Crimson Desert features 35 trophies on PlayStation 5 (1 Platinum, 4 Gold, 10 Silver, and 20 Bronze) and 34 achievements on Xbox and PC worth a combined 1,000 Gamerscore. The Xbox and Steam versions omit the Platinum trophy but are otherwise identical. Every trophy is tied to completing either a story milestone or an entire category of Challenges found under Journal > Challenges. Pearl Abyss wrote each trophy description in a poetic, riddle-like style that obscures the actual unlock condition, so this guide pairs each cryptic description with practical, step-by-step instructions.
Overview
Detail | Information |
|---|---|
Total Trophies (PS5) | 35 (1 Platinum, 4 Gold, 10 Silver, 20 Bronze) |
Total Achievements (Xbox / PC) | 34 (no Platinum equivalent) |
Total Gamerscore (Xbox) | 1,000 |
Difficulty Rating | 7 out of 10 |
Estimated Completion Time | 250 to 400+ hours |
Playthroughs Required | 1 (free roam available after credits) |
Missable Trophies | None |
Glitched Trophies | None confirmed |
Online Required | No |
New Game Plus Required | No |
There are no missable trophies because Crimson Desert allows free roam after finishing the main story. Every challenge, collectible, and side activity can still be completed in the post-game. The game also provides nine manual save slots plus three autosave slots, so you can create backups before major decisions if desired.
Trophy Roadmap
The route below minimizes backtracking and ensures challenge progress counts from the start. The single most important rule is to collect Sealed Abyss Artifacts before attempting challenges. Progress toward a challenge only begins counting after you find its corresponding artifact. If you spend fifty hours practicing archery before picking up the Bow artifact, none of those bow kills will register.
Step 1: Unfog the Map (5 to 10 Hours)
Before doing anything else, locate the eight Hidden Bells scattered across the continent. Ringing each bell clears the fog of war from a large region, revealing landmarks, fast travel points, and settlement icons on your map. This makes every subsequent step faster because you can plan efficient routes instead of wandering blind.
Activate every Fast Travel point you pass along the way.
Upgrade your mount at stables whenever possible; faster travel saves dozens of hours over the course of completion.
Mark any Sealed Abyss Artifacts you spot on the minimap (purple icon) and collect them immediately.
Step 2: Collect All 141 Sealed Abyss Artifacts (30 to 50 Hours)
There are 141 Sealed Abyss Artifacts hidden throughout the open world. Each one unlocks a specific Challenge in your Journal. Because challenge progress is not retroactive, collecting these early prevents wasted effort. Artifacts appear as purple icons on the minimap when you are nearby. You can also use the Guiding Light ability (hold L1 + R1 on PlayStation, or Ctrl + Left Click on PC) to see a blue shimmer when an artifact is within range.
Systematically sweep each unfogged region from north to south or east to west.
Abyss Artifacts serve a dual purpose: they unlock challenges and also function as skill points for the Skill Tree.
Faded Abyss Artifacts (earned from challenge rewards) can be used as skill reset currency.
Abyss Gears (also challenge rewards) provide weapon and armor modifications.
Step 3: Progress Through the Main Story (25 to 40 Hours)
Play through all 12 chapters plus the epilogue of the main story. This unlocks five trophies naturally: Novice Adventurer (Chapter 1), Master Camper (Chapter 3 camp activation), Protector of Pailune (Chapter 7), Proud Returnee (camp relocation to Pailune), and Expert Storyteller (all main quests complete). Along the way, complete challenges whenever they appear nearby to make post-game cleanup faster.
Engage with Faction Quests for the Greymane faction to unlock the camp relocation (Proud Returnee).
Complete Dispatch Missions as they become available; they contribute toward the camp relocation requirement.
Visit Scholastone during the story to unlock constellation-related content for the Navigator of the Stars trophy.
Step 4: Complete All Challenge Categories (150 to 300+ Hours)
This is the longest step by far. With all Sealed Abyss Artifacts collected and the story finished, work through every challenge category in your Journal. Each completed category pops its corresponding trophy. There are over 300 individual challenges spread across Exploration, Mastery, Combat, Life, and Minigame categories. Tackle them in whatever order suits your play style, but prioritize the two potentially buggy challenges noted below.
Critical warning: Complete the "Battle Challenge: Sinking Fort" and "Cannon: Barraging Cannon V" challenges before liberating every enemy stronghold. Some players have reported that liberating all strongholds first can lock these challenges.
