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11 Overview
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33 Weapon Mastery Challenges are a set of combat trials in Crimson Desert that test proficiency with every weapon type available to the three playable characters. There are 9 weapon-related subcategories containing a combined total of 54 challenges, all filed under Goyen's Advice in the Journal menu. Completing every weapon mastery challenge (along with the 10 Horse challenges) earns the Unvanquished Strategist gold trophy.
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55 Each challenge is tied to a specific Sealed Abyss Artifact hidden along roads and pathways throughout Pywel. You must physically pick up the artifact before progress begins tracking. Actions performed before the pickup do not count retroactively, so exploring thoroughly while traveling between destinations is important. Rewards from these challenges include Abyss Artifacts (skill points for the Abyss Tree), Faded Abyss Artifacts (for skill resets), and various Abyss Gear runes that slot into equipment.
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77 The weapon mastery challenges are separate from Battle Challenges, Training Challenges, and Operation Challenges, which belong to the Combat category and test general fighting ability rather than weapon-specific skills. For a broader view of all challenge types, see the Challenges overview page.
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99 All Weapon Mastery Categories
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1111 The following table lists every weapon mastery subcategory, its challenge series name, the number of challenges, which character can complete them, and the trophy earned for finishing the entire set.
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1313 SubcategorySeries NameChallengesCharacterTrophyArticleSwordSword of Trials6KliffMaster of SwordsSword ChallengesShieldShield of Unchanging Will6KliffMaster of ShieldsShield ChallengesBowBow Aimed at Fate6KliffMaster of BowsBow ChallengesSpearSharpened Spear5KliffMaster of SpearsSpear ChallengesTwo-Handed WeaponOverwhelming Slash / Ground Shaking Impact6Kliff / OongkaMaster of Two-Handed WeaponsTwo-Handed Weapon ChallengesCannonBarraging Cannon5OongkaMaster of ArtilleryCannon ChallengesRapier and ShieldDancing Blade, Shining Shield5DamianeMaster of RapiersRapier and Shield ChallengesGunWhen Lightning Strikes5DamianeMaster of FirearmsGun ChallengesSpecial EquipmentSpecial Weapon10All CharactersGrand Collector of ArmsSpecial Equipment Challenges
1414 How Weapon Mastery Challenges Work
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1616 Unlocking: Every weapon mastery challenge is locked behind a Sealed Abyss Artifact. These artifacts appear as small glowing objects placed along roads, intersections, and pathways throughout the open world. Walk up to one and interact with it to reveal the challenge tied to that artifact. You can use Guiding Light (L1+R1 / LB+RB) to detect nearby artifacts; a blue glimmer appears when one is within range.
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1818 Tracking: Open the Journal menu and navigate to Challenges, then select Mastery. Each weapon subcategory shows your completed and remaining challenges. The requirement text only becomes visible after you have picked up the corresponding artifact.
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2020 Completing: Fulfill the stated objective using the specified weapon type. Objectives range from defeating a number of enemies within a time limit, to landing specific attack types, to completing kills without taking damage. Once the objective is met, consume the Sealed Abyss Artifact to collect your reward.
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2222 Progress rules: Challenge progress only counts after you have collected the corresponding Sealed Abyss Artifact. Any kills or actions performed before the pickup are not tracked. Some cumulative challenges (such as defeating 30 enemies with a specific weapon) do track across multiple sessions once activated, but timed challenges must be completed in a single attempt.
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2424 Reward Structure
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2626 Every weapon mastery challenge awards at least one Abyss Artifact, which functions as a skill point for the Abyss Tree. Many challenges also grant one or more of the following bonus rewards:
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2828 Faded Abyss Artifacts allow you to reset invested skill points, letting you respec part of your build. These are rarer and typically awarded by the harder challenges in each series.Abyss Cores are passive abilities that unlock permanent combat bonuses. Examples include Destruction I (bonus heavy attack damage), Fortitude I (increased resilience), and Rend I (armor penetration on stab attacks). Not every challenge drops a core, but those that do provide some of the most impactful early-game power spikes.Abyss Gear Runes such as Steelbane, Lightningward, Shred, Swift, Insight, and Composure slot into your equipment to grant elemental resistances or stat bonuses. Higher-tier runes (II and Greater variants) come from later challenges.
