Overview
Main Quests are the primary story missions in Crimson Desert. The campaign is divided into twelve numbered chapters, a Prologue, and an Epilogue. Each chapter is named and contains several quest groups, which are further subdivided into individual quests. Players must complete all quests within every group to achieve 100% chapter completion. The story follows Kliff and the Greymane mercenaries as they regroup after the Black Bears' ambush, establish Howling Hill as their base, and confront the growing threat of the Abyss across the continent of Pywel.
For information on other quest types, see the Quests page.
Prologue: Dead of Night
The story opens with the Black Bears launching a devastating ambush on the Greymanes' cabin. The survivors are scattered, and Kliff must navigate the aftermath and begin the search for his lost comrades.
Quest Group | Quest | Location |
|---|---|---|
Ambush | Unfamiliar Lands | Greymane Cabin |
In Ashes | Greymane Cabin | |
Unknown Space | Realm of Uncertainty | The Abyss (Corridor of the Void) |
New Journey | Three Saints Falls |
Chapter 1: The First Encounter
Kliff arrives at the town of Hernand and begins gathering information about the scattered Greymanes. He also experiences his first encounter with the Abyss and the mysterious Woman in White.
Quest Group | Quest |
|---|---|
Trials of Kindness | Where Rumors Gather |
Mysterious Man | |
True Wisdom in Kindness | |
Actions Speak Louder Than Words | |
Heart Beyond Borders | |
Trace | Mystical Key |
Polar Opposites | |
Abyss Without Balance | |
Woman in White |
Chapter 2: Golden Greed
Hernand is in turmoil as bandits control key infrastructure and the Goldleaf Merchant Guild's greed threatens the region. Kliff reunites with Rulupee and confronts the Hornsplitter at the Goldleaf Guildhouse.
Quest Group | Quest |
|---|---|
Unexpected Gift | Where the Light Leads |
Memory Fragment | |
Reunion | |
Hernand in Chaos | For Honor |
Awestruck | |
Shadow Cast Over the River | |
Where Misery Gathers | |
Trial After Trial | |
The Man Trapped in the Mire | |
Missing Companion | |
Secrets Hidden in the Dark | |
The End of Greed | The Dark Veil |
The Flames of Greed | |
Kidnapped Healer | |
Rebellion or Revolution | |
Cheers Echoing From the Edge |
Chapter 3: Howling Hill
The Greymanes begin rebuilding their base at Howling Hill. Kliff tracks down remaining comrades, confronts supernatural threats at Glenbright Manor, and faces the Reed Devil and a powerful foe at the Mountain of Frozen Souls.
Quest Group | Quest |
|---|---|
Homestead | Old Friend |
First Step to Rebuilding | |
A Fresh Start | |
Reward for Their Sweat | |
Return of the Comrade | |
Familiar Curses | |
The Face Behind the Mask | Return |
Traces in the Manor | |
Nonhuman | |
Seed of Unease | |
Dance with the Devil | |
Pioneering | Hope After the Draught |
Scattered Comrades | |
Rumors from the Sawmill | |
A Gentle Touch | |
Bustling Hill | |
Greymanes Reunited |
Chapter 4: The Price of Knowledge
Kliff investigates the Kilnden Workshop and pursues forbidden knowledge about the Abyss. The trail leads to Alustin and the Scholastone, culminating in a journey through a gate to the otherworld and the Spire of the Stars.
Quest Group | Quest |
|---|---|
Mysterious Iron Pot | Kilnden Workshop |
Kiln Repair at the Kilnden Workshop | |
The Mysterious Pot | |
The Iron Pot's Usage | |
Daily Life | Disturbance at the Arena |
Skilled in Archery | |
Forbidden Knowledge | The Words of Alustin |
Scholastone | |
On the Right Path | |
Gate to the Otherworld | |
Spire of the Stars | |
Obsession and Madness | |
Casted Shadow |
Chapter 5: Guest Unbidden
An uninvited delegation from Demeniss arrives, bringing political intrigue and concealed plots. Kliff must navigate the tensions between the rival houses while tracking a mysterious Crowcaller and uncovering a secret hidden within the church.
Quest Group | Quest |
|---|---|
Uninvited Guest | Double-sided Invitation |
Unwelcomed Guests | |
Demenissian Delegation | |
Exposed Plot | |
Black and White | The Missing Seal |
Crowcaller | |
The Crow's Warning | |
Bloodwind | |
Secret at the Church | |
Toward the Nest |
Chapter 6: Cracks in the Shield
War erupts on the frontlines. Kliff joins the defense effort, participating in large-scale battlefield operations, counterattacks, and fire support missions. The chapter concludes with a decisive victory, though not without betrayal from within.
Quest Group | Quest |
|---|---|
Blazing Beacon | News |
To the Battlefield | |
The Counterattack | |
Under the Banner Pike Again | Cradle of Defense |
The Touch of Deliverance | |
Fire on the Frontlines | |
Turning Tides | Fire Support |
In Ashes | |
Hidden Fangs | |
Reclamation | |
The Unyielding Shields | A Thousand Troops |
Traitor | |
All Quiet on the Front | |
News of Victory | |
Return Home |
Chapter 7: Homecoming
Kliff returns to find treachery has taken root among the Greymanes' allies. He must restore trust, drive enemies out of Pailune, and lead a decisive battle at Silverwolf Mountain. The chapter ends with the pursuit of Ludvig and a reckoning for past betrayals.
