Crimson Desert: Quest Locations & Interactive Tracking Guide

Crimson Desert tells Kliff's story across 14 story sections — a Prologue, 12 chapters, and an Epilogue — containing 168 individual mission steps spread across all five regions of Pywel.


Every quest start point is pinned on MapMaster's region maps, with full step-by-step walkthroughs and exact button inputs built into the checklist entries for key early-game missions. These locations and maps are part of the Crimson Desert complete guide collection.


How Long Is Crimson Desert?


A standard playthrough of Crimson Desert takes anywhere from 100 to 180 hours. This includes not just the campaign but also side content needed to grow your character through Abyss Artifacts.


If you focus strictly on the main story, the main story can be completed in approximately 35 to 45 hours, depending on difficulty and how much side content you engage with between chapters.


The game does not use a traditional XP levelling system — your character grows through Abyss Artifacts earned from quests, puzzles, and boss fights, which means doing side content isn't optional padding but direct character progression.


Chapter Structure: Prologue, 12 Chapters, Epilogue


The main story opens with the Prologue: Dead of Night, set in the snowy Pailune peaks where the Greymanes are ambushed and scattered by the Black Bears.


This leads into Chapter 1: The First Encounter in the lush Hernand region, where the Trials of Kindness and Traces questlines introduce the political landscape and the mysterious Woman in White.


Chapter 2: Golden Greed shifts to Hernand City and its surrounding manors. The Unexpected Gift arc sends you to the Lioncrest Watchtower for the Memory Fragment quest, where you pick up the Visione helmet. The Hernand in Chaos and End of Greed arcs close out Chapters 2 and 3.


Chapter 3: Howling Hill centres on the area south of the city, reuniting Kliff with comrades and establishing the permanent Greymane Camp.


Chapters 4 and 5 — The Price of Knowledge and Guest Unbidden — push toward the scholarly heights of the Spire of the Stars and the power capital of Demeniss, with the Uninvited Guest and Black and White faction conflicts.


Chapter 7: Homecoming is a major Pailune arc including Blazing Beacon, Turning Tides, and the Decisive Battle at Silverwolf Mountain.


Chapter 8: The Blood Coronation returns to Demeniss for political intrigue at the palace.


Chapters 9 through 11 cover the Crimson Desert region and the scientifically advanced Delesyia.


Chapter 12: The Abyss is the final chapter — a multi-stage encounter culminating in a one-on-one duel requiring three successful Crimson Counter parries to reach the ending.


The Two Endings


Key choices throughout the story affect companion relationships, available side content, and which of the two endings you receive.


The standard ending shows Kliff departing the capital as the Grey Wolves disband. The true ending requires additional conditions to be met during the playthrough.


The checklist flags dialogue choice points and their downstream consequences where confirmed.


MapMaster's Quest Walkthroughs: What's Included


MapMaster's Quest checklist goes beyond location pins. Fully detailed entries include exact objectives, prerequisites, button prompts, and step-by-step instructions for completing specific missions — particularly the early Prologue and Chapter 1–2 quests.


Notable fully-walkthrough'd entries include:


  • Unfamiliar Lands (Prologue),
  • In Ashes (Prologue boss sequence),
  • Realm of Uncertainty (opening Abyss sequence),
  • New Journey (first open-world quest),
  • Where Rumors Gather (arm wrestling intro),
  • Mysterious Man and True Wisdom in Kindness (Trials of Kindness),
  • Actions Speak Louder than Words (chimney sweep sequence),
  • Mystical Key (Hernand Castle entry),
  • Polar Opposites (Axiom Archive puzzle),
  • Reunion (Nature's Grasp unlock),
  • Missing Companion (Wooly the sheep),
  • Trial After Trial, The Flames of Greed, and more.


Use the checklist filter to jump to any region.


Tips for Story Progression


Orange markers on the map indicate the next main quest steps. Silver markers represent Faction Quests and side quests outside the main story.


Some main story bosses can be very tough. If you are stuck, step back and complete side content to grow stronger — improve your gear and unlock more skills before returning.


There are chapters where you won't find a single fast travel point along the main path — go off the beaten track periodically to tag Abyss Nexus points, otherwise you'll be making every return trip on foot or horseback.


