Main Story Walkthrough: Prologue & Chapter 1
Complete walkthrough for the Dead of Night prologue and The First Encounter chapter in Crimson Desert.
Prologue: Dead of Night
The story of Crimson Desert begins with Kliff, the leader of the Greymane mercenary group. Your camp is suddenly invaded by the Black Bears, setting the stage for an epic journey across the continent of Pywel.
Ambush
The opening sequence serves as both a story introduction and a combat tutorial. You’ll learn:
- Basic combat mechanics — light attacks, heavy attacks, and blocking
- Parry timing — crucial for surviving later boss encounters
- Movement and dodging — essential for navigating the chaotic battlefield
Tip: Pay close attention to the parry tutorial. This mechanic is the foundation of Crimson Desert’s combat system and will be tested repeatedly throughout the story.
Unknown Space
After the ambush, Kliff is pulled into a mysterious dimension. This section introduces:
- The Abyss — a supernatural force central to the game’s lore
- Basic exploration mechanics — using your lantern to find hidden paths
- First encounter with Abyss Artifacts —_collectible items that grant stat bonuses
Key Choices in the Prologue
The prologue is largely linear, but keep these in mind:
- Talk to all Greymane members before leaving camp — some unlock later side quests
- Collect all loot during the escape sequence — you can’t return later
- Don’t skip the combat tutorials — you’ll regret it in Chapter 2
Chapter 1: The First Encounter
After the prologue, Kliff arrives in the region of Hernand, marking the true beginning of the open-world adventure.
Trials of Kindness
Your first main quest introduces you to the locals and the region’s troubled state.
Objectives:
- Help the villagers with basic tasks
- Learn the Contribution Points system
- Unlock your first camp features
Tip: Completing all optional objectives here gives you a head start on Hernand’s Contribution rewards, which include valuable armor pieces.
Traces
This quest kicks off your investigation into the Black Bears and the mysterious forces at play.
Sub Quests available:
- Polar Opposites — introduces the element system
- Abyss Without Balance — your first real Abyss puzzle encounter
Early Exploration Checklist
Before moving to Chapter 2, make sure you’ve done these:
| Priority | Task | Reward |
|---|---|---|
| ★★★ | Unlock fast travel points | Easier traversal |
| ★★★ | Visit Sanctum of Temperance | Odeck’s Protector Plate Boots |
| ★★☆ | Obtain the Hwando weapon | Strong early-game sword |
| ★★☆ | Get a pet for auto-looting | Quality of life upgrade |
| ★☆☆ | Rob Hernand Bank (optional) | 40+ Silver |
Recommended Level for Chapter 2
You should be around level 8-10 before advancing to Chapter 2: Golden Greed. If the enemies feel too difficult, complete side quests and bounties to earn Contribution Points and better gear.