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Overview
Crimson Desert has three pre-determined playable characters with no character creation system. There is no class system. Playstyle variety comes from which character you play and which weapons you equip. Characters are customizable with different clothing and hairstyles, including the ability to customize most gear, even rare and unique items.
You start as Kliff and unlock the other two characters by progressing through the main story. Once recruited, you can freely switch between all three for exploration and side content. Only Kliff can progress the main story. Damiane and Oongka are available for open-world exploration, side quests, faction content, and their own unique side narratives and missions.
Each character has their own side content, side missions, and extra narrative threads. Switching characters is not just about combat variety -- it opens different story experiences and potentially different quest paths.
Kliff
Kliff MacDuff is the lead protagonist and canonical main character. He is the leader of the Greymanes and the only character who can advance the main campaign. Kliff has the widest range of weapons and abilities in the game.
Kliff's arsenal:
Item | Description |
|---|---|
Sword and shield | Balanced default loadout with parry chains and overhead slams. |
Greatsword | Heavy two-handed AoE swings. |
Spear | Superior reach, wind blast attacks. |
Dual-wield curved blades -- Fast combo chains. | -- |
Longsword | Versatile single blade. |
Bow | Multiple ammo types, elemental infusions via Axiom Bracelet. Archery builds are viable -- the progression system supports full archery specialization. |
Arquebus | Firearm for ranged follow-ups after melee combos. |
Bare-handed combat -- Full unarmed moveset including punches, kicks, chokeslams, suplexes, and wrestling grapples. | -- |
Kliff's traversal:
Crow Wings glider (gifted by a white mage, tied to Abyss powers)
Standard climbing with stamina (mountains and trees)
Grappling hook for combat and traversal
All mount types
Kliff is the generalist. He can adapt to any encounter, which makes him the most versatile character.
Damiane
Damiane is a swift, agile warrior described as an "agile assassin type" with a pistol moveset and mystical sword abilities. She is recruited during the story campaign.
Damiane's arsenal:
Item | Description |
|---|---|
Large sword (two-hand slam) -- A heavy blade used for powerful overhead slams. Despite her agile frame, Damiane can deliver devastating two-handed strikes when she commits to the heavier weapon. | -- |
Thin sword with parry buckler | Fast, precise thrusting attacks with a small shield for parrying. This is her primary close-range option for defensive combat. |
Pistol with flashy sidestep dodge | A flintlock pistol that integrates into her agile fighting style. Damiane performs stylish sidestep dodges that transition directly into gunfire. The pistol can be fired between melee combo strings. |
Mystical sword abilities | Magical sword techniques that cast effects from the sky. These abilities blend physical swordplay with supernatural power. |
Izuna Drop | A Ninja Gaiden-style aerial grab where Damiane catches an enemy mid-air and pile-drives them into the ground. |
Damiane's traversal:
Propeller gadget -- A unique flight device for powered gliding and flying. Provides access to vertical exploration routes inaccessible to other characters.
Damiane plays like an aerial assassin. She excels at getting above enemies, delivering devastating plunge attacks, and repositioning before retaliation. Her flashy sidestep dodges into gunfire give her a unique rhythm in combat.
Oongka
Oongka is a heavy-hitting bruiser described as an "ogre warrior" or barbarian type. He is a core member of the Greymanes. Recruited during the story.
Oongka's arsenal:
Item | Description |
|---|---|
Two-handed great axe -- Devastating spinning attacks and leaping slams. Oongka excels with axes above all other weapons. The axe can be spun in wide arcs to hit groups and leaped with for aerial overhead strikes. | -- |
Hand cannon | A heavy firearm with incendiary ammo. The cannon can fire a slow charging blast for massive damage. In one of his signature techniques, Oongka fires the cannon midair which triggers a slow-motion aiming mode for precision shots while suspended in the air. |
Pickaxe | Used specifically for mining crystals and resources. Oongka has a unique connection to mining and gathering gameplay. Certain resources may only be available to him, making him the go-to character for specific material farming. |
Crowd control focus | Oongka's moveset is built around fighting groups. Wide-arc swings, area-of-effect slams, and knockback mechanics that send enemies colliding into each other. |
Oongka is the answer to every "there are too many enemies" problem. His wide-arc swings, AoE slams, and knockback mechanics make him thrive in chaotic group fights. His pickaxe gives him a unique role in the resource gathering loop that other characters cannot replicate.
Character switching
Once Damiane and Oongka are recruited, you can switch between all three characters at almost any moment in the open world. Key switching rules:
Character | Description |
|---|---|
Main story | Only Kliff can progress the main campaign. He remains the canonical protagonist for the main narrative. |
Side content | All three characters are available for exploration, side quests, faction quests, and boss hunting. |
Own narratives | Each character has their own side content, side missions, and extra narrative threads. Switching is not just about combat variety. |
Character-specific resources -- Some resources (like crystals for Oongka's pickaxe) may only be gatherable by specific characters. | -- |
Different experiences | Each character's traversal and combat abilities open different routes and reward different tactics in the same locations. |
Build variety
The absence of a class system means build variety comes from weapon choice, artifact distribution, and character selection. Confirmed viable build paths include:
Item | Description |
|---|---|
Archery builds | Full specialization in bow combat is viable through the skill tree and artifact system. |
Melee builds | Various weapon-focused builds from greatsword to dual-wield to spear. |
Elemental builds | Focus on Axiom Bracelet elemental magic. |
Hybrid builds | Mix weapons, elements, and grapple techniques freely. |
Customization
There is no character creator. All three characters are pre-determined with fixed appearances. However, you can customize:
Item | Description |
|---|---|
Clothing and fashion | Equip different outfits and armor. You can customize most gear, including rare and unique items. Boss drops include exclusive costumes. |
Hairstyles | Change hairstyles for each character. |
Equipment | Weapons and gear affect appearance. See Weapons & Equipment. |
Future characters
Additional playable characters are a possibility for post-launch content. Pearl Abyss has described the game as "the first part of a series."