All quest locations are pinned across the Hernand interactive map, Pailune region map, Demeniss map guide, Delesyia interactive map, Crimson Desert region guide, and Axiom Archive map, with full walkthroughs and reward lists in the checklist below.


For side content, see the Faction Quest guide.

Name Details
Pursuit Beyond the VeilDemeniss

Prerequisite: Complete Fragments of Darkness.

Chapter: 9 – The Sage of the Desert

Sub-Chapter: Veiled Witch


Quest Description: 


By destroying the stone tower, Hexe Marie’s energy has been scattered. The traces leading to her sanctuary can be tracked.


How To Complete:


  • Destroy the totem at Hollow Haven.
  • Destroy the totem at the Forgotten Tomb.
  • Destroy the totem at Clay Urn Necropolis.
  • Destroy the totem at Brimstone Springs.


Reward(s):


  • None
Kidnapped HealerHernand

Prerequisite: Complete The Flames of Greed.

Chapter: 2 – Golden Greed

Sub-Chapter: The End of Greed


Quest Description: 


Bandits have kidnapped Hubert, the healer. Rescue him and listen to his full account of the events that transpired.


How To Complete:


  • Head to the camp by the road east of Sunrise Shade Hearth.
  • Defeat the bandits.
  • Untie Hubert, the kidnapped healer.


Reward(s):


  • Medium Bag x1
Rebellion or RevolutionHernand

Prerequisite: Complete the Kidnapped Healer.

Chapter: 2 – Golden Greed

Sub-Chapter: The End of Greed


Quest Description: 


Find Shakatu to confirm the details of the incidents in Hernand and settle the matter once and for all.


How To Complete:



Reward(s):


  • None
Cheers Echoing From the EdgeHernand

Prerequisite: Complete Rebellion or Revolution.

Chapter: 2 – Golden Greed

Sub-Chapter: The End of Greed


Quest Description: 


Find and defeat the Hornsplitter to resolve the matter.


How To Complete:


  • Head east to the Goldleaf Guildhouse.
  • Find Kailok, the Hornsplitter, who is waiting for you in the large courtyard.
  • Defeat Kailok, the Hornsplitter.


Reward(s):


  • Sword of the Lord
  • Iron Ore x7
  • Copper Ore x2
NewsHernand

Prerequisite: Complete Toward the Nest.

Chapter: 6 – Cracks in the Shield

Sub-Chapter: Blazing Beacon


Quest Description: 


With the incidents involving White Crow resolved, long-held tension has finally given way to fatigue. Head back to Howling Hill to get some well-earned rest with your comrades.


How To Complete:


  • Return to Howling Hill and talk to your comrades by the main tent.
  • Head to Hernand Castle and meet Marquis Serkis.
  • Marquis Serkis awaits on the second floor of the castle, through the door in the back, at the end of the corridor.


Reward(s):


  • None
To the BattlefieldHernand

Prerequisite: Complete News.

Chapter: 6 – Cracks in the Shield

Sub-Chapter: Blazing Beacon


Quest Description: 


A guide is waiting at the beacon. Make haste.


How To Complete:


  • Go to Torchlight Beacon to meet the guide by the barrels outside the building.
  • When the conversation ends, get on your horse and follow the Hernandian Guard.
  • After a short ride, the guard will get off the horse, and you should do the same.
  • Approach the scene of the attack, and a short cutscene will start.
  • When the cutscene ends, defeat all the enemies that ambush you.
  • Continue following the guard after taking care of the hostiles.
  • Approach Calphade Gate to start another cutscene.


Reward(s):


  • None
The CounterattackHernand

Prerequisite: Complete To the Battlefield.

Chapter: 6 – Cracks in the Shield

Sub-Chapter: Blazing Beacon


Quest Description: 


Head to the Southern Sentry Post where your allies are gathered before entering Calphade Castle.


How To Complete:


  • Head to the South Calphade Sentry Post, where a scout on a horse awaits you.
  • Mount your horse and follow the Calphadean Scout until you reach a red banner on the ground.
  • Lift the banner pike using Nature's Grasp (Triangle + Circle on PS5) and place it in the slot up the wooden stairs (L1 + Square).


