Crimson Desert Characters
Crimson Desert protagonist Kliff and the playable characters Oongka and Damiane, and how their combat styles and weapons differ.
Crimson Desert has three playable characters: Kliff, Oongka and Damiane. The story centers on Kliff, and the other two join the journey and become playable as the story progresses. Each has a unique combat style and weapons.
Playable characters
| Character | Role | Combat style |
|---|---|---|
| Kliff | Protagonist; leader of the Greymane faction | Broad weapon choice — melee, ranged, shield, mounted combat |
| Oongka | Companion who joins Kliff's journey | Unarmed and her own weapons; charge skills |
| Damiane | Companion who joins Kliff's journey | Signature weapons and armor sets; players ask about her outfits and builds |
Kliff — the Greymane leader
Kliff leads the Greymane faction on the continent of Pywel. After the Black Bears' attack scatters his companions, he sets out to reunite them and rebuild the faction. In gameplay, Kliff covers the broadest range of weapons — swords, spears, greatswords, axes, dual weapons, ranged weapons and shields — making him the most flexible character.
Oongka
Oongka joins Kliff's journey and is playable after the early story. Players build around her unarmed combat, charge skills and dual-wielding options. Her unique combat style makes her a popular choice for aggressive play.
Damiane
Damiane joins the party and brings her own signature weapons and armor sets. Players frequently search for her armor sets and outfits, and for Damiane-specific builds. Her combat style differs clearly from Kliff's, offering a distinct way to play the same content.
Switching characters
After the characters join, you can switch between them to explore Pywel and complete side quests. Each character levels and equips independently, so switching means managing separate gear and skills. Character creation options are limited to the named trio — there is no custom avatar.
Characters in builds
Because each character has different weapons and skills, builds start with character choice. The Builds hub covers how to build each character, and the Weapons and Skills pages cover the pieces.
FAQ
Common questions about this topic.
Who are the playable characters in Crimson Desert?
There are three playable characters: Kliff (the protagonist and Greymane leader), Oongka and Damiane. The other two join the journey and become playable as the story progresses.
Who is Kliff in Crimson Desert?
Kliff is the protagonist of Crimson Desert and the leader of the Greymane faction on the continent of Pywel. After the Black Bears' attack scatters his companions, he sets out to reunite them and rebuild the faction.
Can I switch characters in Crimson Desert?
Yes. After they join, you can switch between Kliff, Oongka and Damiane to explore and complete quests. Each character has separate gear, skills and progression.
Who is the best character to play?
There is no single best character — each has a distinct combat style: Kliff is the most flexible, Oongka favors aggressive unarmed/dual-wield play, and Damiane has her own signature weapons. Pick the style you enjoy.
Can I create my own character?
No custom avatar: the playable characters are the named trio — Kliff, Oongka and Damiane.
What weapons does Kliff use?
Kliff covers the broadest weapon range: swords, spears, greatswords, axes, dual weapons, ranged weapons and shields. See the Weapons guide for details.