Overview
Keys in Crimson Desert use a universal system. Any generic key works on any locked door, unless the door requires a specific named key from a quest. Keys are consumed on use, so you will want a steady supply. Locked doors hide treasure chests, loot rooms, and shortcuts, making keys one of the most valuable consumables in the game.
Buying Keys From Back Alley Shops
Generic keys are sold at Back Alley Shops for 30 Copper Coins each. These shady vendors appear on the map with a red circle icon featuring a mask. Each shop stocks only three keys at a time, and restocking takes roughly two in-game days.
Known Back Alley Shop Locations
Location | How to Find It |
|---|---|
East of Hernand City | Head east out of Hernand, pass the model castle on the left, then take a left down the track. The vendor is along the stream southeast of the city. |
South of St. Halssius's House of Healing | Located east of Hernand. This is the second early-game source of keys. |
Additional Back Alley Shops appear in other settlements as you explore more of Pywel. Check the interactive map for their precise positions.
Other Ways to Get Keys
Source | Details |
|---|---|
Enemy drops | Bandits, goblins, and other hostile NPCs sometimes drop keys when defeated. Bleed Bandits are a particularly reliable source. The drop is not guaranteed, but farming any bandit stronghold will eventually yield keys. |
World loot | Keys occasionally sit on tables, shelves, and inside containers in buildings and camps. Look for small wooden boxes in cabinets and drawers, marked by bag icons on your minimap. |
Quest rewards | Some side quests reward generic keys or specific named keys needed for unique doors. |
Key Types
Key (Generic): Opens most ordinary locked doors. Costs 30 Copper from Back Alley Shops.
Prison Key: Opens jail cells and certain fortified doors. Costs 26 Copper from Back Alley Shops that stock them.
Named Quest Keys: Unique keys tied to specific quest objectives. These are not consumed and cannot be bought; they must be found or earned during the quest.
Tips
Plan your purchases ahead. Each Back Alley Shop only sells three keys at a time, and restocking takes about two in-game days. If you need many keys at once, visit multiple shops.
Always loot every bandit camp thoroughly. Even if the drop rate per enemy is low, clearing an entire camp often nets one or two keys.
Keys do not stack in limited quantities, so buy and hoard them whenever you find a Back Alley Shop.
Use sleeping to advance time by 12 hours if you need a Back Alley Shop to restock faster.