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3030 Completing all challenges in a single weapon subcategory also awards a category-specific trophy. Finishing every subcategory across all 10 mastery types (including Horse) earns the Unvanquished Strategist gold trophy.
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3232 Notable Abyss Cores From Weapon Challenges
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3434 Several weapon mastery challenges drop unique Abyss Cores that cannot be obtained through other means. The table below highlights the most valuable drops.
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3636 ChallengeAbyss CoreEffectSword of Trials 1Destruction IBonus damage on heavy attacksSword of Trials 3Breath of Life IPassive health recovery during combatSword of Trials 5Rend IBonus armor penetration on stab attacksShield of Unchanging Will 1Wall of Steel IIncreased shield durability and block effectivenessShield of Unchanging Will 4Fortitude IIBoosts resilience under pressureOverwhelming Slash 2Insight IBonus experience from combat encountersBarraging Cannon 1Steelbane IBonus damage against armored targetsBarraging Cannon 2Greater DestructionSignificantly increased attack powerDancing Blade 1Destruction IBonus damage on heavy attacksDancing Blade 2Haste IIncreased attack speed
3737 Character-Specific Weapon Requirements
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3939 Crimson Desert's three playable characters each specialize in different weapon types, and several mastery subcategories are locked to a single character. You will need to progress through the main story to unlock all three characters before you can attempt every weapon mastery challenge. Kliff is available from the start, while Oongka and Damiane become playable as you advance through the chapters.
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4141 CharacterWeapon TypesWhen AvailableTotal ChallengesKliffSword, Shield, Bow, Spear, Two-Handed (Longsword)Chapter 1 (start of game)29OongkaTwo-Handed (Club/Axe), CannonEnd of Chapter 78DamianeRapier and Shield, GunChapter 3 and beyond10
4242 Special Equipment challenges can be completed by any character, as the required weapons are obtained from quests and dispatch missions rather than being tied to a specific character's weapon tree.
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4444 Sword of Trials (Sword Challenges)
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4646 The Sword of Trials series contains 6 challenges focused on sword combat as Kliff. Objectives test speed, precision, and mastery of specific sword techniques including the Turning Slash, Stab, and Forward Slash attacks. The sword is Kliff's starting weapon, so most players encounter these challenges early in the game.
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4848 ChallengeObjectiveRegionKey RewardSword of Trials 1Defeat 3 enemies within 30 seconds using a swordHernandDestruction ISword of Trials 2Defeat 3 enemies at once using a one-handed swordHernandAbyss ArtifactSword of Trials 3Defeat 3 enemies with a sword without taking damageHernandBreath of Life ISword of Trials 4Defeat 3 enemies at once with Sword Turning SlashHernandDestruction ISword of Trials 5Defeat 3 enemies in a row using only Stab attacksDemenissRend ISword of Trials 6Defeat 5 enemies within 15 seconds with Forward SlashDemenissFaded Abyss Artifact + Destruction II
4949 For detailed strategies and exact Sealed Abyss Artifact locations for each trial, see the full Sword Challenges article.
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5151 Shield of Unchanging Will (Shield Challenges)
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5353 The Shield of Unchanging Will series contains 6 challenges that require you to treat the shield as an offensive weapon rather than a defensive tool. Objectives include bashing enemies, blocking arrows, flipping enemies, and landing Charge attacks. These challenges reward aggressive shield play.
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5555 ChallengeObjectiveRegionKey RewardShield of Unchanging Will 1Defeat 3 enemies with a shieldHernandWall of Steel IShield of Unchanging Will 2Block 10 arrows with a shieldHernandFaded Abyss ArtifactShield of Unchanging Will 3Hit 3 enemies at once with a shieldHernandAbyss ArtifactShield of Unchanging Will 4Defeat 5 enemies with a shield without taking damageHernandFortitude II + Faded Abyss ArtifactShield of Unchanging Will 5Flip 5 enemies with a shieldDemenissFortitude IShield of Unchanging Will 6Land 10 hits within 1 minute using ChargeHernandAbyss Artifact
5656 For full details, see the Shield Challenges article.
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5858 Bow Aimed at Fate (Bow Challenges)
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6060 The Bow Aimed at Fate series contains 6 challenges testing accuracy, range discipline, and bow technique. Objectives include hitting enemies from long range, downing birds in flight, hitting airborne targets, and using the Focused Shot ability. Positioning on elevated terrain makes many of these much easier.
