Overview
Mastery Challenges test weapon proficiency and horsemanship in Crimson Desert. There are 10 subcategories with a combined total of 64 challenges, all filed under Goyen's Advice in the journal. Every Mastery Challenge is unlocked by finding a Sealed Abyss Artifact in the open world. Completing all Mastery Challenges unlocks the Unvanquished Strategist gold trophy and achievement.
Each weapon type has its own set of challenges that require you to demonstrate skill with that weapon. Challenges range from defeating enemies within time limits to performing specific combat techniques. Rewards include Abyss Artifacts (for the skill tree), Faded Abyss Artifacts (for skill resets), and Abyss Gear (elemental runes for equipment).
Mastery Challenge Categories
The following table shows all 10 Mastery subcategories, the number of challenges in each, and the trophy unlocked by completing them all.
Subcategory | Trophy / Achievement | Article | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sword | 6 | Master of Swords | |
Shield | 6 | Master of Shields | |
Bow | 6 | Master of Bows | |
Spear | 5 | Master of Spears | |
Two-Handed Weapon | 6 | Master of Two-Handed Weapons | |
5 | Master of Artillery | ||
Rapier and Shield | 5 | Master of Rapiers | |
5 | Master of Firearms | ||
10 | Grand Collector of Arms | ||
Horse | 10 | Tamer of Legends |
How Mastery Challenges Work
Unlocking: Each challenge is tied to a specific Sealed Abyss Artifact found along roads and paths in the open world. Pick up the artifact to reveal the challenge.
Tracking: Open the Journal menu and navigate to Challenges to view active mastery challenges and your progress.
Completing: Fulfill the challenge objective (for example, defeat 3 enemies with a sword within 30 seconds). Once complete, consume the Sealed Abyss Artifact to collect your Abyss Artifact reward.
Challenge progress: Progress only counts after you have collected the corresponding Sealed Abyss Artifact. Actions performed before pickup do not count.
Weapon Challenge Series Names
Each weapon type has a named challenge series. The table below shows the series name and example objectives for each weapon.
Weapon | Series Name | Example Objectives |
|---|---|---|
Sword | Sword of Trials | Defeat 3 enemies within 30 seconds using a sword; defeat 3 enemies without taking damage |
Shield | Shield of Unchanging Will | Defeat 3 enemies with shield; block 10 arrows with a shield; defeat 5 enemies without taking damage |
Bow | Bow Aimed at Fate | Hit targets at increasing distances and under time pressure |
Spear | Sharpened Spear | Hit enemies 30 times with spear in 30 seconds; defeat 5 enemies without taking damage while at full health |
Special Weapon | Strike 5 enemies at once with propeller spear wind attack; defeat 30 enemies with Lightning Spear; hit overheated Knuckledrill explosion 5 times |
Special Equipment Challenges
The 10 Special Equipment Challenges are unique because they require obtaining specific special weapons before you can complete them. Some special weapons are rewards from faction quests or specific activities.
Challenge | Weapon | Objective | Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
Special Weapon 2 | Strike 5 adversaries simultaneously using the propeller spear's wind attack | 1x Abyss Artifact, 1x Faded Abyss Artifact, 1x Shred II | |
Special Weapon 3 | Knuckledrill | Hit the explosion from the overheated Knuckledrill 5 times | 1x Abyss Artifact, 1x Lightningward II |
Special Weapon 4 | Defeat 30 enemies with the Lightning Spear | 1x Abyss Artifact, 1x Lightningward II |
Combat Challenges
In addition to Mastery Challenges, the Combat category contains three subcategories that test general fighting ability rather than weapon-specific skills.
Subcategory | Trophy / Achievement | Article | |
|---|---|---|---|
Training | 10 | Relentless Warrior | |
Battle | 10 | Battlefield Conqueror | |
Operation | 10 | Brilliant Tactician |
Example Battle Challenges
Challenge | Objective | Location | Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
Slam Master | Hit enemies 30 times with Meteor Kick within 3 minutes | 1x Abyss Artifact, 1x Swift II | |
Sinking Fort | Destroy 3 watchtowers within 20 seconds | Directly north of Tommaso | 1x Abyss Artifact, 1x Destruction II |
Defeat 5 enemies at once with the cannon | Second intersection north of Calphade Outpost, Hernand |
Example Operation Challenges
Challenge | Objective | Rewards |
|---|---|---|
Hidden Banner Pike | Defeat 10 soldiers with Banner Pikes in Demeniss within 30 minutes | 1x Abyss Artifact, 1x Faded Abyss Artifact, 1x Destruction II |
Assassinate 5 enemies at night | 1x Abyss Artifact, 1x Faded Abyss Artifact, 1x Destruction II | |
Judgment of the Storm | Defeat 30 enemies within 1 minute | |
Seeds of Discord | Commit crimes in both cities wearing opposite faction armor | 1x Abyss Artifact, 1x Greater Bloodbane |
Assassinate 3 enemies within 1 minute | ||
Disruption | Defeat 10 One-Eyed Jackals while wearing the Black Bear's Leather Helm | |
Meteor Run in the Dark | Destroy 2 Palisade Gates at night | 1x Abyss Artifact, 1x Disarm I |
Tips
Focus on unlocking mastery challenges for your primary weapon type first. The rewards feed directly into your skill tree.
Sealed Abyss Artifacts are found along roads and main paths. Explore thoroughly when traveling between locations.
Some challenges have time limits. Practice the required techniques before committing to a timed attempt.
Special Equipment Challenges require specific weapons. Complete the associated quests first to obtain the weapon, then return to the challenge.
Use Guiding Light to detect nearby Sealed Abyss Artifacts. A blue glimmer indicates one is within range.