Walkthrough

Overview

This walkthrough covers the full main story of Crimson Desert, guiding you through every chapter from the opening ambush to the final confrontation with the Abyss. 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 12 chapters plus a Prologue and Epilogue, with each chapter containing multiple story arcs and individual quests.

Completing the main story takes roughly 60 to 100 hours depending on playstyle. Players who also tackle faction quests, challenges, and exploration content can expect 100 to 180 hours of total playtime. Three playable characters are unlocked over the course of the story: Kliff (available from the start), Damiane, and Oongka. Each has a distinct combat style.

Chapter List

The table below lists every chapter, its story arcs, and the approximate number of quests within each.

Prologue: Dead of Night

Ambush

The game opens at the Hill of No Return, where Kliff discovers fallen Greymane soldiers after an ambush. Head to the cabin and speak with your surviving comrades: Marius, Ross, and Oongka. The quest "Unfamiliar Lands" introduces the setting and establishes the Greymanes' dire situation.

In the second quest, "In Ashes," the Black Bears launch a direct attack. Help Oongka, Naira, and Yann fight off the attackers. This leads to a confrontation with Myurdin, the Black Bears' leader and the game's first boss fight. During this encounter you learn the "Watch and Learn" mechanic, which lets you acquire new skills by observing enemy moves in combat.

Unknown Space

After falling into a river, Kliff awakens in a mysterious dimension called the Corridor of the Void. The quest "Realm of Uncertainty" serves as a movement tutorial, teaching you jumping, vaulting, and wall climbing.

"New Journey" introduces the Blinding Flash skill. You learn it by reflecting light onto spheres to unlock doors. Navigate through dark areas using your lantern, traverse moving platforms, and follow glowing pipes until you step on an artifact that exits the Abyss. You then meet Sebastian at Three Saints' Falls, where you learn fishing mechanics. Defeat the Bleed Bandits extorting Sebastian to receive an inventory expansion tool and a wild Herspia horse. Ride through the Meandering Hills toward the City of Hernand.

Tip: Look for two Sealed Abyss Artifacts along the path through the Meandering Hills. One is near a birdhouse and the other at a memorial. They trigger the "Sword of Trials I" and "Shield of Unchanging Will I" challenges.

Chapter 1: The First Encounter

Trials of Kindness

You arrive at the City of Hernand through its western gate. This arc has five quests focused on building trust with the locals and learning core game systems.

"Where Rumors Gather" sends you to the notice board by Bluemont Manor. "Mysterious Man" has you encounter a strange figure in the city. The remaining quests introduce the city's NPCs and key mechanics:

• True Wisdom in Kindness: Give a copper coin to a beggar near the sewers to receive a Shabby Wooden Key. Descend into the Hernand Sewers using target-jumping mechanics, find a bound noblewoman, and receive a Sealed Letter. The Wooden Key transforms into an Engraved Key.

• Actions Speak Louder than Words: Visit Muckroot Ranch and help the couple Arlan and Lauren. Grab the broom from the door, climb to the roof using boxes, and clean the chimney. Rewards include the Hernandian Attire and an inventory expansion tool.

• Heart Beyond Borders: Rescue a cat from a rooftop for Rulupee. This is one of several optional objectives in the city.

Hernand City Activities

While completing the Trials of Kindness arc, you can explore Hernand's many systems:

Trace

To enter Hernand Castle, you need four items: the Hernandian Attire, Shai's Pendant, the Sealed Letter, and the Engraved Key. Equip the attire before approaching the gate guards.

Inside the castle, visit the Contribution Shop run by Haldwin and the Grindstone for blade resharpening. In the kitchen past the staircase, pick up the Meat and Vegetable Porridge Recipe.

The quest "Mystical Key" leads you to use the Engraved Key on the Alchemist's Chamber. Open the shining chest for a Faded Abyss Artifact and enter the Abyss Gate. In "Polar Opposites," the White Crow grants you the Axiom Force. Use the Left Analog Stick to activate it and the Right Analog Stick to manipulate objects. Rotate two discs until blue light reaches the building to complete the circuit.

"Abyss Without Balance" takes you to the Skybridge Gate, where you manipulate an alignment device like a combination lock using the Axiom Force. Rotate the knob until you hear a high-pitched clicking sound. Then navigate floating islands in the Ethereal Pathway, learn the Force Palm skill from a hologram, and reattach Abyss Cells to power devices.

