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Side Quests Guide - Version 15 vs Version 16
Jun 4, 2026, 07:21 PM
Updated wikilink display text to match title case changes
Jun 9, 2026, 06:45 AM
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11Overview22Side 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.44Crimson 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.66Types of Side Quests88Faction Quests1010Faction 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.1212Faction 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.1515NPC Commissions and Requests1717Hernand 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.1919Companion and Story Side Quests2121The 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.2323How to Find Side Quests2525Side 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.2727Orange 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.2929Major Factions and Their Quests3131FactionRegionQuest TypeKey RewardsGreymanes (Grounds of the Sunrise)Howling Hill / All RegionsSurvivor rescue, camp expansionAbyss Artifacts, camp facilities, crafting materialsGreymane CommissionsHowling HillResource gathering, NPC requestsMedium Bag x1 each (inventory expansion)Scattered EmbersVariousCompanion backstory questsLore, Grey Dye, character developmentHouse RobertsHernand (Bluemont Manor)Political intrigue, dungeon explorationEngraved Gold Earring, Knuckledrill, Gold Vein Map, BloodstonesHouse CelesteHernandBounty huntingSilver currency (up to 25 Silver per bounty)Hernand CommissionsCity of HernandNPC requests, resource deliveryMedium Bags, Logging Axe, Bekker Shield, crafting materialsAntumbra OrderSanctums (various)Sanctum clearing, boss fightsAbyss Artifacts, Vessel of Dark Pursuit (two-handed sword)House AlfonsoPywelMilitary questsHouse of Spears questline rewardsPailune MilitiaPailuneRegional defense, boss fightsCrossroads of Succession rewards, Saigord boss fightHouse SerkisPywelPolitical questsStaglord's Shield, Abyss ArtifactHernand WitchesHidden locations across HernandWitch hunts and ritualsUnique consumables, Abyss ArtifactsDemeniss CommissionsDemenissGathering, local tasksCrafting materials, consumables3333Greymane Faction Quests3434The 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.3636Grounds of the Sunrise3838The 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.4040The 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.4242Embers of Return4444One 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.4646Embers 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.4949DetailValueQuest NameEmbers of ReturnChainGrounds of the SunrisePrerequisiteComplete Greymanes Reunited (Main Quest)Abyss Artifacts Rewarded2Other RewardsBeer x5, Wine x2, Lean Meat x6, Medium Bag x1Contribution EXP+280 (Greymane)Combat RequiredNoDifficultyEasy5151Greymane Commissions525227 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.5454CommissionRewardCarl's RequestMedium Bag x1Ronnie's RequestMedium Bag x1Ross's RequestMedium Bag x1Tranan's RequestMedium Bag x1Brice's RequestMedium Bag x1Ronald's RequestMedium Bag x1Pierce's RequestMedium Bag x15656House Roberts Quests5757The 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.5959Estate in Dismay and The Count's Honor6161The 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.6363The 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.6565QuestNotable RewardsThe Stolen QuarryMining Knuckledrill (special equipment, +10% ore drops)Sealed in StoneNo direct reward (required for The Count's Honor)The Count's HonorEngraved Gold Earring, refinement materialsEstate in Dismay (full arc)Gold Vein Map, Azurite x3, Bloodstones x36767Antumbra Order Quests6868The 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.7070The 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.7272Quest / SanctumKey RewardDarkness Over the SanctumAbyss Artifact x1Cloister of RuinationAbyss Artifact x1, Vessel of Dark Pursuit x1Sanctum of TemperanceCrafting materials, consumablesSanctum of PenitenceCrafting materials, consumablesSanctum of BenedictionCrafting materials, consumablesSanctum of Absolution (Boss: Antumbra's Sword)Vessel of Dark Pursuit (two-handed sword)7474Hernand Commissions7575The 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.7777CommissionNotable RewardsTurnali's RequestLogging Axe x1, Bekker Shield x1, Timber x10Goddess of AbundanceYellow Bass x5, Light Silver PouchPath That Connects to House of HealingWild Ginseng x2, Light Silver PouchWolf Protecting HernandWild Ginseng x2, Light Silver PouchThe Weight of KnowledgeInvestigative Log (key item)8080Bounty System8181The 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.8383Bounty 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.8585How Bounties Work8787Pick 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.8989Bounty Targets and Rewards9191Below 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.9393TargetLocationReward (Alive)Reward (Dead)JeffreyCity of Hernand (streets)~5 Silver~2.5 SilverSimon de MontfortScholastone, Everfrost Basin8 Silver4 SilverAlessioGreenfield Highlands, Ironwood Bandit Camp12 Silver6 SilverSalvatoreSunset Valley (south Hernand)12 Silver6 SilverBlixVarious (see bounty notice)15 Silver7.5 SilverWarrenVarious (see bounty notice)25 Silver12.5 Silver9595Bounty Tips9696Always 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.9898Notable Side Quests with Unique Rewards100100Some faction quests reward items that cannot be obtained anywhere else in the game. Prioritize these quests as you progress through the story.102102QuestFactionUnique RewardWhy It MattersThe Stolen QuarryHouse RobertsMining KnuckledrillSpecial equipment: mine ore more efficiently, +10% ore drops permanentlyThe Count's HonorHouse RobertsEngraved Gold EarringAccessory with stat bonuses plus refinement materialsEstate in Dismay (full arc)House RobertsGold Vein MapMarks all ore-rich deposit locations on your world mapEmbers of ReturnGreymane (Grounds of the Sunrise)Abyss Artifact x2Two skill points from a single easy quest with no combatSanctum of AbsolutionAntumbra OrderVessel of Dark PursuitPowerful two-handed sword for late-game buildsLord Amidst the RuinsHouse SerkisStaglord's ShieldUnique shield plus an Abyss ArtifactGreymane Rumor Quests (each)Greymane (Grounds of the Sunrise)Abyss Artifact x1Most time-efficient skill point source in the gameAll 7 Greymane CommissionsGreymane CommissionsMedium Bag x781 extra inventory slots total (3 per bag)104104Faction Quest Rewards105105Faction quests reward several categories of items. Understanding what each faction offers helps you prioritize your time.107107Abyss Artifacts and Skill Points109109Abyss 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.111111Inventory Expansion113113Medium 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.115115Unique Gear and Special Equipment117117Certain 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.119119Silver and Currency121121House 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.123123Camp Upgrades125125Grounds 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.127127Tips for Efficient Quest Completion129129Do 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.