Weapon mastery challenges are character-specific. Shield and rapier challenges require Damiane, cannon challenges require Oongka, and most other weapon challenges are for Kliff.
Hunting challenges involve tracking and defeating 11 Legendary Animals scattered across the world.
The 60 Secret Place challenges require thorough exploration of caves, waterfalls, cliffsides, and hidden passages.
Life challenges (12 total) involve gathering materials, foraging, and understanding the game's Crafting systems.
Complete Trophy List
The table below lists every trophy and achievement in Crimson Desert, organized by grade. The PS5 Platinum trophy is earned automatically after obtaining all 34 other trophies. On Xbox and PC, completing all 34 achievements earns the full 1,000 Gamerscore.
Platinum Trophy
Trophy | Grade | Description | How to Unlock |
|---|---|---|---|
Pywel Legend | Platinum | You've claimed every trophy. Your name will echo through Pywel's history as the legendary explorer for venturing every path and conquering every challenge. | Earn all 34 other trophies. This trophy is PS5 exclusive and does not exist on Xbox or PC. |
Gold Trophies
Trophy | Grade | Description | How to Unlock |
|---|---|---|---|
Expert Storyteller | Gold | Every thread of Pywel's narrative now forms a complete story. | Complete all main quests across the game's 12 chapters plus the epilogue. Follow the main quest markers in your Journal to progress through Kliff's story from start to finish. |
Conqueror of the Abysses | Gold | Exploration of every abyss extends far into the depths of the world. | Complete all 40 Abyss challenges. These involve entering interconnected underground dungeons, solving environmental puzzles, and defeating abyss guardians. Use Guiding Light to find hidden abyss entrances. |
Expert Explorer | Gold | Revelation of every corner of Pywel brings the entire land into clear view. | Complete all exploration challenges across 9 subcategories: Abysses (40), Secret Places (60), Ancient Ruins (37), Sanctums (16), Spires (8), Constellations, Mazes, and additional discovery objectives. This is one of the most time-consuming trophies due to the sheer number of locations to find. |
Unvanquished Strategist | Gold | Command of battle's momentum makes the entire field yours to orchestrate. | Complete all mastery challenges across 10 subcategories totaling 64 individual challenges. This includes all weapon mastery categories (Sword, Shield, Bow, Spear, Two-Handed Weapon, Cannon, Rapier and Shield, Gun), Special Weapons (10), and Horse challenges (10). |
Silver Trophies
Trophy | Grade | Description | How to Unlock |
|---|---|---|---|
Protector of Pailune | Silver | Freedom returned to Pailune after defeating the Black Bears and Jackals. | Complete Chapter 7 of the main quests. This chapter culminates in the liberation of Pailune from the Black Bears and Jackals factions. Unmissable through story progression. |
Proud Returnee | Silver | Trials overcome have paved the way back home. | Relocate your camp from Howling Hill to Pailune. This requires completing all Greymane Faction Quests and finishing the associated Dispatch Missions. Cannot be completed until after the story progresses past certain chapters. |
Pilgrim of Wonders | Silver | The hidden beauty of Pywel has been revealed. | Complete all 60 Secret Place challenges. Secret Places include hidden caves, waterfalls, clifftop overlooks, underwater grottos, and concealed passages. Use the Guiding Light ability and listen for audio cues to find them. Some require climbing, swimming, or solving minor environmental puzzles to reach. |
Puzzle Solver | Silver | Sharp insight now guides you through any riddle. | Complete all 37 Ancient Ruins challenges (also called Mysterious Zones). These involve environmental puzzles, pressure plate sequences, rotating statues, and light-beam redirection inside ruins scattered throughout Pywel. Some ruins are hidden behind destructible walls or require specific quest progress to access. |
Lightbringer | Silver | Shadow guided into light has restored the forgotten sanctums. | Complete all 16 Sanctum challenges. Sanctums are shrines corrupted by darkness that must be cleansed through combat encounters and puzzle solving. Four Witches found throughout the world reveal sanctum locations on your map when you speak with them. |
Ultimate Hunter | Silver | Success in diverse hunts has forged a hunter of legendary renown. | Complete all 11 Hunting challenges. Each challenge involves tracking and defeating a Legendary Animal in its natural habitat. These fights are among the toughest non-boss encounters in the game. Prepare high-level gear and stock healing items before each hunt. |
