Traces

Overview

Traces is the final main quest in Chapter 1: The First Encounter of Crimson Desert. After the events of the preceding quest, Trials of Kindness, Kliff receives a mystical engraved key that grants him access to Hernand Castle. Inside the castle, Kliff discovers a hidden Abyss portal that transports him to a mysterious dimension where he learns to wield Axiom Force and acquires several other abilities. This quest is the player's introduction to the Abyss and its mechanics, which remain central throughout the rest of the story.

Quest Information

Rewards

Walkthrough

Step 1: Inspect the Engraved Key

Open your inventory and inspect the engraved key. On keyboard, press Space to examine it; on a controller, press Square (PlayStation) or X (Xbox). After inspection, travel to Hernand Castle and speak with the guards at the entrance to gain entry.

Step 2: Find the Alchemist's Chamber

Once inside the castle, turn right at the main entrance and ascend the stairs to the second floor. In the hallway beyond, locate and unlock the first door on the left. This leads to the Alchemist's Chamber.

Step 3: Enter the Abyss Portal

Before stepping through the portal, check the room for a chest containing useful loot. When ready, pass through the shining gate to enter the Abyss dimension.

Step 4: Activate the Abyss Nexus

Step onto the pressure platform ahead to activate the first Abyss Nexus, which functions as a fast travel point within the Abyss. These nexus points are crucial for navigation, so always activate them as you encounter them.

Step 5: Solve the Skybridge Puzzle

Use your newly acquired Axiom Force to grab and rotate the circles to direct energy toward the door mechanism. When the orb flashes bright and an audio cue plays, the path will form. Cross the skybridge to proceed.

Step 6: Meet Alustin

Enter the white building and meet Alustin the Alchemist. He provides context about the Abyss and its connection to Pywel.

Step 7: Activate the Second Nexus and Solve Puzzles

Activate the second Abyss Nexus. Use Axiom Force on the floating cubes to remove invisible walls blocking your path. Then synthesize the Abyss Cell at the designated station.

Step 8: Learn Force Palm

Focus on the hologram to acquire the Force Palm skill. Use Force Palm to synthesize the cell and activate the power supply. This ability becomes one of Kliff's core combat tools moving forward.

Step 9: Obtain the Abyss Artifact

Climb the stairs and approach the black cube atop the large pillar. A cutscene triggers featuring the Woman in White, who grants Kliff the Faded Abyss Artifact and the Flight ability.

Step 10: Return to Hernand

Use your newly granted Flight ability to descend safely back to Hernand, completing the quest and ending Chapter 1.

Tips

• Activate every Abyss Nexus you encounter. They serve as respawn points and fast travel anchors throughout the Abyss.

• When rotating the skybridge circle with Axiom Force, listen carefully for the audio cue that signals correct positioning. The orb will flash brightly when aligned.

• Do not skip the chest in the Alchemist's Chamber before entering the portal. The loot inside is easy to miss.

• Palmar Pills revive you at your current location after death, even during boss fights. Hold onto them for tougher encounters later.