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6262 ChallengeObjectiveRegionKey RewardBow Aimed at Fate 1Defeat 5 enemies with a bow within 60 secondsHernandInfinite Arrows IBow Aimed at Fate 2Defeat 7 enemies in a row using only normal arrowsHernandAbyss ArtifactBow Aimed at Fate 3Hit 3 enemies in mid-air with the bowPailuneInsight IBow Aimed at Fate 4Take down 3 birds from over 15 metres awayCrimson DesertHeadstart IBow Aimed at Fate 5Take down 5 enemies at once from over 20 metres awayDemenissGreater Infinite ArrowsBow Aimed at Fate 6Hit 5 enemies with Focused ShotPailuneFaded Abyss Artifact + Composure I
6363 For full details, see the Bow Challenges article.
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6565 Sharpened Spear (Spear Challenges)
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6767 The Sharpened Spear series contains 5 challenges emphasizing the spear's speed and counterattack potential. Spear challenges require landing rapid combos, chaining counterattacks within tight time windows, and executing Stab and Leap Attack kills. The spear's fast attack chain makes hitting high combo counts more manageable than with slower weapons.
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6969 ChallengeObjectiveRegionKey RewardSharpened Spear 1Land 15 counterattacks with a spear within 30 secondsHernandAbyss ArtifactSharpened Spear 2Hit enemies 50 times with a spear within 30 secondsHernandGale IISharpened Spear 3Take down 5 enemies within 15 seconds using StabHernandAbyss ArtifactSharpened Spear 4Defeat 3 enemies within 1 minute using Spear Leap AttackDemenissFaded Abyss Artifact + Insight ISharpened Spear 5Defeat 5 enemies without taking damage at full healthHernandAbyss Artifact
7070 For full details, see the Spear Challenges article.
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7272 Overwhelming Slash and Ground Shaking Impact (Two-Handed Weapon Challenges)
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7474 The two-handed weapon mastery is split into two sub-series. Overwhelming Slash (3 challenges) covers longswords used by Kliff, while Ground Shaking Impact (3 challenges) covers clubs and axes wielded by Oongka. This is the only mastery subcategory that requires two different characters. Longsword challenges involve finishers, knockbacks, and fighting at low health, while club/axe challenges focus on raw hit counts and launching enemies.
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7676 ChallengeObjectiveCharacterKey RewardOverwhelming Slash 1Hit 3 enemies at once with a longsword while Health is below 50%KliffAbyss ArtifactOverwhelming Slash 2Defeat 3 enemies with a longsword finisher without taking damageKliffInsight IOverwhelming Slash 3Knock back 10 enemies within 30 seconds using a longswordKliffAbyss ArtifactGround Shaking Impact 1Land 30 hits on enemies within 30 seconds using a club or axeOongkaAbyss ArtifactGround Shaking Impact 2Defeat 10 enemies with a club or axe without taking damageOongkaAbyss ArtifactGround Shaking Impact 3Send 5 enemies flying at once with a club or axeOongkaDestruction II
7777 For full details, see the Two-Handed Weapon Challenges article.
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7979 Barraging Cannon (Cannon Challenges)
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8181 The Barraging Cannon series contains 5 challenges exclusive to Oongka's Hand Cannon. Objectives test explosive combat skills including hitting multiple targets at once, using elemental Charged Shots, defeating mounted enemies from long range, and destroying structures. Oongka's Hand Cannon becomes available at the end of Chapter 7.
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8383 ChallengeObjectiveRegionKey RewardBarraging Cannon 1Hit 3 enemies at once with a Hand CannonDelesyiaSteelbane IBarraging Cannon 2Defeat 3 enemies with normal, Fire, Ice, Lightning, and Wind Enhanced Charged ShotsDemenissGreater DestructionBarraging Cannon 3Defeat 10 enemies within 30 seconds without destroying surrounding objectsDelesyiaGreater SwiftBarraging Cannon 4Defeat a mounted enemy from 30+ metres awayDelesyiaFaded Abyss Artifact + Steelbane IIBarraging Cannon 5Destroy 2 watchtowers with a Hand Cannon within 10 secondsPailuneShatter I
8484 Note: Barraging Cannon 2 has been reported as bugged by some players. If the challenge does not track properly, try reloading your save or completing it after a patch. For full details, see the Cannon Challenges article.