Grand Collector of Arms | Silver | All the weapons in the world are now in your hands. | Complete all 10 Special Equipment challenges. These require finding and collecting unique, named Weapons hidden across the world. Some are rewards from side quests, others are found in treasure chests inside dungeons, and a few drop from powerful enemies. |
Tamer of Legends | Silver | Even the wildest horses yield to your steady guidance. | Complete all 10 Horse challenges. These involve taming wild Mounts found at specific locations, winning horse races, and demonstrating mounted combat proficiency. Some horses only spawn at certain times of day or in specific weather conditions. |
True Gamer | Silver | Claim victory in various minigames so no challenge dare rattle you. | Complete all minigame challenges across 5 subcategories: Test of Strength (4 challenges including arm wrestling), Duel (5 challenges including arena fighting), horseback racing, target shooting, and the tavern card game. Visit taverns and settlements throughout Pywel to find all minigame participants. |
Natural Collector | Silver | Deeper understanding of Pywel's nature enriches knowledge of life throughout the land. | Complete all 12 Life challenges. These involve gathering specific quantities and varieties of natural Materials, foraging, fishing, and interacting with the game's ecology systems. Requires visiting diverse biomes from forests to coastlines to mountain peaks. |
Bronze Trophies
Story Progression
Trophy | Grade | Description | How to Unlock |
|---|---|---|---|
Novice Adventurer | Bronze | Countless adventures await beyond the horizon. | Complete Chapter 1 of the main quests. This unlocks after clearing the Abyss Nexus tutorial and speaking with the White Crow. Unmissable through normal story progression. |
Master Camper | Bronze | A safe haven now stands ready for you and your comrades. | Activate the camp at Howling Hill. This becomes available during Chapter 3 of the main story. The camp serves as your central hub where companions gather and side activities become available. Upgrade it further through Faction Quests. |
Exploration
Trophy | Grade | Description | How to Unlock |
|---|---|---|---|
Maze Pathfinder | Bronze | Even the most tangled paths fail to lead you astray. | Complete all Maze challenges. Mazes are a subset of Mysterious Zones with labyrinth-like layouts. Navigate to the center of each maze to find a reward chest and register completion. The Guiding Light ability can highlight the correct path. |
Conqueror of Spires | Bronze | Climbing ever higher has opened the way toward the skies above. | Complete all 8 Spire challenges. Spires are tall stone towers scattered across the landscape. Each one requires a combination of climbing, platforming, and solving height-based puzzles to reach the summit. Completing a spire rewards panoramic map reveals and unique loot. |
Navigator of the Stars | Bronze | The constellations that illuminate Pywel have revealed their secrets. | Complete all Constellation challenges. Constellations are activated at specific observation points around the world. You must first complete quests at Scholastone to unlock constellation-related abilities, then visit each stargazing location at night and align the star patterns. There are 13 constellations to discover. |
Weapon Mastery
Each weapon mastery trophy requires completing all challenges for that specific weapon type. Challenges are unlocked by finding the corresponding Sealed Abyss Artifact. Note that certain weapon types are restricted to specific playable characters: Kliff uses swords, bows, and spears; Damiane uses shields, rapiers, and firearms; Oongka uses two-handed weapons and cannons. You switch between characters at specific points during the story and in free roam.
Trophy | Grade | Description | Challenges | How to Unlock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Master of Swords | Bronze | Through discipline and mastery, you have earned the right to be called a true master of the blade. | 6 | Complete all 6 Sword challenges. These test your proficiency with one-handed swords, including defeating multiple enemies within time limits, performing specific combo chains, and winning duels using only sword attacks. |
Master of Shields | Bronze | Your reputation for mastery in wielding shields has spread across the land. | 6 | Complete all 6 Shield challenges. Available when playing as Kliff or Damiane. Challenges include defeating enemies using shield bash attacks, successfully parrying a set number of strikes, and surviving combat encounters using only defensive techniques. |
