Side Quests Guide
A comprehensive guide to side quests in Crimson Desert, covering faction quests, bounty hunts, NPC commissions, and all the unique rewards available from each faction across Pywel.
Loading...
Loading...
Side quests in Crimson Desert are primarily organized through the faction quest system. Rather than a simple checklist of odd jobs, the game ties its side content into the political and social fabric of Pywel. Every major settlement, noble house, and organization offers its own pool of quests, each with distinct storylines, difficulty tiers, and rewards. Completing these quests earns you Abyss Artifacts (which grant skill points for your skill tree), crafting materials, Silver currency, unique weapons, accessories, camp upgrades, and narrative payoffs that flesh out the world.
Crimson Desert features over 100 distinct factions at launch. Each faction has its own reputation, quest pool, and reward structure. Some factions like the Greymanes are tied directly to camp progression, while others like House Celeste focus on bounty hunting or political intrigue. Side quests range from quick five-minute fetch tasks to multi-part storylines with boss fights and branching outcomes.
Faction quests are the backbone of Crimson Desert's side content. These quests are grouped under named factions, and each faction has its own questline, characters, and thematic focus. Faction quests unlock progressively as you advance through the main story and explore new regions. Most factions require you to speak with a specific NPC or visit a notice board to accept their quests.
Faction quests vary widely in scope. Some are simple delivery or escort missions, while others involve dungeon crawling, puzzle solving, or full boss encounters. The Antumbra Order quests, for example, send you into sanctums with challenging combat, whereas Greymane Commissions tend to be shorter resource-gathering tasks.
Hernand Commissions form the largest single quest pool in the game, with over a dozen tasks from individual townsfolk. These commissions focus on resource delivery, exploration, and local problem-solving. Most reward a Medium Bag (inventory expansion) plus crafting materials or consumables. Greymane Commissions are a separate pool of 27 requests from rescued survivors living in your camp, each rewarding a Medium Bag.
The Scattered Embers faction encompasses side quests from your closest companions: Naira, Yann, Oongka, and other supporting characters. These quests are more narrative-driven and focus on character backstories and personal stakes. While most carry no material reward, they provide significant lore and occasionally unique items like the Grey Dye from Brightening the Spirits.
Side quests in Crimson Desert do not always announce themselves with obvious markers. Finding everything requires a mix of exploration, conversation, and paying attention to the environment.
Orange dot NPCs: NPCs with orange dots on the minimap are active quest-givers with commissions or plights. Always speak with them.
Notice boards: Every major settlement has a notice board displaying bounties and requests. Check these regularly, especially after completing main story chapters.
Faction boards: Some factions have dedicated quest boards. The Greymane Camp at Howling Hill has its own board for Commissions and Grounds of the Sunrise quests.
Environmental clues: Books, notes, and letters scattered throughout the world can trigger quests when you read them.
White dot NPCs: NPCs marked with white dots on the minimap offer lore tidbits that can reveal secrets, fast travel points, or new quest leads.
Story progression: Many faction quests only become available after reaching certain chapters in the main story or completing prerequisite quests within that faction's chain.
Faction | Region | Quest Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
Howling Hill / All Regions | Survivor rescue, camp expansion | Abyss Artifacts, camp facilities, crafting materials | |
Resource gathering, NPC requests | Medium Bag x1 each (inventory expansion) | ||
Various | Companion backstory quests | ||
Political intrigue, dungeon exploration | Engraved Gold Earring, Knuckledrill, Gold Vein Map, Bloodstones | ||
Silver currency (up to 25 Silver per bounty) | |||
NPC requests, resource delivery | Medium Bags, Logging Axe, Bekker Shield, crafting materials | ||
Sanctums (various) | Sanctum clearing, boss fights | Abyss Artifacts, Vessel of Dark Pursuit (two-handed sword) | |
Military quests | House of Spears questline rewards | ||
Regional defense, boss fights | Crossroads of Succession rewards, Saigord boss fight | ||
Political quests | |||
Hernand Witches | Hidden locations across Hernand | Witch hunts and rituals | Unique consumables, Abyss Artifacts |
Gathering, local tasks | Crafting materials, consumables |
The Greymane faction quests are divided into three tabs in your journal: Scattered Embers, Grounds of the Sunrise, and Greymane Commissions. Together they form the most expansive faction questline in the game.
The Grounds of the Sunrise chain contains 38 quests, making it the single largest faction quest chain in the game. These quests focus on tracking down scattered Greymane survivors across Pywel, reuniting them at the Greymane Camp, and unlocking new camp facilities through their specialized skills. As survivors return, they open up the trading post, the cook, the quartermaster, mission dispatches, and other services.
The Rumor sub-quests within this chain are some of the most time-efficient Abyss Artifact sources in the game. Each Rumor quest follows a simple structure: follow up on a lead, travel to the survivor's location, help them resolve a local problem, and escort them back to camp. Every completed Rumor quest rewards one Abyss Artifact, and the tasks are short with straightforward navigation.
