Revision 6

Overview

Mark of Darkness is a ring accessory in Crimson Desert. It is classified as Epic (Tier 4) equipment.

A ring proving the status of a deacon within Antumbra's followers. It symbolizes the qualification to pioneer the path of darkness and lead other followers.

Beyond its base stats, this ring provides Attack Speed Lv.0 (max Lv.4), Stamina Regen -50000%.

Stats

Refinement

The Mark of Darkness can be refined to increase its stats. Each refinement level requires specific materials and Silver. The table below shows the stats and material costs at each refinement level.

How to Obtain

The Mark of Darkness is found inside Windier Manor in the city of Deminis. The ring is locked inside a puzzle chest that requires solving a dial-matching puzzle to open.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Travel to Windier Manor in Deminis. The manor is a restricted area, so you must have a Mask equipped to enter without alerting guards.

2. Enter through the back of the building. The front entrance is guarded, but the rear has a breakable entry point.

3. Locate the puzzle chest inside the manor. The chest features a set of rotating dials that display image fragments.

4. Solve the puzzle by turning each dial until the image pieces align and match the complete picture. The puzzle is similar to other strongbox puzzles found throughout the game.

5. Open the chest to collect the Mark of Darkness ring.

The ring can be stolen (it is technically theft), so having the Mask equipped is critical. Without it, nearby NPCs will become hostile.

Strongbox Puzzle Details

The strongbox inside Winmia Manor (located just above Deminus) contains the Mark of Darkness. The front entrance of the manor is guarded and the guards will not let you pass, so you need to go around to the back of the building. Look for a window that you can climb through to enter the manor undetected.

Once inside, locate the strongbox. The puzzle requires you to spin a set of squares until they form a whale image. Each square can be rotated independently, and you need to align all of them so the complete whale picture is visible. After solving the puzzle, you must have a thieving mask equipped to steal the ring from the chest.

At maximum refinement (+10), the Mark of Darkness grants +4 Attack Speed, tying it with the Witch's Ring for the highest attack speed bonus among rings.

Role in Stat Optimization

The Mark of Darkness is considered best in slot for the ring slot when pursuing the 15/15/15 stat benchmark. At max refinement (+10), it provides Attack Speed Lv.4, which translates to +4 Attack Speed. Paired with the Witch's Ring (+4 Attack Speed, obtained as a guaranteed drop from the Sage of the Desert during the Chapter 9 quest "Thinning Blade"), the two rings together contribute +8 Attack Speed from equipment. Three Attack Speed Abyss Cores (+3 each, but only 7 more needed) then push the total to 15.

Budget Alternative

Players who have not yet reached Windier Manor or prefer a simpler path can substitute two Tarnish Rings instead. Each Tarnish Ring provides +3 Attack Speed, giving +6 from rings alone. This requires one additional Attack Speed Abyss Core compared to the Mark of Darkness setup, but Tarnish Rings are significantly easier to obtain.

Detailed Location Guide

The Mark of Darkness is found in Deminis, north of the city at Windmir Manor. Inside the manor, go upstairs and turn right, then proceed left through the corridor. Look for a strongbox with a dial-matching puzzle. Solve the puzzle by rotating the dials until the image fragments align into the complete picture. Opening the chest awards the Mark of Darkness. Note that the manor is a restricted area, so equip a Mask before entering to avoid alerting guards.

Combined Attack Speed Potential

Together with the Witch's Ring (also +4 attack speed at max refinement), the Mark of Darkness provides a total of +8 attack speed from rings alone. When you add two Attack Speed 3 Abyss Gears in boots (+3 each, totaling +6), the grand total reaches 14 attack speed, which is one point short of the cap at 15. This level of attack speed transforms greatsword combat into extremely fast swings that dramatically change how the weapon feels.

Abyss Gear Stat Mechanics

An important and counterintuitive mechanic to understand when building around the Mark of Darkness: Abyss Gear attack speed bonuses slotted into gloves and boots affect your attack speed regardless of which weapon you have equipped. However, crit rate or attack damage bonuses from Abyss Gears placed in gloves and boots only increase your unarmed attack stats. They do not carry over to sword or bow attacks. This means you should always use your glove and boot Abyss Gear slots for attack speed rather than crit or attack damage, because those other stats will only benefit punching, not your actual weapon swings.

Usage and Tips

Rings in Crimson Desert primarily boost offensive stats like Attack and Attack Speed. The Mark of Darkness can be equipped alongside other accessories to build toward specific combat roles.

The Stamina regeneration bonus affects how quickly your character recovers stamina, which fuels dodging, blocking, and attacking. Faster stamina recovery means more defensive options during high-pressure combat situations.

Refinement is available up to +10, which improves both the base stats and any bonus effects. Consider investing refinement materials if you plan to keep this accessory equipped for an extended period.

See Also

• Accessories - Complete list of all accessories in Crimson Desert

• Equipment - Overview of all gear types

• Combat - Combat mechanics and strategies