Loading...
Loading...
Kliff
February 28, 2026 at 10:14 AM
Expanded: voice actor details, dual wielding, Nitoryu, additional weapon info, personality depth
Kliff MacDuff is the main protagonist of Crimson Desert and the leader of the Greymanes mercenary group. He is the son of Martinus, a former Greymanes leader who met a tragic end. The game follows Kliff's journey to reunite his scattered comrades, rebuild the Greymanes, and confront the forces threatening the continent of Pywel. He is voiced by Alec Newman, known for his roles as Adam Smasher in Cyberpunk 2077, his BAFTA-winning lead performance in Still Wakes the Deep, and roles in Final Fantasy XIV and Elden Ring.
Newman described Kliff as someone with "a strong moral compass" who "knows very clearly what is right and what is wrong." Kliff carries the burden of leadership after the destruction of the Greymanes at the hands of the Black Bears. He starts the game at his lowest point, barely any abilities left and comrades dead or scattered. Despite this, his fierce loyalty to those who depend on him drives the entire narrative. Newman noted that Kliff initially appears reserved but "loosens up and opens up more" alongside his companions as the group reunites.
Kliff has the broadest weapon selection of any character in the game. There is no class system; his combat identity is defined entirely by whatever weapons he has equipped at any given moment.
Weapon Type | Description |
|---|---|
Sword and Shield | Balanced offense and defense; the default starting loadout with reliable blocking |
Two-Handed Greatsword | Slower but harder-hitting sweeping attacks with long range |
Dual Curved Swords (Nitoryu) | Fast dual-wielding style with rapid combo chains; confirmed as separate curved blades |
Spear | Extended reach with thrust-focused attacks for keeping enemies at distance |
One-Handed Axe | Quick chops with decent stagger potential |
Two-Handed Axe | Heavy overhead swings with high damage per hit |
Dual Daggers | Extremely fast close-range attacks for aggressive rushdown combat |
Bow | Ranged attacks with multiple arrow types including explosive, freezing, and fire arrows |
Crow's Wing:
A raven-wing cloak gifted by White Crow the Witch after Kliff visits the Abyss. It allows Kliff to glide across large distances, transforming him into a shade-like figure. See the dedicated Crow's Wing article for full details.
Force Palm:
A powerful palm strike that can be charged and infused with elemental effects through the Axiom Bracelet. In combat, it launches enemies skyward for aerial follow-ups. For traversal, it launches Kliff himself into the air.
Axiom Force:
An aerial combat maneuver performed while gliding. Kliff crashes into the ground in a damaging shockwave, transitioning from traversal directly into combat. This connects the Axiom Bracelet's elemental powers with aerial movement.
Grappling Hook:
A versatile traversal tool that does not snap Kliff instantly to a target. Instead, it slingshots him into the air, from which he can transition into a glide or divekick. He can target rooftops, treetops, and cliff ledges as launch points. See the Grappling Hook article for full mechanics.
Bare-Hands Combat:
Kliff can fight unarmed using clotheslines, shoulder tackles, chokeslams, and back breaks. Bare hands have their own damage stat, making unarmed combat a viable approach rather than a last resort.
The story begins with the Greymanes' devastating defeat at the hands of Myurdin and the Black Bears. The group's former leader Gian is killed, and the surviving Greymanes are scattered across the continent. Kliff must travel through all five regions of Pywel to find his companions, rebuild the Greymane Camp, and ultimately confront the Black Bears. As the journey progresses, Kliff discovers that the threat to Pywel extends far beyond the factional conflict, involving the Abyss and forces that endanger the entire continent.
