Crimson Desert Guide – 15 Pro Tips for Conquering Pywel

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Okay, so Crimson Desert throws a LOT at you right from the start, and honestly, it doesn’t let up for a really long time – we’re talking dozens of hours into the campaign! But the good news is, as you play, you unlock new systems and features that can actually make things a lot smoother if you take the time to learn them. Let’s break it all down, starting with…

Auto Looting

Gathering loot from many enemies can be exhausting, but there’s a way to automate the process. If you finish the quest “The Nag and the Stubborn One” in the Scattered Embers area, a brown dog will start following Kliff and automatically collect loot from fallen enemies. Keep in mind you can’t choose what it picks up, and it won’t gather things like food or crafting ingredients. However, it’s still very helpful when you’re clearing out smaller areas.

Recommended Skills

While it’s enjoyable to knock enemies around, let’s talk about the most useful skills to improve. Turning Slash is a top priority, as upgrades let you chain it quickly after other attacks and even break through enemy defenses. Forward Slash is also essential, and you’ll need to unlock Keen Senses (which is great for dodging) to get Nature’s Echo. This powerful skill creates a clone that copies your attacks, effectively doubling the damage from moves like Forward Slash and Stab with upgrades. Don’t forget to unlock Quick Swap, which lets you switch weapons rapidly during combat.

Automated Item (and Ammo) Gathering

While the bow could use a damage boost, Poison Arrows are really effective at quickly taking down groups of enemies, especially when combined with skills like Multishot and Evasive Shot. A great thing about them is you don’t even need to be near enemies to start making them. Once you’ve set up the Greymane camp in Hernand and recruited companions, you can send them on missions to important areas to collect useful resources. Just make sure your companions have the right skills – for example, they need Engineering to craft Poison Arrows. Also, the location you’re sending them to needs to be accessible, so clear out any blockades first. Remember, Poison Arrows are just one example – you can also send your Greymanes to gather other ingredients like Cabbage or Eggs if you’re running low.

Missing in Action

A unique part of the game is that when you send Greymane on a mission, he won’t be back at camp. This isn’t usually a problem, but it becomes one if you need to deliver items for a request, as your storage space won’t increase on its own. Since missions run constantly, you can go to Ross, choose ‘Manage Comrades’, then ‘Mission Dispatch’. Select the mission you want to cancel, and your allies will return to camp soon after.

Abyss Cores and How to Use Them

You’ll start collecting Abyss Cores fairly quickly, particularly by completing challenges in the Sealed Abyss. These cores can improve your weapons and armor, boosting stats like Critical Rate and Defense. However, you won’t be able to use them until you reach Chapter 5 and meet Elowen, the Witch of Wisdom. She can add cores to items that have empty slots, and even remove them for free. Adding new slots requires Silver, and the cost increases with each one. Keep in mind that your gear needs available slots to begin with – you can’t just add cores to any item.

Looting Even More Damaged Gear

If you used to skip collecting enemy loot early on because it didn’t seem worth the effort, you’re in luck! Items sell for significantly more later in the game. After Chapter 5, be sure to grab damaged Plate Armor and weapons – they’ll fetch a good price in Silver. As you complete more liberation missions and activities, you’ll find even more opportunities to loot enemy gear and earn extra Silver.

Crime and Punishment in Pywel

Kliff might seem like a perfect citizen, but there’s a certain excitement in getting away with theft. If you’re planning to steal, you’ll need a mask, and it’s best to take one from the first few bandits you encounter. When you steal, make sure no one sees you – even if it means your reputation in the area suffers. Avoiding witnesses is the key to escaping punishment.

Abyss Core Fusion

Abyss Cores aren’t always great, but you can convert them into better ones. You have three options – Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 – each corresponding to the core you’re starting with. The results are random, but upgrading from a Tier 1 core gives you a 46% chance of getting a Tier 2. Upgrading a Tier 2 has a 46% chance of becoming a Tier 3, and Tier 3 cores are most likely to remain Tier 3. There’s also a 4% chance with any of these options to get an even rarer Greater Abyss Core, making it worthwhile to try your luck.

Finding Abyss Cores

Okay, so Abyss Cores are totally worth farming, but finding them can be tricky. I’ve had the most luck in Pywel – there are these rock monster things all over the place that drop them, but they’re not pushovers, so be prepared for a fight! Specifically, the Crookstone Walkers in the Crimson Desert, near the Spire of the Sun, are a solid place to start. Keep your eyes peeled and you’ll get some, trust me.

One With the Force

Force Current lets you grab an object and channel the energy from Force Palm through it. You’ll need to reach level 2 in both Force Palm and Axiom Force to use it, but it’s a worthwhile ability. You can also use Force Current to gather hard-to-reach ores, although a Drillarm is generally better as it has a chance to yield extra materials.

Kuku Items

While playing Pywel, you’ll find Sanctums – special areas you clear of enemies and repair. Completing these Sanctums progresses the story and unlocks new items from Grimnir, including a Kuku Pot for storing important resources like Power Cores and Abyss Cells. While the best items, such as the Jetpack and Laser Helm, need resources you’ll find later in the game, it’s still a good idea to complete Sanctums whenever you can.

Palmer Pills

I understand wanting to immediately get revenge on that guy in the Reed Field after being knocked down. I’ve been there! But trust me, it’s better to save your Palmer Pills for harder battles. Good news though – if you help the Jijeong School in Chapter 9, you’ll learn how to make even better Palmer Pills that completely restore your health when you revive.

Essential Research Institute Upgrades

The Abyss is a puzzling mystery that researchers at the Scholastone Institute are eager to explore. Once you finish Chapter 4, talk to Grunvar and make him some Honey Tea. After that, he’ll offer different research projects. These include building weather balloons like the Cloudcruiser and the Skystreaker, which can even reach the Abyss. You can also get the plans to create Faded Abyss Artifacts, items that let you reset your skills.

Gang Warfare

Once you finish Chapter 8, a side quest will become available that sends you to three locations in Demeniss to defeat their bosses. Before tackling the bosses, it’s a good idea to weaken their forces. A smart strategy is to send the Greymanes in to handle the regular enemies first. Alternatively, you can quickly defeat the boss and then use Mission Dispatch to send the Greymanes to clear out any remaining enemies, saving you time and effort.

Resistance of 1000

Armor provides protection against Lightning, Fire, and Ice damage. But reaching Level 3 resistance in any one type isn’t enough to become fully immune to Cold, Heat, or Shock – you’ll need a combined resistance of at least Level 5. This is useful in places like the Crimson Desert, and it gets even better. At Level 10 resistance, you’ll avoid status effects like Burning, Freezing, and Shock. Level 15 gives you complete immunity to these effects. Because some of the toughest bosses deal a lot of damage, it’s a good idea to have at least three different armor sets upgraded with resistances to help you win.

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2026-03-23 16:13