Master of Bows | Bronze | Arrows guided by the wind reflect mastery over the art of archery. | 6 | Complete all 6 Bow challenges. Kliff only. These include hitting distant targets, landing headshots on moving enemies, and clearing groups of foes using only ranged attacks within time limits. |
Master of Spears | Bronze | All under the skies revere you as the master spearsman. | 5 | Complete all 5 Spear challenges. Kliff only. Challenges involve defeating armored enemies with thrust attacks, maintaining attack combos without being hit, and clearing mounted combat encounters. |
Master of Two-Handed Weapons | Bronze | Warriors honor you for your strength and precision with two-handed weapons. | 6 | Complete all 6 Two-Handed Weapons challenges. Kliff or Oongka. These focus on dealing heavy damage to groups, staggering large enemies, and performing charged attack combos. |
Master of Artillery | Bronze | Artillery skill honed through practice makes your enemies a mere measure of efficiency. | 5 | Complete all 5 Cannon challenges. Oongka only. Challenges include destroying fortifications, hitting multiple targets with a single shot, and providing covering fire during battle scenarios. |
Master of Rapiers | Bronze | Rapier mastery has carved a name recognised far and wide. | 5 | Complete all 5 Rapier and Shield challenges. Damiane only. These test agile combat, requiring precise counterattacks, rapid thrust chains, and defeating enemies without taking damage. |
Master of Firearms | Bronze | Firearm expertise keeps your foes' heads bowed in fear. | 5 | Complete all 5 Gun challenges. Damiane only. Challenges involve hitting targets at long range, defeating enemies with consecutive shots, and clearing combat encounters using only firearms. |
Combat and Strategy
Trophy | Grade | Description | Challenges | How to Unlock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Relentless Warrior | Bronze | Unwavering resolve has forged strength worthy of a relentless warrior. | 10 | Complete all 10 Training challenges. These are combat drills that test fundamental skills: dodging, parrying, performing combo finishers, switching weapons mid-combat, and defeating enemies under specific constraints. Mostly played as Kliff. |
Battlefield Conqueror | Bronze | By sensing the rhythm of battle, you have learned to bend the battlefield to your will. | 10 | Complete all 10 Battle challenges. These are large-scale combat encounters where you face waves of enemies in fortified locations. The "Sinking Fort" battle challenge must be completed before liberating all enemy strongholds to avoid a potential soft lock. |
Brilliant Tactician | Bronze | You have steered countless operations to success by reading the tide of battle. | 10 | Complete all 10 Operation challenges. Operations are multi-stage tactical missions that involve coordinating attacks, defending positions, and achieving specific objectives within time limits. They combine elements of all combat disciplines. |
Life and Activities
Trophy | Grade | Description | Challenges | How to Unlock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The Golden Merchant | Bronze | Astute trade and quick judgement have filled your coffers well. | 5 | Complete all 5 Trade challenges. These involve buying goods from one settlement and selling them at a profit in another. Use the Wagon Trading system to transport large quantities. You need to identify price differences between towns and complete each trade route successfully. |
Beast Slayer | Bronze | You have defeated the beasts, bringing peace to Pywel. | 7 | Complete all New Power challenges. These involve defeating 7 powerful regional Bosses that terrorize different areas of the map. Each boss fight has unique mechanics and requires preparation. Defeating them restores peace to their respective regions. |
Shadowlord | Bronze | Knowledge of the shadowed world reaches depths few have ever known. | 10 | Complete all 10 Above the Law challenges. These involve engaging with the criminal underworld: stealing, smuggling contraband between towns, pickpocketing, completing bounties, and performing other outlaw activities. Some require building reputation with the underground network first. |
Lord of Honor | Bronze | Your name is honored in every corner of the lands. | 9 | Complete all 9 Challenges and Changes challenges. These are tied to making meaningful choices and contributions across different communities in Pywel. They involve helping settlements, resolving disputes, and building your reputation through honorable actions. |
Challenge Category Summary
Every non-story trophy is linked to completing an entire category (or set of categories) of Challenges. The table below breaks down every challenge category, the number of individual challenges within it, and which trophy it contributes toward.