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8686 Dancing Blade, Shining Shield (Rapier and Shield Challenges)
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8888 The Dancing Blade, Shining Shield series contains 5 challenges for Damiane's rapier and shield combination. These challenges show Damiane's agile fighting style, requiring fast kills, precision stabs, attacks on prone enemies, ranged rapier strikes using Smiting Bolt, and Shield Toss bounces.
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9090 ChallengeObjectiveRegionKey RewardDancing Blade, Shining Shield 1Defeat 5 enemies with a Rapier within 60 secondsHernandDestruction IDancing Blade, Shining Shield 2Stab enemies 10 times with a rapier without taking damageDemenissHaste IDancing Blade, Shining Shield 3Hit prone enemies 5 times with a rapierDemenissShred IDancing Blade, Shining Shield 4Take down 3 enemies at once from over 10 metres using a rapierDelesyiaGreater InsightDancing Blade, Shining Shield 5Hit 9 enemies within 15 seconds with Shield TossDemenissFaded Abyss Artifact + Swift I
9191 For full details, see the Rapier and Shield Challenges article.
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9393 When Lightning Strikes (Gun Challenges)
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9595 The When Lightning Strikes series contains 5 challenges for Damiane's gun. These are among the most mechanically demanding mastery challenges in the game. They require precise long-range kills from over 30 metres, rapid multi-kills within 5 seconds, triple hits within a single second, hitting mounted targets from horseback, and demonstrating all three shooting styles (regular, Evasive, and aerial shots).
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9797 ChallengeObjectiveRegionKey RewardWhen Lightning Strikes 1Take down 5 enemies from over 30 metres away using a gunHernandShred IIWhen Lightning Strikes 2Take down 3 enemies from over 5 metres within 5 secondsDemenissInsight IIWhen Lightning Strikes 3Hit the target 3 times within 1 second using a pistolHernandSwift IWhen Lightning Strikes 4Hit 7 mounted enemies with a gun while riding a horseDemenissFaded Abyss Artifact + Aptitude IWhen Lightning Strikes 5Take down 3 enemies each with regular, Evasive, and aerial shotsHernandAbyss Artifact
9898 For full details, see the Gun Challenges article.
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100100 Special Weapon (Special Equipment Challenges)
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102102 The Special Weapon series is the largest weapon mastery subcategory with 10 challenges. Unlike the other categories, these challenges require obtaining specific special equipment items before they can be attempted. Some special weapons come from faction quests, dispatch missions, or specific story rewards. Any playable character can complete these challenges as long as they have the required weapon equipped.
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104104 ChallengeWeapon RequiredObjectiveKey RewardSpecial Weapon 1FlamespitterBurn 10 enemies within 15 secondsGreater FlamewardSpecial Weapon 2Propeller SpearHit 5 enemies at once with wind attackFaded Abyss Artifact + Shred IISpecial Weapon 3KnuckledrillHit the overheated explosion 5 timesLightningward IISpecial Weapon 4Lightning SpearDefeat 30 enemies with the Lightning SpearLightningward IISpecial Weapon 5Bismuth SpearDefeat 30 enemies with the Bismuth SpearFaded Abyss Artifact + Heart of StoneSpecial Weapon 6Lightning Bolt Plate ArmorObtain Titan's armorGreater MalicebaneSpecial Weapon 7Gale ShieldSubdue 30 enemies with the gale shieldGreater DestructionSpecial Weapon 8Marni Laser HelmHit 5 enemies with the laserGreater SteelbaneSpecial Weapon 9Shotgun ShieldDefeat 30 enemies with the shotgun shieldFortitude IISpecial Weapon 10Vessel of Dark PursuitDefeat 100 enemies with Vessel of Dark PursuitEnergy Drain III
105105 The Lightning Spear challenge (Special Weapon 4) only tracks kills with the original 50-durability version, not upgraded variants. For full details and acquisition guides for each special weapon, see the Special Equipment Challenges article.
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107107 General Tips and Strategies
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109109 Prioritize your main weapon first. Focus on completing the mastery challenges for whichever weapon type you use most often. The Abyss Artifact and Abyss Core rewards from these challenges feed directly into your skill tree, making your primary combat style stronger before you branch out.
