Overview
All weapons in Crimson Desert degrade with use. Every swing, thrust, and combo chips away at a weapon's durability, eventually reducing its combat effectiveness. The durability system encourages players to actively maintain their equipment through Whetstones (for quick field repairs) and visits to blacksmiths (for full maintenance). Neglecting durability carries real consequences: a weapon at low durability swings slower and deals significantly less stagger damage than a well-maintained one.
How durability works
Each weapon has a durability meter that decreases with every attack. The rate of degradation depends on the weapon type and the type of attacks being performed. Heavy attacks and combo finishers tend to drain durability faster than light attacks.
A weapon at full durability performs at its listed stats. As durability drops, penalties begin to accumulate. A greatsword at 10% durability, for example, will swing noticeably slower and deal significantly less stagger damage than the same weapon at full condition.
Effects of low durability
Durability Level | Effect |
|---|---|
75-100% | No penalty. Weapon performs at full stats |
50-74% | Minor reduction in swing speed. Barely noticeable in most combat situations |
25-49% | Moderate reduction in swing speed and stagger damage. Combat feels sluggish |
1-24% | Severe reduction in swing speed and stagger damage. Weapon becomes noticeably less effective in all combat scenarios |
0% | Weapon is broken and cannot be used until repaired |
The stagger damage reduction is particularly impactful. Stagger is a core combat mechanic that creates openings for follow-up attacks and grapples. A degraded weapon that cannot stagger enemies effectively forces players to fight longer, more drawn-out engagements.
Repair methods
Whetstones (field repair)
Whetstones are consumable items that partially restore a weapon's durability in the field. They can be used from the quick-slot menu without visiting a blacksmith, making them essential for extended exploration sessions and dungeon runs.
Carry capacity: Keep Whetstones in your quick-slot for easy access during combat lulls
Partial repair: Whetstones restore a portion of durability, not the full amount. Multiple stones may be needed for a severely degraded weapon
Availability: Whetstones can be purchased from vendors in towns, looted from containers, and crafted from materials
Blacksmith repair (full maintenance)
Visiting a blacksmith in any major town fully restores a weapon's durability. Blacksmiths are found in Hernand Town and other settlements throughout Pywel. The Greymane Camp also has a forge that can be upgraded to provide blacksmith services closer to home.
Full restoration: Blacksmiths restore durability to 100% for a gold cost
Camp forge: The caravan forge at Greymane Camp provides the same repair services once upgraded
Cost: Repair costs scale with the weapon's rarity and level. Higher-tier weapons cost more to maintain
Durability by weapon type
Weapon Type | Durability Pool | Degradation Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Greatsword / Claymore | High | Moderate | Durable but heavy attacks drain durability faster |
Low to moderate | Fast (many hits) | High attack speed means more hits per engagement, so durability drops quickly despite lighter individual hits | |
High | Moderate to high | Heavy blunt attacks are hard on the weapon. Stagger-focused, so durability loss is especially impactful | |
Axe | Moderate | Moderate | Balanced durability profile |
Tips
Always carry at least 3 to 5 Whetstones when venturing away from town. Running out during a dungeon or boss fight is costly
Check your weapon's durability before entering a boss fight. Starting a long encounter with a half-broken weapon makes the fight harder than it needs to be
The Greymane Camp forge upgrade is one of the most valuable camp improvements. It saves travel time to town blacksmiths
If your weapon breaks mid-combat and you have no Whetstones, switch to unarmed combat. Punches, kicks, and grapples do not consume durability
Rapier users should carry extra Whetstones. The weapon's fast attack speed means it degrades faster per encounter than slower weapons
Hammer users should prioritize durability maintenance above all other weapon types. The stagger damage penalty from low durability directly undermines the hammer's core purpose
Buy Whetstones in bulk when visiting towns. They are inexpensive and weigh very little in your inventory