One of the standout quests in the Grounds of the Sunrise chain is Embers of Return. This quest becomes available after completing the Greymanes Reunited main quest. Marius asks you to spread the word that the Greymanes are back in full strength, which involves traveling to several locations to deliver the news to Greymane survivors.
Embers of Return rewards two Abyss Artifacts, which translate directly into skill points for your ability tree. On top of that, you receive Beer x5, Wine x2, Lean Meat x6, a Medium Bag, and +280 Contribution EXP for the Greymane faction. The quest is relatively simple compared to its rewards: no combat encounters, just travel and dialogue. This makes it one of the most efficient early sources of skill points in the game, and it should be a priority as soon as it unlocks.
Detail | Value |
|---|---|
Quest Name | |
Chain | |
Prerequisite | Complete Greymanes Reunited (Main Quest) |
Abyss Artifacts Rewarded | 2 |
Other Rewards | Beer x5, Wine x2, Lean Meat x6, Medium Bag x1 |
Contribution EXP | +280 (Greymane) |
Combat Required | No |
Difficulty | Easy |
27 Greymane Commissions become available once the corresponding camp members have been rescued and settled at Howling Hill. Each commission is a short task (resource gathering, item delivery, or local errand) that rewards a single Medium Bag. Since inventory space is always at a premium and there are no storage chests in the game, clearing all seven commissions as they appear is highly recommended.
Commission | Reward |
|---|---|
Medium Bag x1 | |
Medium Bag x1 | |
Medium Bag x1 | |
Medium Bag x1 | |
Medium Bag x1 | |
Medium Bag x1 | |
Medium Bag x1 |
The House Roberts faction is based at Bluemont Manor in the City of Hernand. To begin the questline, speak with House Roberts's Servant standing outside the manor entrance. The House Roberts quests blend political intrigue with dungeon exploration and culminate in some of the most valuable unique rewards available from any faction.
The Estate in Dismay arc is the centerpiece of the House Roberts questline and where the bulk of rewards are concentrated. Completing the full arc awards: a Gold Vein Map (marks ore-rich locations on your map), the Mining Knuckledrill (special equipment that increases ore drops by 10%), Azurite x3, Bloodstones x3, and the Engraved Gold Earring.
The Engraved Gold Earring is obtained specifically from The Count's Honor, the final quest in the Estate in Dismay chain. This accessory provides stat bonuses along with refinement materials. Do not skip the Sealed in Stone quest even though it offers no direct reward, because it is a required step before The Count's Honor becomes available. Skipping it will stall your progress toward the Formal Alliance.
Quest | Notable Rewards |
|---|---|
The Stolen Quarry | Mining Knuckledrill (special equipment, +10% ore drops) |
No direct reward (required for The Count's Honor) | |
Engraved Gold Earring, refinement materials | |
Estate in Dismay (full arc) | Gold Vein Map, Azurite x3, Bloodstones x3 |
The Antumbra Order faction quests are combat-focused challenges that send you into a series of sanctums. Each sanctum is essentially a dungeon with puzzle elements and a boss encounter at the end. The Antumbra Order drops some of the best loot for late-game weapon and armor upgrades, making these quests essential for players looking to optimize their gear.
The questline includes Darkness Over the Sanctum, Cloister of Ruination, and clearing the Sanctum of Temperance, Sanctum of Penitence, and Sanctum of Benediction. The chain culminates in a boss fight against Antumbra's Sword at the Sanctum of Absolution.
Quest / Sanctum | |
|---|---|
Crafting materials, consumables | |
Crafting materials, consumables | |
Crafting materials, consumables | |
Vessel of Dark Pursuit (two-handed sword) |
The Hernand Commissions are the largest single quest pool in the game, with over a dozen tasks from individual townsfolk in the City of Hernand. These quests focus on resource delivery, local exploration, and solving problems for Hernand's residents. Most commissions reward a Medium Bag (inventory expansion) along with crafting materials, making them valuable for early and mid-game progression.
Commission | Notable Rewards |
|---|---|
Logging Axe x1, Bekker Shield x1, Timber x10 | |
Investigative Log (key item) |
The bounty system in Crimson Desert is managed through the House Celeste faction. Bounty notices begin appearing on lightposts and wanted boards throughout Hernand once you reach Chapter 2. Each notice names a specific outlaw, describes their appearance, and marks their last known location on your map.
Bounty quests fall under the House Celeste faction. Bounty notices appear on lightposts and wanted boards throughout Hernand once you reach Chapter 2. Each notice names an outlaw, provides physical details (race, age, gender), and marks their last known location on your map once you pick it up. Bounty quests are one of the most reliable money-making activities in the game. See the Bounty System section below for full details.
Pick up a bounty notice from a lightpost or wanted board in Hernand. Hold the interact button to read the details.
Travel to the target's location as marked on your map.
Confront the target. You can either kill them or capture them alive. Capturing alive pays the full bounty; killing them pays only half.
To capture alive: Chase the fleeing target and wait for the tackle prompt. After tackling, punch them until the tie-up option appears.
Load the captured target on your horse. Call your mount, stash the tied-up criminal on the back, and ride to the jail in north Hernand.
