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Playable Characters
February 11, 2026 at 08:52 AM
Added Damiane's Izuna Drop and propeller gadget for flying, Oongka's enemy-into-enemy knockback, character-specific traversal abilities, switching mechanics detail
Crimson Desert has three playable characters, each with a distinct combat style and traversal capabilities. You start as Kliff and unlock Damiane and Oongka as companions during the story. Once recruited, you can switch between characters in the open world, bringing a different moveset and gameplay experience to the same encounters.
Additional playable characters are a possibility for post-launch content, according to Pearl Abyss.
Kliff MacDuff is the lead protagonist and leader of the Greymanes. He is a versatile warrior with access to the widest range of weapons in the game.
Kliff's combat style:
Weapon variety -- Sword and shield, greatsword, spear, dual-wield swords, longsword, bow, arquebus, pitchfork, and more. Kliff can use almost every weapon type in the game.
Wrestling -- Full access to grapples and wrestling moves (Chokeslam, Angle Slam, Giant Swing, tackles).
Axiom Bracelet -- Channels elemental magic across all five elements.
Bare-handed combat -- Complete unarmed moveset with its own damage stat.
Traversal -- Standard climbing, gliding (Crow Wings), and horseback riding.
Kliff is the generalist. He can do a bit of everything, which makes him the most adaptable character for unpredictable encounters.
Damiane is a swift, agile warrior who emphasizes speed, precision, and aerial attacks. She is recruited during the story campaign.
Damiane's combat style:
Rapier and buckler -- Fast, precise thrusting attacks with light parry capability. Her primary close-range option.
Claymore / Greatsword -- Heavy sweeping attacks for when she needs raw damage output.
Musket -- Ranged firearm with enhanced damage after a charge delay. Can be fired between melee combo strings.
Izuna Drop -- A Ninja Gaiden-style aerial move where Damiane grabs an enemy mid-air and pile-drives them into the ground. One of her signature techniques.
Quick-step dodge -- Faster evasion than Kliff's standard dodge. Damiane can reposition rapidly during fights.
Damiane's traversal:
Propeller gadget -- A unique traversal device that allows Damiane to glide and fly through the air. This gives her access to vertical exploration routes that other characters cannot reach. The propeller can also be used tactically in combat for aerial repositioning.
Damiane plays like an aerial assassin. She excels at getting above enemies, delivering devastating plunge attacks, and repositioning before they can retaliate.
Oongka is a heavy-hitting bruiser and a core member of the Greymanes. He specializes in crowd control and raw damage output. He is recruited during the story campaign.
Oongka's combat style:
Large hammer -- Devastating slam attacks with high stagger potential. The hammer can knock enemies into each other, turning crowds into their own worst enemy.
Two-handed axe -- Massive cleaving swings. Includes a leap slam where Oongka brings the axe down from above like a barbarian. Charged swings send enemies flying into other enemies for chain reactions.
Wrist-mounted crossbow -- Ranged option that fires incendiary bolts. Has a slow-motion aiming mode for precision shots.
Crowd control focus -- Oongka's moveset is built around fighting groups. His swings have wide arcs, his slams have area-of-effect, and his knockback sends enemies colliding into each other for bonus damage.
Oongka is the answer to every "there are too many enemies" problem. Where Kliff and Damiane excel against single targets, Oongka thrives in chaotic group fights.
Once Damiane and Oongka are recruited through the story, you can switch between all three characters in the open world. The switching mechanic lets you approach different situations with the best-suited character:
Kliff for versatile encounters where you need to adapt on the fly
Damiane for aerial approaches, precision strikes, and reaching high places with the propeller gadget
Oongka for crowd control in faction battles and group encounters
Each character experiences the same open world differently because their traversal abilities open different routes and their combat styles reward different tactics.
Each character has unique traversal capabilities beyond standard running, climbing, and horseback riding:
Kliff -- Crow Wings glider (from the Abyss), standard climbing with stamina. Generalist traversal.
Damiane -- Propeller gadget for powered flight and gliding. Can reach areas inaccessible to other characters.
Oongka -- Brute strength. Details on unique traversal still being documented, but his combat traversal (leap slams) covers ground quickly in fights.
Pearl Abyss has indicated that additional playable characters are a possibility for post-launch content, contingent on player appetite and reception.