Reward(s):


  • None
Cradle of DefenseHernand

Prerequisite: Complete The Counterattack.

Chapter: 6 – Cracks in the Shield

Sub-Chapter: Below the Banners


Quest Description: 


The villages of southern Calphade are the cradle of the city's survival. Reclaim this vital land from the enemy's clutches.


How To Complete:


  • Head to Calphade Siege Armory, pick up the red banner (it's marked on the map) using Nature's Grasp (Triangle + Circle on PS5) and place it (L1 + Square) in the slot up the wooden stairs (also marked on the map). You can clear the enemies that get in the way.
  • Do the same with the banner south of the Calphade Gunpowder Mill.
  • Finally, repeat with the banner in Thalwynd.


Reward(s):


  • None
Hand of DeliveranceHernand

Prerequisite: Complete The Counterattack.

Chapter: 6 – Cracks in the Shield

Sub-Chapter: Below the Banners


Quest Description: 


Find the Calphadean defenders at their outpost and help with their preparations to reclaim Calphade.


How To Complete:


  • Head to the South Calphade Guard Post and talk to the soldier taking care of a wounded man by a red tent.
  • Go to the Calphade Southern Depot, clear the enemies so they don't get in your way, and pick up the wounded soldier marker on the map.
  • Bring the wounded soldier to the previous camp. You can carry the soldier on your horse.


Reward(s):


  • None
Fire on the FrontlinesHernand

Prerequisite: Complete The Counterattack.

Chapter: 6 – Cracks in the Shield

Sub-Chapter: Below the Banners


Quest Description: 


Cutting the enemy's supply lines is crucial to drive back the forces that have forced their way deep into allied territory. Seek out and destroy the enemy's supplies.


How To Complete:


  • Head to the Church of Calphade and destroy the wagon inside the building.
  • To destroy the wagon, use the Turning Slash skill (R1 + R2 on PS5)


Reward(s):


  • None
Fire SupportHernand

Prerequisite: Complete Fire on the Frontlines.

Chapter: 6 – Cracks in the Shield

Sub-Chapter: Turning Tides


Quest Description: 


Fierce enemy resistance is stalling your advance. Find a way to call in fire support from your ally.


How To Complete:


  • Head to the gunsite southwest of the Abyss Nexus on the hill and talk to the crouching soldier.
  • Help the soldier repair the cannon by pressing the buttons on the screen.
  • Then, go to the free cannon and talk to the soldier next to it.
  • Press Square while next to the free cannon to operate it.
  • Press L2 to aim, make sure the red target is on one of the 4 towers with the smoke, and press R2 to fire.
  • Repeat the process with the other 3 smoking towers.


Reward(s):


  • Whistling Arrow x10
In AshesHernand

Prerequisite: Complete Fire Support.

Chapter: 6 – Cracks in the Shield

Sub-Chapter: Turning Tides


Quest Description: 


The Black Bears have taken several soldiers prisoner following a sudden ambush. For the sake of the men worried about their comrades, infiltrate enemy lines and rescue the captives.


How To Complete:


  • Head to the base in the outskirts, northeast of the Abyss Nexus on the hill, and talk to the soldier by the tents and barrels.
  • Go to the Black Bears' base to the northeast and defeat all the enemies there.
  • Killing the enemies in the base is easy if you want to use a couple of the Whistling Arrows you got as a reward from the previous main quest.
  • To switch to the Whistling Arrows, hold the Left Arrow on your controller D-Pad (PS5), use the Right Stick to select the arrows, and press L2 or R2 until you reach the arrows in need.


Reward(s):


  • None
Hidden FangsHernand

Prerequisite: Complete In Ashes.

Chapter: 6 – Cracks in the Shield

Sub-Chapter: Turning Tides


Quest Description: 


You've discovered why the Black Bears are so emboldened. Their devastating war machines were behind the ruthless shelling that leveled their own camp. Seek out the weapons and reduce them to scraps.


