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Overview
This walkthrough covers the full main story of Crimson Desert, guiding you through every chapter from the opening ambush to the final confrontation. The campaign follows Kliff and the Greymane mercenaries across the continent of Pywel as they rebuild their faction after a devastating betrayal.
The main story is divided into a Prologue and eight numbered chapters. Each chapter contains multiple story arcs, and each arc groups several individual quests together. Completing the main story takes roughly 40 to 60 hours depending on playstyle. Players who also tackle faction quests, challenges, and exploration content can expect well over 100 hours of total playtime.
Welcome to the Crimson Desert Guides and Walkthrough hub. This page organizes all available guides into categories to help you find the information you need, whether you are just starting out or hunting for completionist content. Each link below leads to a dedicated article with in-depth coverage.
Chapter Directory
The table below lists every chapter, its story arcs, the number of quests, and the key locations you visit during that chapter.
Chapter | Title | Quest Arcs | Quest Count | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Prologue | 4 | |||
Chapter 1 | Trials of Kindness, Trace | 9 | ||
Chapter 2 | 16 | |||
Chapter 3 | 17 | |||
Chapter 4 | Mysterious Iron Pot, Daily Life, Forbidden Knowledge | 13 | ||
Chapter 5 | 10 | Demeniss, Spire of Soaring | ||
Chapter 6 | Blazing Beacon, Under the Banner Pike Again, Turning Tides, The Undying Shields | 15 | Frontlines, Battlefield Encampments | |
Chapter 7 | Dawn Mist, Dawnrise, Decisive Battle, Twisted Fate | 19 | Pailune, Silverwolf Mountain | |
Chapter 8 | Ashen Steps, To Demeniss, Traitor | 15 |
Prologue: Dead of Night
The Prologue opens with Kliff discovering his fallen comrades after an ambush and ends with his arrival at the City of Hernand. It introduces core mechanics including combat, movement, and the first boss fight against Myurdin. The Prologue contains two quest arcs and four quests total.
Ambush
Quest | Summary |
|---|---|
Kliff awakens at the Hill of No Return and finds his surviving Greymane comrades after the ambush. | |
The Black Bears launch a direct attack. Fight alongside Oongka, Naira, and Yann to repel the attackers, then face Myurdin in the game's first boss encounter. |
Unknown Space
Quest | Summary |
|---|---|
Kliff awakens in a mysterious dimension called the Corridor of the Void. is the movement tutorial for jumping, vaulting, and wall climbing. | |
Learn the Blinding Flash skill, navigate dark areas with your lantern, and exit the Abyss. Meet Sebastian at Three Saints' Falls and ride toward Hernand. |
Chapter 1: The First Encounter
In Chapter 1, Kliff arrives at the City of Hernand and works to build trust with the locals while learning core game systems. The chapter contains two quest arcs and nine quests. It concludes with Kliff gaining the Flight ability and returning to Hernand.
Trials of Kindness
Quest | Summary |
|---|---|
Head to the notice board by Bluemont Manor to learn about the city and its people. | |
Encounter a strange figure in Hernand who sets events in motion. | |
Give a copper coin to a beggar near the sewers to receive a Shabby Wooden Key. Descend into the Hernand Sewers and find a bound noblewoman to receive a Sealed Letter. | |
Visit Muckroot Ranch and help the couple Arlan and Lauren. Clean their chimney for the Hernandian Attire reward. | |
Rescue a cat from a rooftop for Rulupee. One of several optional objectives in the city. |
Trace
Quest | Summary |
|---|---|
Use the Engraved Key on the Alchemist's Chamber inside Hernand Castle. Open the shining chest for a Faded Abyss Artifact and enter the Abyss Gate. | |
The White Crow grants you the Axiom Force. Rotate two discs until blue light reaches the building to complete the circuit. | |
Travel to the Skybridge Gate and manipulate an alignment device using the Axiom Force. Navigate floating islands in the Ethereal Pathway and learn the Force Palm skill. | |
The White Crow grants the Flight ability, allowing you to return to the City of Hernand and conclude Chapter 1. |
Chapter 2: Golden Greed
In Chapter 2, the focus shifts to the corruption within Hernand. Kliff uncovers a conspiracy connecting bandits to the Goldleaf Merchant Guild. This chapter has three quest arcs and 16 quests, with two major boss fights against Matthias and Kailok the Hornsplitter.
