Crimson Desert Beginner Guide
Everything a new player needs for the first hours in Pywel: the core loop, what to do first, how progression works, and the mistakes most players make early.
Crimson Desert is a single-player open-world action-adventure by Pearl Abyss. You start as Kliff, and the early game is about rebuilding the Greymane faction after the Black Bears' attack: follow the main story, gather companions, and learn the combat and progression systems in a huge open world.
What to do first
- Follow the main quest through the prologue. The opening pushes you through the core combat and movement tutorial (climbing, gliding, mounted travel) and introduces your first companions.
- Learn the three movement tools early. Grabbing a horse's mane, climbing cliffs and gliding make exploration dramatically faster. A horse is introduced very early in the story.
- Review skills as soon as you can. Since 2.00.00, Abyss Artifacts learn skills and grant equal Abyss Links to the other playable characters; see the Skills guide.
- Do not hoard everything. Your inventory and storage are limited early; sell or use what you find, and expand storage when the option appears.
- Talk to faction members. Greymane faction requests and side content unlock useful gear and knowledge; see the Quests hub.
The core loop
Crimson Desert's loop mixes action combat, exploration and progression:
- Explore Pywel — wilderness, cities, ruins and the Abyss.
- Complete quests — main, faction and side quests advance the story and grant knowledge.
- Earn and spend — money, materials and gear; trading is one of the biggest earners since 1.16.
- Build your character — skills, weapons, Abyss Gear and artifacts combine into a playstyle.
- Fight bosses — major fights gate story progression and drop valuable rewards.
Progression systems at a glance
| System | What it does | Where to learn |
|---|---|---|
| Skills | Learn abilities with Abyss Artifacts; share progress through Abyss Links | /skills/ |
| Abyss Gear | High-end gear farmed and crafted from Abyss content | /abyss-gear/ |
| Weapons | Many weapon types with unique combos and effects | /weapons/ |
| Trading | Move and sell goods for profit across Pywel | /trading/ |
| Quest Knowledge | Knowledge system added in 1.18 with eight categories | /quests/knowledge/ |
Making money early
Early money comes from quest rewards, selling loot, and trading. Patch 1.16.00 made trading much more relevant, and the Trading guide explains how to start with a wagon and which posts pay more. Do not buy expensive gear early — story and quest rewards carry you through the opening chapters.
Common early mistakes
- Skipping the skill tutorial. The combo system (grabs, counters, element-charged skills) is worth learning properly; it is the difference in every boss fight.
- Ignoring storage limits. Inventory fills fast; manage what you carry and expand storage when available.
- Rushing the main quest. Players often miss faction quests and knowledge by pushing the story only. The community generally recommends a mix.
- Treating the first boss as a DPS check. Most early bosses reward dodging, counters and using the environment more than raw damage.
- Not checking patch changes. Systems like trading and knowledge changed drastically in 1.16 and 1.18; older advice is often outdated.
Is Crimson Desert hard for beginners?
The game has adjustable difficulty options, and most players agree the opening is approachable while later bosses demand solid dodging and combo fundamentals. If you struggle, check the Bosses hub for the current community consensus on the hardest fights.
FAQ
Common questions about this topic.
What should I do first in Crimson Desert?
Follow the main quest through the prologue: it teaches combat and movement, gives you your first horse and companions, and unlocks the trading, skills and faction systems. Then branch into side content at your own pace.
Is Crimson Desert good for beginners?
Generally yes. Difficulty options exist, and the opening is a guided tutorial. Later bosses require dodging and counters, but the game teaches the fundamentals before they appear.
How do I make money early in Crimson Desert?
Quests and selling loot cover early costs. For real income, start trading with a wagon — patch 1.16.00 made trading the strongest earner, with harder-to-reach posts paying more. See the Trading guide.
Can I switch characters in Crimson Desert?
Yes. After the early story you can play as Oongka and Damiane in addition to Kliff, each with their own weapons and skills. See the Characters page.
What should I upgrade first?
Most players prioritize a few core skills that fit their weapon choice before spreading points. The Skills guide covers priorities; there is no single 'best' answer because builds differ by weapon.
How long does it take to finish Crimson Desert?
Official playtime estimates have not been published. Community reports vary widely with play style, and the game has extensive side content, trading and Abyss systems beyond the main story.