Crimson Desert guide: Tips, puzzle solutions, bosses, and confusing UI explained

Crimson Desert guide: A low-angled shot of Kliff looking off to the distance, lit by a campfire out of frame. — (Image credit: Pearl Abyss)

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Getting started
Mounts & pets
Puzzles & maps
Bosses
Quests
Resources
Extra tips

Recent updates

March 26, 2026: There's certainly no shortage of things to do in Pywel, so we've added a ton to our Crimson Desert guide hub. That includes help with the legendary horse locations, finding gold bars, and how to activate the skybridge.

Crimson Desert has to be one of the most confusing games I've played in recent memory. It's a million different games in one, the map is absolutely huge, and the UI and controls do a terrible job of helping you make sense of it all. Even simple things like mining or the skill tree can be confusing at first. And don't get me started on trading, companions, and everything else you'll unlock later on.

I'll give you one tip for free: do yourself a favour and play with a controller, because the mouse and keyboard controls are so awkward.

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Quick details on Crimson Desert

Release date: March 19, 2026
Developer: Pearl Abyss
Publisher: Pearl Abyss
Players: Singleplayer (it's not an MMO, like the developers' previous game, Black Desert Online)

Getting started in Crimson Desert

Crimson Desert: Kliff grappling onto a cliff out that's out of shot. — (Image credit: Pearl Abyss)

Mounts and pets in Crimson Desert

Crimson Desert - Pet wearing armor — (Image credit: Pearl Abyss)

Puzzles and treasure map solutions in Crimson Desert

Crimson Desert: A close-up of Kliff looking ahead, standing next to a model castle. — (Image credit: Pearl Abyss)

Crimson Desert boss guides

Crimson Desert: A close-up of Kliff shouting with his sword and shield to the side. — (Image credit: Pearl Abyss)

Crimson Desert quest guides

Crimson Desert Bruna's Request - Bruna — (Image credit: Pearl Abyss)

Crimson Desert resource guides

Crimson Desert: Kliff standing next to a red ore deposit in a cliff face, holding a pickaxe. — (Image credit: Pearl Abyss)

Extra Crimson Desert tips

Crimson Desert trade - Wagon — (Image credit: Pearl Abyss)

Rory has made the fatal error of playing way too many live service games at once, and somehow still finding time for everything in between. Sure, he’s an expert at Destiny 2, Call of Duty, and more, but at what cost? He’s even sunk 1,000 hours into The Elder Scrolls Online over the years. At least he put all those hours spent grinding challenges to good use over the years as a freelancer and guides editor. In his spare time, he’s also an avid video creator, often breaking down the environmental design of his favourite games. If you can’t track him down, he’s probably lost in a cave with a bunch of dwarves shouting “rock and stone” to no end.

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