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111111 Explore roads and intersections thoroughly. Sealed Abyss Artifacts are always placed along roads, at crossroads, near wooden shrines, or at intersections. They are not hidden in dungeons or behind puzzles. Traveling on foot rather than galloping on horseback makes it easier to spot them. Use Guiding Light frequently while exploring to detect artifacts within range.
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113113 Upgrade your weapons at a blacksmith. Many timed challenges become trivial with a well-upgraded weapon. Higher damage means fewer hits required per kill, which saves valuable seconds. Visit a blacksmith before attempting any challenge that feels tight on time.
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115115 Target weak enemies for timed challenges. Road bandits and low-level wildlife die in fewer hits than soldiers or elite enemies. When a challenge asks you to defeat multiple enemies within a short window, seek out clusters of weak targets near the artifact location rather than fighting the nearest patrol.
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117117 Learn specific attack inputs. Several challenges require specific attack types (Turning Slash, Stab, Forward Slash, Leap Attack, Focused Shot). If you are unfamiliar with the input, practice the move on non-challenge enemies first. The controls differ slightly across keyboard/mouse and controller: Turning Slash is R1+R2 on controller, Stab is R1+Triangle, and Forward Slash is R2. Consult the Controls page for a full input reference.
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119119 No-damage challenges require patience. For any challenge that demands zero damage taken, fight enemies one at a time rather than rushing into a group. Eliminate archers and ranged threats first, then isolate melee enemies. Dodge-canceling between targets keeps you safe. There is rarely a time limit on no-damage challenges, so take it slowly.
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121121 Save before attempting difficult challenges. Weapon mastery challenges do not have a built-in retry button. If you fail a timed challenge, you must wait for the enemies to respawn or leave the area and return. Saving at a nearby campfire beforehand lets you reload quickly.
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123123 Recommended Completion Order
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125125 Because characters unlock at different points in the story, you cannot complete all weapon mastery challenges at once. The following order minimizes backtracking and matches the natural story progression.
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127127 Sword, Shield, Bow, and Spear challenges can all be started in Chapters 1 through 6 while playing as Kliff. Most Sealed Abyss Artifacts for these categories are located in the Hernand region.Two-Handed Weapon (Longsword) challenges: the Overwhelming Slash sub-series becomes available as soon as Kliff obtains a longsword, which happens early in the story.Two-Handed Weapon (Club/Axe) and Cannon challenges require Oongka, who becomes playable at the end of Chapter 7. His Ground Shaking Impact and Barraging Cannon challenges are scattered across Hernand, Pailune, and Delesyia.Rapier and Shield and Gun challenges require Damiane, available from Chapter 3 onward. Her challenges are spread across Hernand, Demeniss, and Delesyia.Special Equipment challenges can be worked on alongside any character once you acquire the required special weapon. Some weapons come from faction quests that open up in the mid to late game.
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129129 Trophies and Achievements
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131131 Each weapon mastery subcategory has its own trophy that unlocks upon completing every challenge in that series. Completing all 10 mastery subcategories (the 9 weapon types listed above plus the Horse challenges) earns the Unvanquished Strategist gold trophy.
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133133 TrophyRequirementTypeMaster of SwordsComplete all 6 Sword of Trials challengesBronzeMaster of ShieldsComplete all 6 Shield of Unchanging Will challengesBronzeMaster of BowsComplete all 6 Bow Aimed at Fate challengesBronzeMaster of SpearsComplete all 5 Sharpened Spear challengesBronzeMaster of Two-Handed WeaponsComplete all 6 Overwhelming Slash and Ground Shaking Impact challengesBronzeMaster of ArtilleryComplete all 5 Barraging Cannon challengesBronzeMaster of RapiersComplete all 5 Dancing Blade, Shining Shield challengesBronzeMaster of FirearmsComplete all 5 When Lightning Strikes challengesBronzeGrand Collector of ArmsComplete all 10 Special Weapon challengesSilverUnvanquished StrategistComplete all 10 mastery subcategories (64 challenges total)Gold
134134 For a complete list of all trophies, see the Trophies and Achievements page. For the Horse Challenges that also count toward the Unvanquished Strategist trophy, see the dedicated article.
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136136 See Also
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138138 ChallengesMastery Challenges GuideHorse ChallengesBattle ChallengesTraining ChallengesOperation ChallengesSealed Abyss Artifact LocationsArtifacts and Abyss FragmentsAbyss CoreCombat System