in the warmer regions of Pywel. It is cataloged in the Knowledge System under the Lifeforms category as a reptile. Iguanas are part of the broader reptile population in Crimson Desert, which also includes the Helodrama Lizard. Hunting reptiles can yield crafting materials such as Sturdy Hide.
Appearance
Iguanas are medium-sized lizards recognized by their vivid, colorful scales. Their bright coloring makes them one of the more visually striking wildlife species in the game. They have long tails, splayed limbs, and a row of small spines running along their backs. Despite their eye-catching appearance, they are quick to bolt when a player gets too close.
Behavior
Iguanas are among the most alert and reactive wildlife species in Pywel. They have a wide detection radius and will begin fleeing the moment a player enters a sprint within range. When undisturbed, they sit motionless on rocks soaking up warmth, occasionally flicking their tails. Once startled, they bolt at high speed along the ground and can cover a surprising distance before stopping again.
Unlike some wildlife that will attack when cornered, iguanas are entirely passive. They never initiate combat and their only defense is to run. If you manage to drop a captured iguana from your inventory, it will scurry away dynamically from wherever it lands, which is a nice touch of environmental detail but not useful for farming purposes.
Location and Habitat
Iguanas favor warm, sun-exposed environments such as rocky outcrops, dry grasslands, and arid hillsides. They bask on rocks and flat surfaces to regulate their body temperature and will dart away when they detect movement. Players are most likely to encounter iguanas in southern and central regions of Pywel where the climate is milder.
Iguanas are most commonly found in the warmer lowland areas south and southwest of Hernand, where sun-baked stone and sparse vegetation provide ideal basking spots. They tend to cluster on flat rock surfaces and exposed ledges near scrub brush. Keep an eye out along paths that cut through dry grassland plateaus, as iguanas often rest just off the trail.
Drops and Materials
Reptiles such as iguanas can drop Sturdy Hide when skinned, used in crafting recipes.
Discovering an Iguana adds its entry to the Lifeforms section of the Knowledge System
Sturdy Hide
Sturdy Hide is the primary crafting drop from iguanas and other large reptiles. It is described as special leather strengthened through a stiffening process, tough as plate yet still somewhat flexible, providing high protection for armor. At the blacksmith, Sturdy Hide is used to refine and upgrade leather armor and jewelry through the refinement system. If hunting iguanas for hides proves too time-consuming, Sturdy Hide can also be purchased from the Tannery shop in Hernand for 60 Copper. The Tannery restocks its inventory every day at midnight in-game time, so sleeping at a bed nearby can speed up the process if you need bulk quantities.
Hunting and Skinning
To hunt an iguana, you need to kill it first with a weapon or ranged attack, then interact with the carcass to skin it. Because iguanas are so fast, a ranged approach often works better than trying to close the distance on foot. Use a bow or throwing weapon to take them down before they can escape. Once the iguana is dead, walk up to the body and press the interact button to skin it and collect the hide. Note that reptile hides are categorized separately from mammal hides (such as Thin Hide or Thick Hide) in the crafting system, so check which material type your current equipment upgrade requires before farming.
Iguana hunting counts toward the broader Hunting Challenges system. One of the 11 Hunting Challenges requires the player to collect various hide types, including Sturdy Hide from reptiles. Completing all 11 challenges unlocks the Ultimate Hunter achievement.
Tips
Iguanas are very skittish. Close the distance quickly or use a ranged attack before they flee.
Look for them sunning themselves on rocks during the daytime. They are harder to find at night.
Reptile hides are categorized differently from mammal hides in the crafting system, so keep an eye on which materials you need.