World Map
Complete guide to the Crimson Desert world map and the continent of Pywel. Covers all 5 regions (Hernand, Pailune, Demeniss, Delesyia, Crimson Desert), map scale, key locations, traversal methods (horses, gliders, dragons), the Greymanes camp system, life skills, and exploration mechanics.
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World Map overview
The world of Crimson Desert takes place on the continent of Pywel, a vast and varied landmass featuring mountains, forests, deserts, frozen tundra, coastal regions, and floating sky islands. The map is estimated at over 74 square kilometers of explorable terrain. At least twice the size of Skyrim and comparable to Red Dead Redemption 2. Pywel is divided into five distinct regions, each with its own climate, culture, political structure, and dangers. Players explore the world as Kliff, leader of the Greymanes mercenary band, in a non-linear open world where regions can be visited in any order.
The five regions of Pywel
Region | Climate | Description |
|---|---|---|
Hernand | Temperate | The starting region. Mountains, rivers, cliffside cities, and vibrant markets. Where Kliff's adventure begins. Features large cities with daily NPC life cycles. |
Pailune | Autumn forests | The northernmost region and homeland of the Greymanes. Gorgeous autumn weather. After the Black Bears scatter the Greymanes, Kliff rebuilds the camp here from a small tent settlement into a fortified base. |
Demeniss | Regal plains | The center of political and military power. Features imposing castles and serves as the political hub of Pywel. Heavily guarded territories with faction-controlled areas. |
Delesyia | Varied | At the forefront of science and technology. The most technologically advanced region on the continent, with unique machinery and experimental structures. |
Crimson Desert | Arid desert | The namesake region. A vast expanse of red sands and lawlessness. Towering ridges, barren wastelands, and dangerous bandits. The harshest environment on Pywel. |
Additional named territories
Territory | Description |
|---|---|
Kweiden | Inhospitably cold lands, also called "the land of the wolf." Contains the settlement of Ulsrund. Harsh winter conditions year-round. |
Akapen | Characterized by vast open plains. Large-scale mounted combat encounters occur here. |
Roothold | A stronghold centered around the Eldertree, where "ancient power awaits." Likely tied to deep lore and endgame content. |
The Abyss | Floating sky islands above the surface. Fragments rain down onto the world below. Accessible only through late-game aerial traversal. |
Key locations
Location | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Hernand city | Hernand | Major city with markets, taverns, quest givers, and NPC daily routines |
Greymanes Camp | Pailune | Player-built base. Starts as tents, expands through resource gathering |
Frozen Soul Mountain | Kweiden | Snow-covered peak with harsh conditions and environmental hazards |
Golden Star | Varies | Landmark tied to the main questline |
Library of Providence | Demeniss | Lore-rich location with knowledge and quest content |
Goldleaf Camp | Varies | Faction camp connected to story missions |
Traversal methods
Pywel emphasizes both horizontal and vertical exploration. Multiple traversal methods are available:
Method | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
On foot | Always | Default movement. Stamina-based sprinting. |
Horseback | Early game | Primary land traversal. Horses, bears, raptors, and wolves can be tamed and ridden. |
Paragliding | Mid-game | Launch from high points and glide across valleys. Essential for vertical exploration. |
Grappling hook | Mid-game | Slingshot yourself upward and transition into a glide. Enables rapid vertical movement. |
Hot air balloon | Mid-game | Slow aerial ascent for reaching elevated areas. |
Mechanical glider | Late-game | Propeller-driven glider for sustained horizontal flight. |
War Mech | Late-game | Destroys obstacles and environmental barriers. Enables access to blocked areas. |
Flying dragon | Endgame | Full aerial freedom. The ultimate traversal unlock. |
Fast travel | Unlocked progressively | Node-based system connecting discovered locations. |
Exploration mechanics
Non-linear progression: Regions can be explored in any order. If an area is too difficult, leave and return later when stronger
Dynamic world changes: Liberating regions from hostile factions causes visible changes. Residents return, structures rebuild, new vendors and services appear
Blockaded areas: Some territories are blocked by factions until story progression or faction standing improves
Day-night cycle: Influences NPC availability, enemy spawns, and environmental hazards. Some content is only accessible at night
Weather system: Dynamic weather affects visibility, combat effectiveness, and NPC behavior
Environmental puzzles: Manipulating mechanisms, platforming, using swords to move structures, and unlocking hidden pathways
Hidden content: Ritual grounds, crypts with treasure maps, poison mist shrouds concealing secrets, and unmarked cave systems
Scaling encounters: Enemy difficulty scales with player progression, keeping exploration challenging throughout
Greymanes Camp system
In Pailune, Kliff rebuilds the Greymanes camp from a small tent settlement into a fully operational base. Camp development requires gathering resources through exploration:
Resource gathering: Wood (logging), minerals (mining), food (hunting and fishing), and crafting materials from exploration
Buildings: Food shops, trading centers, farms, workshops, and armories. Each building unlocks new services
Character upgrades: Certain camp buildings provide stat improvements and new abilities
Freesword dispatch: Assign companions to off-screen missions requiring 4-6 people. They return with rewards after a set time
Life skills
The open world supports extensive life skill activities beyond combat:
Skill | Description |
|---|---|
Fishing | Catch fish at rivers, lakes, and coastal spots. Used for cooking and camp supplies. |
Farming | Grow crops at the Greymanes camp. Supplies food for the settlement. |
Cooking | Prepare meals from gathered ingredients. Provides buffs and camp supplies. |
Hunting | Track and hunt wildlife with camouflage mechanics. Provides meat and pelts. |
Mining | Extract ores from deposits. Used for crafting weapons and camp construction. |
Logging | Chop trees for wood. Essential for camp building and equipment crafting. |
Trading | Buy and sell goods across towns. Prices vary by region and supply/demand. |
Arena fighting | Competitive combat challenges with rewards. |
Horse racing | Mounted races between settlements. |
Crime system
Criminal activities like pickpocketing reduce your Hernandian Contribution reputation. Accumulating offenses triggers bounties that make guards hostile. Wanted status persists until you are arrested or clear the bounty. Some areas may become inaccessible while wanted.
Points of interest
Scattered across Pywel you will find:
Towns and villages: Trade hubs with shops, taverns, and quest givers
Ruins and crypts: Contain treasure maps, rare loot, and lore fragments
Shrines: Provide blessings and fast travel nodes
Robber camps: Hostile encampments that can be cleared for rewards and regional reputation
Taverns: Social hubs where you can gather information, play table games, arm wrestle, and recruit companions
Fishing spots: Marked locations along rivers and coastlines
Tips
The world is non-linear. If an area feels too tough, explore a different region and return later
Unlock fast travel nodes at shrines as you explore to make backtracking efficient
Invest in camp building early. Upgraded facilities provide permanent stat bonuses
The grappling hook + glide combo is the fastest traversal method before late-game unlocks
Night exploration reveals different content than daytime. Some quests and encounters are nocturnal only
Clear robber camps to improve regional reputation, which can unlock blockaded areas faster than story progression
Life skills provide essential resources for camp development. Do not skip them in favor of combat alone