Category | Subcategory | Challenge Count | Associated Trophy |
|---|---|---|---|
Exploration | The Abyss | 40 | Conqueror of the Abysses / Expert Explorer |
Exploration | Secret Places | 60 | Pilgrim of Wonders / Expert Explorer |
Exploration | Ancient Ruins | 37 | Puzzle Solver / Expert Explorer |
Exploration | Sanctums | 16 | Lightbringer / Expert Explorer |
Exploration | Spires | 8 | Conqueror of Spires / Expert Explorer |
Exploration | Constellations | 13 | Navigator of the Stars / Expert Explorer |
Exploration | Mazes | Varies | Maze Pathfinder / Expert Explorer |
Mastery | Sword | 6 | Master of Swords / Unvanquished Strategist |
Mastery | Shield | 6 | Master of Shields / Unvanquished Strategist |
Mastery | Bow | 6 | Master of Bows / Unvanquished Strategist |
Mastery | Spear | 5 | Master of Spears / Unvanquished Strategist |
Mastery | Two-Handed Weapon | 6 | Master of Two-Handed Weapons / Unvanquished Strategist |
Mastery | Cannon | 5 | Master of Artillery / Unvanquished Strategist |
Mastery | Rapier and Shield | 5 | Master of Rapiers / Unvanquished Strategist |
Mastery | Gun | 5 | Master of Firearms / Unvanquished Strategist |
Mastery | Special Weapons | 10 | Grand Collector of Arms / Unvanquished Strategist |
Mastery | Horse | 10 | Tamer of Legends / Unvanquished Strategist |
Combat | Training | 10 | Relentless Warrior |
Combat | Battle | 10 | Battlefield Conqueror |
Combat | Operation | 10 | Brilliant Tactician |
Life | Hunting | 11 | Ultimate Hunter |
Life | Life Skills | 12 | Natural Collector |
Life | Trade | 5 | The Golden Merchant |
Life | Above the Law | 10 | Shadowlord |
Life | Challenges and Changes | 9 | Lord of Honor |
Minigame | Various (5 types) | 15+ | True Gamer |
Tips for 100% Completion
Collect Sealed Abyss Artifacts first. This cannot be overstated. Challenge progress only counts after you find the corresponding artifact. Spending hours on an activity before finding its artifact means zero progress recorded.
Unfog the entire map early. Ring all eight Hidden Bells to reveal the full map. This lets you plan efficient collection routes and spot landmarks you would otherwise miss.
Use Guiding Light constantly. The Guiding Light ability (L1 + R1 on PlayStation, Ctrl + Left Click on PC) reveals nearby Sealed Abyss Artifacts, Secret Places, and other hidden objects with a blue shimmer. Get in the habit of activating it every few minutes while exploring.
Complete Battle and Cannon challenges before clearing all strongholds. The "Sinking Fort" battle challenge and "Barraging Cannon V" challenge may become inaccessible if you liberate every enemy stronghold beforehand. Prioritize these.
Keep multiple save files. You have access to 9 manual save slots and 3 autosave slots. Rotate through them regularly so you can revert if something goes wrong.
Check Journal > Challenges regularly. The Journal tracks every challenge category and shows your progress. Use it to identify which challenges remain and plan your next steps.
Upgrade gear to level 5 or 6. Higher-level gear makes combat challenges significantly easier. Refine your weapons and armor before attempting the harder Battle, Operation, and Hunting challenges.
Talk to every NPC in settlements. Some challenges (particularly Trade, Above the Law, and Challenges and Changes) require interacting with specific NPCs. Exhaust dialogue options in every town you visit.
Explore at night for constellations. Constellation observation points only activate at night. If you are near a stargazing location during the day, rest at a campfire or wait until nightfall.
Seek out the four Witches. Speaking with the four Witches scattered across the world reveals Sanctum locations on your map. Without their guidance, finding all 16 Sanctums through blind exploration is extremely tedious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Missable Trophies?
No. Crimson Desert has no missable trophies or achievements. After completing the main story, the game enters free roam mode where every challenge, collectible, and side activity remains accessible. You do not need to start a new playthrough to earn anything you missed.
Do I Need to Play on a Specific Difficulty?
No. Trophies and achievements are not tied to any particular difficulty setting. You can play on whatever difficulty you prefer without affecting your ability to earn any trophy.
Is New Game Plus Required?
No. Everything can be completed in a single playthrough. Free roam after the story credits provides full access to the entire map and all remaining challenges.
How Do Sealed Abyss Artifacts Work?
There are 141 Sealed Abyss Artifacts spread throughout the open world. Each artifact is linked to a specific challenge. When you collect an artifact, its associated challenge appears in your Journal and begins tracking your progress from that point forward. Progress is not retroactive, so any actions you performed before collecting the artifact do not count. Artifacts appear as purple icons on the minimap when you are within detection range.
Which Trophies Take the Longest?
The four Gold trophies are the most time-consuming. Expert Explorer alone requires completing over 200 exploration objectives across 9 subcategories. Unvanquished Strategist demands mastery of every weapon type and horse challenge. The Silver trophies for Pilgrim of Wonders (60 Secret Places) and Puzzle Solver (37 Ancient Ruins) are also significant time investments. Expect the bulk of your playtime to be spent on these categories.
Can I Track My Progress?
Yes. Open the Journal and navigate to the Challenges tab. Every challenge category shows your current progress (for example, 3 out of 6 Sword challenges completed). You can also view the world map and filter for undiscovered locations to help plan your exploration routes.