Unexpected Gift
Quest | Summary |
|---|---|
Follow Shai's Pendant light to Lioncrest Watchtower. Clear bandit forces and use flaming arrows to burn foliage blocking the door. | |
Climb the watchtower and find the Visione helm, which lets you read Memory Fragments showing recorded visions. | |
Meet Rulupee and learn about her friend Bilwise. Follow the cat Jiji to an Abyss Cresset and learn the Focus skill. |
Hernand in Chaos
Quest | Summary |
|---|---|
Duel Matthias from the Order of Light in Hernand Square. Observe his attacks to learn the Pump Kick skill. | |
Meet Barden Middler (the Hernand Marshal), who presents Marquis Serkis' request regarding brigands. | |
Liberate Springtide Mill by defeating enough enemies to clear the hostile control bar. | |
The mill's notice board unlocks four connected investigation quests. | |
Investigate stolen cattle at the Hernand Farmhouse and discover merchant collusion with bandits. | |
Speak with Ibano at Capra Pasture about stolen goat horns and defeat bandits at a river camp. | |
Help a child named Willian find his lost sheep Wooly at a bandit camp across the Nas River. | |
Follow a drunk Greymane named Boris to a bandit-occupied cave and discover Kailok's involvement. |
The End of Greed
Quest | Summary |
|---|---|
Completing all investigation quests reveals the conspiracy connecting every case to Kailok and the Goldleaf Merchant Guild. | |
The conflict escalates at the Goldleaf Tradepost. Speak with Shakatu and rescue townsfolk from a burning building. | |
Rescue Hubert from a bandit camp southwest of Unicorn Cliff. | |
Travel to the Goldleaf Guildhouse at Unicorn Cliff and defeat Kailok the Hornsplitter. Shakatu assumes control of the guild. | |
Celebrate the victory and conclude Chapter 2. |
Chapter 3: Howling Hill
In Chapter 3, the focus shifts to rebuilding. Kliff establishes a new home base at the Greymane Camp, investigates a sinister presence near the settlement, and recruits surviving Greymane members. This chapter has three quest arcs and 17 quests.
Homestead
Quest | Summary |
|---|---|
Reunite with an old ally who helps establish the initial camp. | |
Begin constructing the basic facilities needed for the Greymane settlement. | |
Gather resources and materials to build up the camp's infrastructure. | |
Complete building tasks and receive rewards for the camp's progress. | |
More Greymane allies arrive at the camp, expanding the faction's numbers. | |
Dark omens hint at threats beyond ordinary bandits lurking near the settlement. |
The Face Behind the Mask
Quest | Summary |
|---|---|
Begin investigating a suspicious estate near the Greymane settlement. | |
Explore the estate and uncover evidence of unnatural activity. | |
Discover that something inhuman threatens the region around the camp. | |
The threat becomes more concrete as unsettling events escalate. | |
Confront the source of the supernatural threat in a tense encounter that forces the Greymanes to face dangers beyond bandits. |
Pioneering
Quest | Summary |
|---|---|
Head out across the region to find surviving Greymane members scattered after the betrayal. | |
Locate and recruit additional survivors to strengthen the faction. | |
Investigate reports of trouble at a nearby sawmill. | |
Help the community around Howling Hill with local challenges. | |
The settlement begins to thrive as new facilities and residents arrive. | |
The faction's initial rebuilding phase is complete. Unlocks new camp facilities and dispatch missions. |
Chapter 4: The Price of Knowledge
In Chapter 4, Kliff pursues forbidden secrets tied to the Abyss. The chapter begins at the Kilnden Workshop with a mysterious artifact and leads through Scholastone and ancient ruins. It contains three quest arcs: Mysterious Iron Pot (4 quests), Daily Life (2 quests), and Forbidden Knowledge (7 quests) for a total of 13 quests. Key encounters include challenging platforming at the Spire of the Stars and revelations about the consequences of meddling with Abyss knowledge.
See the full Chapter 4 walkthrough for detailed quest-by-quest guidance.
Chapter 5: Guest Unbidden
In Chapter 5, political tensions rise as representatives from Demeniss arrive with unclear motives. The chapter has two quest arcs: Uninvited Guest (4 quests) and Black and White (6 quests). The arc culminates in a boss fight against the Crowcaller, an enemy cloaked in darkness who dissolves into black particles to close distance. The chapter ends with the path opening toward the Spire of Soaring.
See the full Chapter 5 walkthrough for detailed quest-by-quest guidance.
Chapter 6: Cracks in the Shield
In Chapter 6, war erupts and the Greymanes are thrust into large-scale combat for the first time. The chapter has four quest arcs: Blazing Beacon (3 quests), Under the Banner Pike Again (3 quests), Turning Tides (4 quests), and The Undying Shields (5 quests). Key moments include siege defense sequences where you hold the line against waves of enemies, and a betrayal that strikes at the worst possible moment.
See the full Chapter 6 walkthrough for detailed quest-by-quest guidance.
Chapter 7: Homecoming
In Chapter 7, Kliff returns to Pailune and leads the Greymanes in liberating the region from enemy forces. The chapter has four quest arcs: Dawn Mist (5 quests), Dawnrise (6 quests), Decisive Battle (6 quests), and Twisted Fate (2 quests). The Battle at Silverwolf Mountain is a landmark fight, and the chapter sets up the final escalation heading into Chapter 8.