Turn in the bounty by pulling the target off your horse at the guard station and speaking with the guards to claim your reward.
Below is a list of known House Celeste bounty targets. Always capture targets alive for the full payout. Killing a target cuts the reward in half.
Target | Location | Reward (Alive) | Reward (Dead) |
|---|---|---|---|
City of Hernand (streets) | ~5 Silver | ~2.5 Silver | |
8 Silver | 4 Silver | ||
Greenfield Highlands, Ironwood Bandit Camp | 12 Silver | 6 Silver | |
Sunset Valley (south Hernand) | 12 Silver | 6 Silver | |
Various (see bounty notice) | 15 Silver | 7.5 Silver | |
Various (see bounty notice) | 25 Silver | 12.5 Silver |
Always capture targets alive. The difference between alive and dead payouts is substantial, especially for high-value targets like Warren.
Be careful while riding with a captured bounty. If your horse takes too much damage or bucks, both you and the target will fall off. Avoid areas with heavy enemy presence.
If the terrain is impassable on horseback, dismount and carry the target on foot until you reach a rideable path, then summon your horse again.
The jail is located in the north part of Hernand city. Learn the route so you can deliver bounties quickly.
Bounties are one of the most consistent Silver-earning activities in the game. Clear them regularly for a steady income stream.
Some faction quests reward items that cannot be obtained anywhere else in the game. Prioritize these quests as you progress through the story.
Quest | Faction | Unique Reward | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
The Stolen Quarry | Special equipment: mine ore more efficiently, +10% ore drops permanently | ||
Accessory with stat bonuses plus refinement materials | |||
Estate in Dismay (full arc) | Marks all ore-rich deposit locations on your world map | ||
Two skill points from a single easy quest with no combat | |||
Powerful two-handed sword for late-game builds | |||
Unique shield plus an Abyss Artifact | |||
Greymane (Grounds of the Sunrise) | Most time-efficient skill point source in the game | ||
All 7 Greymane Commissions | Medium Bag x7 | 81 extra inventory slots total (3 per bag) |
Faction quests reward several categories of items. Understanding what each faction offers helps you prioritize your time.
Abyss Artifacts are the most important faction quest reward. Each Artifact grants one skill point for your skill tree. The best sources are Greymane Rumor quests (one Artifact per quest, short and easy), the Embers of Return quest (two Artifacts), and Antumbra Order sanctum quests. Faction quests are a faster way to earn Artifacts than hunting for Sealed Abyss Artifact puzzles in the open world, so prioritize these questlines early.
Medium Bags add +3 inventory slots each. Since Crimson Desert has no storage chests, inventory space is always scarce. Greymane Commissions (7 bags), Hernand Commissions (multiple bags), and various other faction rewards provide these. Complete inventory-rewarding quests as soon as they become available.
Certain faction quests reward gear that cannot be found in chests or bought from vendors. The Mining Knuckledrill from House Roberts permanently improves ore gathering. The Vessel of Dark Pursuit from the Antumbra Order is a powerful late-game two-handed sword. The Staglord's Shield from House Serkis is another faction-exclusive item. These rewards make specific questlines worth completing even if you are overleveled for them.
House Celeste bounty quests are the primary Silver-earning side content. Capturing all bounties alive yields over 75 Silver total across the known targets. Hernand Commissions also provide Light Silver Pouches. Silver is essential for purchasing gear upgrades, consumables, and crafting materials from vendors.
Grounds of the Sunrise quests directly expand the Greymane Camp at Howling Hill. Each rescued survivor unlocks a new service: the cook lets you prepare meals, the quartermaster sells supplies, the trading post enables bartering, and dispatch missions let you send companions to gather resources passively. Camp progression is gated behind these quests, so completing the Grounds of the Sunrise chain is essential for full camp access.
Do Embers of Return immediately. As soon as you finish Greymanes Reunited, this quest opens up and gives you two Abyss Artifacts for essentially zero combat. Those two early skill points make a noticeable difference.
Prioritize Greymane Rumor quests. Each one takes only a few minutes and guarantees an Abyss Artifact. Stack these between main story missions for a steady stream of skill points.
Complete House Roberts early. The Mining Knuckledrill and Gold Vein Map improve your resource gathering for the rest of the game. Getting them early compounds their value.
Always capture bounties alive. The Silver difference between alive and dead delivery is 50%. For Warren alone, that is 12.5 Silver you leave on the table by killing instead of capturing.
Check notice boards after every chapter. New bounties and commissions appear as the story progresses. Visiting Hernand's boards regularly ensures you do not miss newly posted quests.
Clear Greymane Commissions for inventory space. 27 Medium Bags means 81 extra inventory slots. Since there are no storage chests, this expansion is critical.
Save Antumbra Order for later. The sanctum boss fights are among the hardest in the game. Complete these once you have strong gear and a developed skill tree to avoid frustrating deaths.
Talk to every NPC. Some quests only trigger through conversation. Speak with NPCs even if they do not have quest markers, especially in settlements you are visiting for the first time.