How To Complete:


  • You must find and destroy the 5 Black Bears' battle weapons.
  • The battle weapons look like turtle-shaped wooden tanks, and they also appear on the mini-map when you get close enough.
  • Make sure you stay in the red area on the map while looking for the battle weapons.
  • To destroy the battle weapons, you can use Whistling Arrows or the Turning Slash skill (R1 + R2 on PS5).
  • To switch to the Whistling Arrows, hold the Left Arrow on your controller D-Pad (PS5), use the Right Stick to select the arrows, and press L2 or R2 until you reach the arrows in need.


Reward(s):


  • None
ReclamationHernand

Prerequisite: Complete Hidden Fangs.

Chapter: 6 – Cracks in the Shield

Sub-Chapter: Turning Tides


Quest Description: 


After a grueling struggle, allied banners are fluttering across Calphade once again. The sight of the reclaimed territory has breathed new life into the people's fading will to resist. It seems the momentum has finally shifted in your favor.


How To Complete:


  • You must defeat the enemies surrounding the outer bailey, but this quest should be completed automatically after you finish Hidden Fangs (previous quest).


Reward(s):


  • None
A Thousand TroopsHernand

Prerequisite: Complete Reclamation.

Chapter: 6 – Cracks in the Shield

Sub-Chapter: The Unyielding Shields


Quest Description: 


The time has come to execute the traitor and retake Calphade Castle. March on the castle and reclaim what was lost.


How To Complete:


  • Go to the marked area in Calphade Castle to start a cutscene. You can fight or avoid the enemies along the way.
  • Go to the new marked area in the castle to start another cutscene.


Reward(s):


  • None
TraitorHernand

Prerequisite: Complete A Thousand Troops.

Chapter: 6 – Cracks in the Shield

Sub-Chapter: The Unyielding Shields


Quest Description: 


It is finally time to bring Cassius Morten, the architect of the uprising, to justice. Find him in the heart of Calphade Castle and strike him down.


How To Complete:



Reward(s):


  • Shield of Betrayal
All Quiet on the FrontHernand

Prerequisite: Complete Traitor.

Chapter: 6 – Cracks in the Shield

Sub-Chapter: The Unyielding Shields


Quest Description: 


Marquis Lanford has secured the surrounding territory and retored to the castle. With the war finally at an end, Calphade can enjoy hard-won peace, however brief. Head to the beacon and signal to everyone that peace has returned to this land.


How To Complete:



Reward(s):


  • None
News of VictoryHernand

Prerequisite: Complete All Quiet on the Front.

Chapter: 6 – Cracks in the Shield

Sub-Chapter: The Unyielding Shields


Quest Description: 


The flames on the beacon roared to life, piercing the dark night sky. This blaze of victory drove back the shadows, offering comfort to the wounded people of Calphade and sending a message of hope that they would rise once more.


How To Complete:


  • First, follow the soldier outside of the room where you fight Cassius Morten.
  • The soldier will lead you to the Calphade Beacon, where you have to go up the stairs and reach the brazier.
  • Next, you have to light the large brazier. To do so, you can use Concentrating Light (on PS5: L1 + R1, then keep holding the R1 and press L1 again) while aiming at the brazier.
  • You can also light one of your arrows with the smaller, lit braziers and shoot it at the large brazier.


Reward(s):


  • None
Return HomeHernand

Prerequisite: Complete News of Victory.

Chapter: 6 – Cracks in the Shield

Sub-Chapter: The Unyielding Shields


Quest Description: 


The time has come at last to reclaim your homeland. Determined and ready, you make your way to the Beighen Shrine, where your informant is waiting.


How To Complete:


  • Head to Howling Hill and approach the main tent to start a cutscene where you talk to your comrades.


Reward(s):


  • None
Ashes of TreacheryHernand

Prerequisite: Complete Return Home.

Chapter: 7 – Homecoming

Sub-Chapter: Morning Mist


Quest Description: 


A fire consumed the shrine, leaving it burnt beyond recognition. You discovered a note from the informant revealing that Ludvig betrayed Pailune.


How To Complete:


  • Starting from Howling Hill, follow your comrade on the horse until you reach a burning shrine.
  • Approach the burning shrine and defeat the enemies that ambush you.
  • Approach the statue in front of the shrine and grab the letter inside the mouth.
  • Read the Report on Beighen from your inventory.
  • Go north, to Beighen.


Reward(s):


  • None
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