Quest Group | Quest |
|---|---|
Dawn Mist | Ashes of Treachery |
Trust Lost | |
Bared Fang | |
Rekindled Hope | |
Podium of Resolve | |
Dawnrise | Shadows Over Pailune |
Driving out the Shadows | |
Lurking Wolves | |
Reclamation | |
Lonely Jackals | |
Resolution | |
Decisive Battle | The Counterattack |
Unleashed Fury | |
The Final Bridge | |
Broken Claws | |
Battle at Silverwolf Mountain | |
Incomplete Victory | |
Twisted Fate | Ludvig's Whereabouts |
Time to Face Justice |
Chapter 8: Blood Coronation
After healing Pailune, Kliff travels to Demeniss to confront rising political turmoil. The chapter involves rebel suppression, the encounter with the Cursed Knight, and culminates in the Blood Coronation, a turning point in the war for Pywel.
Quest Group | Quest |
|---|---|
Ashen Steps | Healing Pailune |
A Bond | |
Ritual Preparations | |
Where the Wind Guides You | |
To Demeniss | Chasing a Shadow |
Blazing Fire | |
Whispering Shadows | |
Bloodied Invitation | |
Resolve Amidst a Storm | |
Rebel Suppression | |
The Cursed Knight | |
The Blood Coronation | |
Traitor | Clue |
A Fleeting Dream |
Chapter 9: The Sage of the Desert
A mysterious voice calls Kliff to the Cloister of Enlightenment. This chapter is heavily focused on spiritual trials, as Kliff trains at Jijeong Temple, faces his inner self, and ultimately confronts the Black Witch. The chapter concludes with Kliff receiving new perspectives and witnessing the depths of the enemy's lust for power.
Quest Group | Quest |
|---|---|
The Calling | An Unknown Voice |
The Cloister of Enlightenment | |
Shattered Ties | |
Mark of the Scar | |
Shackles of Fate | |
Thinning Blade | |
Crossing Point | |
Unwavering Steps | |
Six Pensive Statues and the Evil Spirit | |
Morning Fog | Jijeong Temple in Chaos |
Path to Enlightenment | |
Path of the Disciple | |
True Strength | |
Face the Inner Self | |
Veiled Witch | Fragments of Darkness |
Pursuit Beyond the Veil | |
Black Witch | |
Enlightenment | |
The Cloister of Enlightenment (II) | |
The Sage of the Desert | |
New Perspectives | |
Lust for Power |
Chapter 10: Counterattack
The Greymanes prepare a counteroffensive using secret weapons and advanced ironwork technology. Kliff oversees the construction of war machines, faces clockwork insect enemies, and battles a frozen-hearted predator as invaders from the east threaten Pywel.
Quest Group | Quest |
|---|---|
Secret Weapon | Untouchable |
The Gate of War | |
Master of the Ironworks | |
Hidden Ace | |
Clockwork Insect Clash | |
Greater Firepower | |
Beating Heart | |
Invaders from the East | |
Frozen Hearted Predator | |
Lingering Shadow |
Chapter 11: Truth and Reality
Kliff enters the City of Steel and discovers the truth behind the forces manipulating Pywel. The chapter involves navigating a strange manor, uncovering fortress keys, and ascending to the Cloud Castle Orbian.
Quest Group | Quest |
|---|---|
Brave New World | The City of Steel |
Crossroads | |
Strange Manor | |
Fortress Keys | |
Truth and Lies | |
Foreboding Shadow | |
Master of a Forgotten Land | |
Whispers in the Wind | |
Cloud Castle Orbian |
Chapter 12: The Abyss
The final chapter brings Kliff to the Abyss itself for the climactic battle. After precise tactical planning and a deferred advance, the brave depart through the forbidden gate into the Void, facing blinding darkness in the ultimate confrontation.
Quest Group | Quest |
|---|---|
The Final Battle | Precise Execution |
Deferred Advance | |
Departure of the Brave | |
Forbidden Gate | |
The Void | |
A Shadow in the Void | |
Blinding Darkness |
Epilogue: Journey's End
With the Abyss threat resolved, the Epilogue wraps up the story with a series of closing quests. Kliff visits key locations across Pywel one last time, witnessing the lasting impact of his choices on the world and its people.
Quest | Description |
|---|---|
Journey's End | The final reflective quest before the credits. |
A New Beginning | A fresh chapter begins for Kliff and the Greymanes. |
Peace in Hernand | Return to Hernand to see the town at peace. |
The Unyielding Shields | Revisit the defenders who held the line. |
The Heart of Pywel | Visit the heart of the continent. |
The Desert's Edge | Travel to the far reaches of the desert. |
The Enduring Flame | A tribute to those who sacrificed everything. |
Evolving City | See how the cities have changed. |
New Horizons | The story concludes with hope for the future. |
Tips
Each chapter must be completed in order. There is no way to skip ahead or replay individual chapters during a first playthrough.
Quest groups within a chapter are typically completed sequentially, though some chapters allow tackling groups in a flexible order.
Some quest names repeat across chapters (for example, "In Ashes" and "Reclamation" appear in multiple chapters). These are distinct quests with different objectives.
The main story is estimated to take 40 to 50 hours to complete if you focus exclusively on main quests. Completing everything, including faction quests and challenges, extends the total playtime well beyond 100 hours.
Pay attention to cutscenes and dialogue during main quests. The Observing mechanic can unlock new skills during key story moments.