In "Woman in White," the White Crow grants the Flight ability. Use it to return to the City of Hernand. This concludes Chapter 1.

Chapter 2: Golden Greed

Unexpected Gift

Follow the light from Shai's Pendant in "Where the Light Leads" to reach Lioncrest Watchtower. Clear the bandit forces and use flaming arrows to burn foliage blocking the door. Inside, climb to the top floor and pick up the Visione helm, which enables you to read Memory Fragments. Wearing the helm shows recorded visions of previous owners.

In "Reunion," you meet Rulupee and learn about her friend Bilwise. Follow the cat Jiji to an Abyss Cresset in the Meandering Hills. Use Nature's Grasp on the wall to lift it, then learn the Focus skill from a hologram. Hit three discs with Force Palm in the order 2-3-1 to complete the circuit and receive an Abyss Artifact and a Palmar Pill.

Hernand in Chaos

"For Honor" triggers a duel with Matthias from the Order of Light in Hernand Square. He moves quickly despite wearing heavy armor. Observe his attacks to learn the Pump Kick skill through the Watch and Learn system. Time your blocks to stagger him, then follow up with multiple attacks before he can retaliate. Defeating Matthias unlocks Abyss Contribution for the faction.

"Awestruck" introduces Barden Middler (the Hernand Marshal), who presents Marquis Serkis' request regarding brigands. The Marquis promises aid in rebuilding the Greymanes if Kliff deals with the bandit problem.

"Shadow Cast Over the River" tasks you with liberating Springtide Mill. A green bar above the quest shows the percentage of hostile control; defeat enough enemies to clear it. The mill's notice board unlocks four connected investigation quests under "Where Misery Gathers":

Tip: Collect Palmar Pills from bandit camps during these quests. They are valuable healing items in early chapters.

The End of Greed

Completing all four investigation quests unlocks "The Dark Veil," which reveals the conspiracy connecting every case to Kailok the Hornsplitter and the Goldleaf Merchant Guild. "The Flames of Greed" escalates the conflict at the Goldleaf Tradepost, where you speak with Shakatu and rescue townsfolk from a burning building using the Nature's Grasp ability.

"Kidnapped Healer" sends you to rescue Hubert from a bandit camp southwest of Unicorn Cliff. In "Rebellion or Revolution," Shakatu asks you to eliminate Kailok. Travel to the Goldleaf Guildhouse at Unicorn Cliff, defeat the Hornsplitter's Guards outside, and then fight Kailok the Hornsplitter himself. Watch as his own subordinates turn on him, and Shakatu assumes control of the guild. "Cheers Echoing From the Edge" concludes the chapter.

Chapter 3: Howling Hill

Homestead

Chapter 3 shifts focus to rebuilding. "Old Friend" and "First Step to Rebuilding" establish your new home base. "A Fresh Start" and "Reward for Their Sweat" involve gathering resources and building facilities at the Greymane Camp. "Return of the Comrade" brings more allies back to the fold, while "Familiar Curses" hints at darker forces at work.

The Face Behind the Mask

This arc investigates a sinister presence near the settlement. In "Return" and "Traces in the Manor," you explore a suspicious estate. "Nonhuman" and "Seed of Unease" reveal that something unnatural threatens the region. The arc culminates in "Dance with the Devil," a tense encounter that forces the Greymanes to confront threats beyond ordinary bandits.

Pioneering

"Hope After the Draught" and "Scattered Comrades" send you across the region to find and recruit surviving Greymane members. "Rumors from the Sawmill" and "A Gentle Touch" introduce new community challenges. "Bustling Hill" sees the settlement start to thrive, and "Greymanes Reunited" marks the completion of the faction's initial rebuilding phase, unlocking new camp facilities and dispatch missions.

Quests in Chapter 3:

Chapter 4: The Price of Knowledge

Mysterious Iron Pot

This arc begins at the Kilnden Workshop. "Kiln Repair at the Kilnden Workshop" tasks you with fixing a kiln, after which "The Mysterious Pot" and "The Iron Pot's Usage" introduce an unusual artifact with ties to the Abyss.

Daily Life

Two quests break from the main tension. "Disturbance at the Arena" involves a conflict at a local fighting pit, and "Skilled in Archery" tests your ranged combat abilities. These can be completed at your own pace between main objectives.

