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Playable Characters
February 11, 2026 at 09:05 AM
Added only Kliff progresses main story, no character creator, clothing/hairstyle customization, Oongka pickaxe for mining crystals, Oongka arm cannon detail
Crimson Desert has three pre-determined playable characters with no character creation system. There is no class system. Instead, playstyle variety comes from which character you play and which weapons you equip. Characters are customizable with different clothing and hairstyles, but you cannot change their face or body.
You start as Kliff and unlock Damiane and Oongka by progressing through the story. Once recruited, you can freely switch between all three for exploration and side content. However, only Kliff can progress the main story. Damiane and Oongka are available for open-world exploration, side quests, and faction content.
Kliff MacDuff is the lead protagonist and leader of the Greymanes. He begins as a survivor who has lost everything after the Black Bears ambush. Kliff has the widest range of weapons and abilities in the game.
Kliff's arsenal:
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 Nitoryu-style combo chains.
Longsword -- Versatile single blade.
Bow -- Multiple ammo types, elemental infusions via Axiom Bracelet.
Arquebus -- Firearm for ranged follow-ups after melee combos.
Pitchfork -- Improvised weapon, suggesting environmental weapon pickups exist.
Bare-handed combat -- Full unarmed moveset: punches, kicks, clotheslines, shoulder tackles, chokeslams, suplexes.
Kliff's traversal:
Crow Wings glider (from the Abyss)
Standard climbing with stamina
All mount types
Kliff is the generalist. He can adapt to any encounter, which makes him the most versatile character.
Damiane is a swift, agile warrior described as "incredibly agile" with magic abilities that "cast down magic from the sky." She is recruited during the story campaign.
Damiane's arsenal:
Rapier and buckler -- Fast, precise thrusting attacks with light parry.
Claymore / Greatsword -- Heavy sweeping attacks for raw damage.
Musket -- Ranged firearm with enhanced damage after charge delay.
Flintlock pistol -- Short-range firearm for quick follow-ups.
Izuna Drop -- Ninja Gaiden-style aerial grab. Damiane catches an enemy mid-air and pile-drives them into the ground.
Spinning kick combos -- Followed by ninja-style throwing attacks.
Sky magic -- Casts magical attacks down from above.
Damiane's traversal:
Propeller gadget -- A unique flight device that allows powered gliding and flying. Provides access to vertical exploration routes inaccessible to other characters. Can be used for aerial repositioning in combat.
Damiane plays like an aerial assassin. She excels at getting above enemies, delivering devastating plunge attacks, and repositioning before retaliation.
Oongka is a heavy-hitting bruiser and core member of the Greymanes. He is described as an "orc barbarian" type in some coverage. Recruited during the story.
Oongka's arsenal:
Two-handed great axe -- Devastating ground slams, spinning attacks, and overhead cleaves. Charged swings knock enemies into each other for chain reactions. Leap slam brings the axe down from above.
Large hammer -- Slam attacks with high stagger potential. Knocks enemies into other enemies.
Wrist-mounted crossbow -- Fires incendiary bolts with John Woo-style slow-motion aiming.
Arm cannon -- An additional ranged option alongside the crossbow.
Pickaxe -- Used for mining crystals and resources. Oongka has a unique connection to the mining and gathering gameplay.
Oongka is the answer to every "there are too many enemies" problem. His wide-arc swings, area-of-effect slams, and knockback mechanics make him thrive in chaotic group fights. He can also mine crystals with his pickaxe, tying into the crafting system.
Once Damiane and Oongka are recruited, you can switch between all three characters in the open world. Key switching rules:
Main story -- Only Kliff can progress the main campaign.
Side content -- All three characters are available for exploration, side quests, faction quests, and boss hunting.
Different experiences -- Each character's traversal and combat abilities open different routes and reward different tactics in the same locations.
There is no character creator. All three characters are pre-determined with fixed appearances. However, you can customize:
Clothing -- Equip different outfits and armor pieces. Boss drops include exclusive costumes.
Hairstyles -- Change hairstyles.
Equipment -- Weapons and gear affect appearance. See Weapons & Equipment.
Additional playable characters are a possibility for post-launch content, contingent on player appetite and reception. Pearl Abyss has described the game as "the first part of a series."