See the full Chapter 7 walkthrough for detailed quest-by-quest guidance.
Chapter 8: Blood Coronation
In Chapter 8, the story reaches its climax. Kliff travels to Demeniss for a decisive campaign. The chapter has three quest arcs: Ashen Steps (4 quests), To Demeniss (9 quests), and Traitor (2 quests). Major encounters include a boss battle against Fortain, the Cursed Knight and the dramatic Blood Coronation sequence. The Traitor arc delivers a story revelation that sets up the endgame.
See the full Chapter 8 walkthrough for detailed quest-by-quest guidance.
Tips
Explore thoroughly: Sealed Abyss Artifacts and hidden chests are scattered across every region. Many trigger challenge quests with useful rewards.
Use Watch and Learn: Observe enemy attacks during boss fights to learn new skills. Some skills can only be obtained this way.
Keep your inventory stocked: Inventory starts at 20 slots. Standard Inventory Expansion Tools add 3 slots each. Collect them from quest rewards and exploration.
Cook before boss fights: Meals from cooking provide valuable stat buffs. Grilled Meat is easy to farm from hunting grounds.
Activate Abyss Nexus points: These serve as fast travel locations. Activate every one you find to save travel time.
Check notice boards: Liberated locations like Springtide Mill have notice boards that unlock faction quests with additional rewards and story context.
Upgrade equipment regularly: Visit blacksmiths to refine weapons and armor. The Grindstone in Hernand Castle resharpens blades for free.
Use Memory Fragments: The Visione helm reveals hidden Memory Fragments that provide lore and sometimes unlock secret paths or items.
See Also
Getting Started
If you are new to Crimson Desert, start with these guides to learn the fundamentals before exploring the open world.
Guide | Description |
|---|---|
Comprehensive beginner tips covering combat, healing, gear, exploration, progression, and essential mechanics | |
Full control schemes for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC with action mappings | |
Step-by-step introduction to core systems including combat, stamina, and camp management | |
In-depth combat mechanics: light and heavy attacks, parrying, dodging, mounted combat, and boss strategies | |
Frequently asked questions about gameplay, systems, and common problems |
Story Walkthrough
The main campaign spans a Prologue, 12 chapters, and an Epilogue. These guides walk through the story from start to finish.
Guide | Description |
|---|---|
Full chapter-by-chapter walkthrough of the main campaign following Kliff, Damiane, and Oongka | |
Optimal progression path through Pywel, including recommended preparation before each chapter | |
Detailed quest-by-quest walkthrough with tips for every main mission | |
What carries over into New Game Plus, changes to difficulty, and new rewards |
Character Guides
Guides for each playable character's combat style, skill tree, and unique questlines.
Guide | Description |
|---|---|
Main protagonist; melee combat specialist with sword, hand cannon, and unarmed skills | |
Second playable character with her own combat style and dedicated storyline | |
Third playable character with unique weapons and questline | |
Complete skill tree reference for all three characters with unlock requirements | |
How to learn skills through observation, Abyss Artifacts, and the skill tree |
Equipment and Crafting Guides
Everything about gear, weapons, armor, and the crafting systems.
Guide | Description |
|---|---|
All weapon types, stats, and where to find them | |
All armor sets, defense values, and acquisition methods | |
Full crafting system overview including refinement, materials, and recipes | |
General equipment guide covering accessories, special items, and gear management | |
Recipes, ingredients, meal effects, and cooking locations |
Exploration and World Guides
Guides for navigating the open world, discovering locations, and unlocking the map.
Guide | Description |
|---|---|
Fog of war mechanics, fast travel activation, bell locations, and map completion | |
Knowledge System entries, Abyss Artifacts, memory fragments, and all collectible types | |
Complete location guide for every Sealed and Faded Abyss Artifact in Pywel | |
All methods to expand your inventory, including bags and expansion tools | |
Obtaining, taming, healing, and customizing your mounts |
Camp and Companion Guides
Guides for managing Greymane Camp and dispatching companions on missions.
Guide | Description |
|---|---|
Full facility list, upgrades, and camp management details | |
Sending Freeswords on resource-gathering and combat missions | |
All available Freeswords, their specialties, and how to hire them |
Trophies and Achievements
Guide | Description |
|---|---|
Full trophy/achievement list with unlock requirements and tips | |
All challenge objectives, requirements, and rewards |
Factions and NPCs
Guide | Description |
|---|---|
All friendly and hostile factions, reputation mechanics, and faction quests | |
Key NPCs, trust relationships, and unique events | |
Wanted fugitives, bounty locations, and reward differences for capture vs. kill |
Reference
Page | Description |
|---|---|
Upcoming DLC announcements, release dates, and content details | |
Version history, balance changes, and bug fixes | |
Minimum and recommended hardware specs for PC | |
Background story, world history, and the Abyss |