Forbidden Knowledge

"The Words of Alustin" and "Scholastone" send you to investigate forbidden secrets tied to the Abyss. Alustin directs you toward ancient ruins. "On the Right Path" and "Gate to the Otherworld" lead deeper into dangerous territory. "Spire of the Stars" features challenging platforming and puzzle sections. "Obsession and Madness" reveals the consequences of meddling with Abyss knowledge, and "Casted Shadow" concludes the chapter on an ominous note.

Quests in Chapter 4:

Chapter 5: Guest Unbidden

Uninvited Guest

"Double-sided Invitation" begins with an unexpected message. "Unwelcomed Guests" and "Demenissian Delegation" introduce political tensions as representatives from Demeniss arrive with unclear motives. "Exposed Plot" reveals betrayal within the delegation.

Black and White

"The Missing Seal" starts a chain of investigations. "Crowcaller" leads to a confrontation with the boss Crowcaller, an enemy cloaked in darkness who can briefly dissolve into black particles to close distance. "The Crow's Warning" and "Bloodwind" escalate the danger. "Secret at the Church" uncovers hidden Abyss connections within a religious institution. The chapter ends with "Toward the Nest (Spire of Soaring)," which opens the path to the next region.

Quests in Chapter 5:

Chapter 6: Cracks in the Shield

Blazing Beacon

War erupts. "News" delivers word of an invasion, "To the Battlefield" sends the Greymanes marching, and "The Counterattack" throws you into large-scale combat for the first time.

Under the Banner Pike Again

"Cradle of Defense" tasks you with fortifying a position. "The Touch of Deliverance" and "Fire on the Frontlines" feature intense siege defense sequences where you must hold the line against waves of enemies.

Turning Tides

"Fire Support" and "In Ashes" push the counteroffensive forward. "Hidden Fangs" reveals an enemy within your own ranks, and "Reclamation" sees the Greymanes seize a strategic position.

The Undying Shields

"A Thousand Troops" pits you against overwhelming numbers. "Traitor" exposes a betrayal at the worst possible moment. "All Quiet on the Front" provides a brief reprieve before "News of Victory" and "Return Home" bring the chapter to a close.

Quests in Chapter 6:

Chapter 7: Homecoming

Dawn Mist

"Ashes of Treachery" deals with the aftermath of betrayal. "Trust Lost" and "Bared Fang" force Kliff to rebuild alliances. "Rekindled Hope" and "Podium of Resolve" rally the Greymanes for the battles ahead.

Dawnrise

"Shadows Over Pailune" reveals the Greymanes' homeland under threat. "Driving out the Shadows" and "Lurking Wolves" involve clearing enemy forces. "Reclamation" sees Pailune partially liberated, but "Lonely Jackals" shows pockets of resistance remain. "Resolution" is a transitional cutscene quest where Kliff rejoins comrades at the house from the previous boss fight.

Tip: After completing "Resolution," ring the bell in Pailune to reveal the map and unlock a fast travel point north of town. Stock up on 100 or more Grilled Meat before proceeding, as tough boss fights lie ahead. Hunting grounds surround the area, and cooking pots are in the soldier encampment south of town.

Decisive Battle

"The Counterattack" and "Unleashed Fury" launch the major offensive. "The Final Bridge" and "Broken Claws" involve intense multi-stage encounters. "Battle at Silverwolf Mountain" is a landmark fight against entrenched enemy forces. "Incomplete Victory" reveals that winning the battle did not end the war.

Twisted Fate

"Ludvig's Whereabouts" sends you tracking a key figure, and "Time to Face Justice" confronts the chapter's primary antagonist. This arc sets up the escalation in Chapter 8.

Quests in Chapter 7:

Chapter 8: Blood Coronation

Ashen Steps

"Healing Pailune" focuses on recovery after the previous battles. "A Bond" strengthens relationships with key characters. "Ritual Preparations" and "Where the Wind Guides You" set the stage for a journey to new territory.

To Demeniss

This is the longest arc in Chapter 8, sending Kliff to the Demeniss region. "Chasing a Shadow" and "Blazing Fire" open the campaign there. "Whispering Shadows" and "Bloodied Invitation" deepen the political intrigue. "Resolve Amidst a Storm" and "Preparations for Advance" prepare the Greymanes for a decisive push.

"Rebel Suppression" involves large-scale combat. "The Cursed Knight" features a boss battle against Fortain, the Cursed Knight, a challenging encounter. "The Blood Coronation" is the arc's dramatic climax.

