Crafting a guide for the expansive world of Crimson Desert presents a unique challenge. The sheer volume of tips and strategies can be overwhelming, given the game’s vastness—not only in terms of geography but also in the multitude of quests and systems introduced throughout the gameplay experience. However, after dedicating countless hours to exploring this intricate universe, I’ve distilled my insights into 20 essential tips designed to enhance your journey without inundating you.
Crimson Desert Tips
1. Ring the bell in each city: Channel your inner Assassin’s Creed by ringing the bell in every city. This simple act grants you a panoramic view that unlocks the regional map, revealing points of interest that are crucial for your adventures.
2. Spend your first Abyss Artifacts on health and stamina: Prioritize investing in stamina, especially during early boss encounters. It plays a vital role in your ability to block, attack, and sprint. Health is equally important, ensuring you stay in the fight longer.
3. Complete Requests to get more inventory space: If your inventory is bursting at the seams, check the notice board for requests. Completing these tasks for NPCs will reward you with additional slots. You can also purchase extra slots at certain shops.
4. Force Palm is kind of godly: This ability can be a game-changer, whether you’re tackling puzzles or facing off against bosses. The Level 3 upgrade for consecutive strikes is particularly effective, allowing you to take down groups of enemies with ease.
5. Seriously, you can punch your horse to heal it: In a surprising twist, you can use the Force Palm ability to heal your horse. This quirky method saves you from using Horse Stimulants or paying for stable services.
6. Pet and feed your horse to unlock new skills: Your horse can learn new abilities, such as double jumping, by being petted and fed. This can be done through your inventory or by simply discarding horse feed while riding.
7. Refine your gear: Don’t overlook the Smithy; refining your gear is straightforward and primarily requires copper and iron ore, both of which are easily obtainable. Keep an eye out for Bloodstone, the material needed for maximum refinement.
8. Kicks are good. Try kicking: Kicking is an effective tactic against humanoid bosses and enemies. Sprint towards your target and deliver a swift kick to knock them down, opening up opportunities for further attacks.
9. Mysterious Energy areas hide fast travel points: Those enigmatic question mark circles on your map often conceal Abyss Nexus fast travel points or puzzles that unlock Abyss Cressets, providing both convenience and rewards.
10. Get more respecs by completing Sealed Abyss Artifact challenges: Scattered throughout Pywel, these strange cubes offer challenges that yield Abyss Gears and sometimes Faded Abyss Artifacts for respecs. Check the challenges menu for details.
11. Sealed Abyss Artifacts will also shine if you hold up your lantern: To easily locate these artifacts, hold up your lantern while riding or from a height. They emit a shining white circle, guiding you to their location.
12. Sell recipes once you learn them: After reading a recipe, consider selling it for a surprising profit. Other quick cash methods include participating in archery contests, fist fights, spear dueling, and gambling at Duo.
13. You can purchase items that aren’t in vendor inventories: If you see something intriguing in a shop, use CTRL (or LB on controller) to investigate further. Often, there are items available for purchase that aren’t listed in the vendor’s inventory.
14. Steal sensibly: Once you acquire a mask and can engage in theft, remember to steal judiciously. Being caught reduces your Contribution points, which are essential for acquiring better gear.
15. Use grindstones and anvils whenever you find them: Utilizing these tools triggers a brief cutscene, after which your weapons will deal increased damage and your armor will provide better protection for a limited time.
16. Cook lots and equip food for quick consumption: In Crimson Desert, food serves as a healing resource. Keep a variety of it on hand and equip your preferred items for quick access during battles.
17. Blinding Flash is a peak puzzle ability: Don’t forget about the Blinding Flash ability after the intro. It can burn away obstacles like vines and reveal powered cables, making it invaluable for solving Abyss puzzles.
18. You can learn free skills by watching enemies and bosses: Observing your foes can be a strategic advantage, allowing you to pick up new skills without any cost.
19. Keep your guard up and grab Keen Senses Level 2: Lock onto enemies and raise your guard to block incoming attacks, which costs stamina. Timing your guard just right can allow you to parry attacks. Upgrading Keen Senses to Level 2 enhances your dodge capabilities.
20. Watch out for Palmar Pills during main quests: These sparkling items can be found throughout main quests and provide a valuable revival option, restoring 30% HP upon death instead of forcing a respawn.