Traitor

"Clue" reopens the investigation into betrayal within the Greymanes' ranks. "A Fleeting Dream" delivers a story revelation that transitions into Chapter 9.

Quests in Chapter 8:

Chapter 9: The Sage of the Desert

The Calling

"An Unknown Voice" and "The Cloister of Enlightenment" draw Kliff toward a remote monastery in the desert. This arc introduces new environmental challenges and a shift in the story's tone toward the mystical.

Shattered Ties

"Mark of the Scar" and "Shackles of Fate" explore personal conflicts within Kliff's circle. Allegiances are tested as the Abyss influence grows.

Thinning Blade

"Crossing Point" and "Unwavering Steps" push the group through increasingly dangerous territory as resources grow scarce.

Six Pensive Statues and the Evil Spirit

This extended arc contains six quests: "Morning Fog," "Jijeong Temple in Chaos," "Path to Enlightenment," "Path of the Disciple," "True Strength," and "Face the Inner Self." Each quest involves a different trial at Jijeong Temple, testing combat prowess, puzzle-solving, and willpower.

Veiled Witch

"Fragments of Darkness," "Pursuit Beyond the Veil," and "Black Witch" form a boss sequence against a powerful Abyss-corrupted enemy. The Veiled Witch uses dark magic and requires careful dodging and well-timed counterattacks.

Enlightenment

"The Cloister of Enlightenment (II)," "The Sage of the Desert," "New Perspectives," and "Lust for Power" conclude the chapter. You meet the eponymous Sage, gain critical knowledge about the Abyss, and witness a shift in the power dynamics across Pywel.

Chapter 10: Counterattack

Secret Weapon

"Untouchable" and "The Gate of War" open an aggressive new front. "Master of the Ironworks" and "Hidden Ace" involve securing a powerful weapon or technology that could turn the tide. "Clockwork Insect Clash" features a unique encounter against a mechanical boss.

Greater Firepower

"Beating Heart" and "Invaders from the East" escalate the conflict as new enemy factions enter the battlefield. "Frozen Hearted Predator" is a boss fight against a formidable icy creature. "Lingering Shadow" closes the chapter with unresolved tension.

Quests in Chapter 10:

Chapter 11: Truth and Reality

Brave New World

"The City of Steel" introduces a technologically advanced settlement. "Crossroads" presents a major narrative choice point. "Strange Manor" and "Fortress Keys" involve infiltration and puzzle-solving. "Truth and Lies" delivers a story revelation that recontextualizes earlier events.

Foreboding Shadow

"Master of a Forgotten Land" features a boss encounter. "Whispers in the Wind" builds toward the endgame, and "Cloud Castle Orbian" takes Kliff to a breathtaking aerial location that serves as the gateway to the final chapter.

Quests in Chapter 11:

Chapter 12: The Abyss

The Final Battle

"Precise Execution" and "Deferred Advance" set up the climactic assault. "Departure of the Brave" rallies every ally accumulated over the campaign. "Forbidden Gate" opens the path into the deepest reaches of the Abyss, where the source of corruption awaits.

The Void

"A Shadow in the Void" and "Blinding Darkness" form the game's final boss sequence. Expect a multi-phase fight that tests every combat skill learned throughout the campaign. The boss Kearush the Slayer serves as the story's ultimate antagonist, and defeating him brings the main campaign to its conclusion.

Tip: Make sure your equipment is fully upgraded and your inventory is stocked with healing items before entering the Void. There is no opportunity to return to shops once you begin the final sequence.

Epilogue: Journey's End

After the final battle, the Epilogue wraps up the story across nine quests: "Journey's End," "A New Beginning," "Peace in Hernand," "The Unyielding Shields," "The Heart of Pywel," "The Desert's Edge," "The Enduring Flame," "Evolving City," and "New Horizons." These quests allow you to revisit major locations, speak with key characters, and witness the lasting impact of your choices on the world of Pywel.

The Epilogue also opens up endgame content, including additional boss fights, challenges, and exploration opportunities that were locked during the main story.

Notable Boss Fights

Several major boss encounters are tied to the main story. The table below lists the most significant fights and the chapter in which they appear.

General 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.

• 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

• Main Story Walkthrough

• Beginners Guide

• Skill Acquisition Guide

• Boss Guide

• Faction Quests

• Challenges

• Map Completion Guide