Skills
All skills available in Crimson Desert
Energy consumed when performing actions such as dodging or moving.
Unlock: Spend Abyss Artifacts to upgrade it to a max of 14.
Perform a basic attack with your melee weapon. Further investment in Armed Combat increases the damage of your melee weapon attacks.
Unlock: Unlocked by default. Spend 1 Abyss Artifact per level to max it out at Lv. 5.
Strike while dodging backward.
Unlock: Raise Armed Combat to Lv. 2.
While guarding, sprint to charge forward and smash an enemy with your shield.
Unlock: Raise Armed Combat to Lv. 3.
While dodging forward, fend off an enemy's attack.
Unlock: Raise Armed Combat to Lv. 4.
Rapidly switch between your primary and secondary weapons to perform an attack.
Unlock: Raise Armed Combat to Lv. 5.
Take a strong step forward and deliver a powerful slash.
Unlock: Unlocked by default. Spend 1 Abyss Artifact per level to max it out at Lv. 3.
Lunge forward and follow up with a finishing slash.
Unlock: Raise Forward Slash to Lv. 2 or unlock it by observing the skill in action.
Forward Slash can no longer miss.
Unlock: Raise Forward Slash to Lv. 3.
Strike the enemy with your shield and block incoming attacks.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
Perform a spinning overhead strike that sends enemies flying.
Unlock: Unlocked by default. Spend 1 Abyss Artifact per level to max it out at Lv. 3.
While using another skill, quickly chain into Turning Slash.
Unlock: Raise Turning Slash to Lv. 2.
While using Turning Slash, follow up with a powerful downward strike.
Unlock: Raise Turning Slash to Lv. 3 or unlock it by observing the skill in action.
Turning Slash ignores Super Armor and sends enemies flying.
Unlock: Raise Turning Slash to Lv. 3.
Quickly stab forward and inflict Bleed.
Unlock: Unlocked by default. Spend 1 Abyss Artifact per level to max it out at Lv. 3.
Perform a follow-up attack after a successful charged Stab.
Unlock: Raise Stab to Lv. 2 or unlock it by observing the skill in action.
Move after a successful charged Stab to immediately grapple the enemy.
Unlock: Raise Stab to Lv. 2.
While in mid-air, perform a forward Stab.
Unlock: Raise Stab to Lv. 3.
Stab ignores Super Armor.
Unlock: Raise Stab to Lv. 3.
Perform a short leap and slash the enemy while spinning.
Unlock: Unlocked by default. Spend 1 Abyss Artifact to max it out at Lv. 2.
Perform consecutive Spinning Slashes.
Unlock: Raise Spinning Slash to Lv. 2 or unlock it by observing the skill in action.
Reflect light and temporarily blind enemies.
Unlock: Unlocked during the Prologue main quest, Unknown Space.
While enemies are blinded by Blinding Flash, rush in and deliver a rapid flurry of strikes.
Unlock: Spend 1 Abyss Artifact or unlock it by observing the skill in action.
Perform a basic attack with your ranged weapon. Further investment in Marksmanship increases the damage of your ranged weapon attacks.
Unlock: Unlocked by default. Spend 1 Abyss Artifact per level to max it out at Lv. 5.
While aiming, charge your shot and increase its power.
Unlock: Spend 1 Abyss Artifact or unlock it by observing the skill in action.
While aiming, fire 10 arrows in a wide spread.
Unlock: Spend 1 Abyss Artifact or unlock it by observing the skill in action.
Dodge twice while aiming to sidestep an enemy attack and release an arrow.
Unlock: Spend 1 Abyss Artifact or unlock it by observing the skill in action.
Increases the speed of Evasive Shot.
Unlock: Raise Evasive Shot to Lv. 2.
Automatically fire two arrows in rapid succession during Evasive Shot.
Unlock: Raise Evasive Shot to Lv. 3.
While aiming, fire an arrow into the ground that propels you skyward to evade enemy attacks.
Unlock: Raise Evasive Shot to Lv. 3 or unlock it by observing the skill in action.
Allows you to perform grapples. Further investment in Grappling increases the damage of your grappling moves.
Unlock: Unlocked by default. Spend 1 Abyss Artifact per level to max it out at Lv. 5.
Toss an enemy across the battlefield.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
Take an enemy hostage after performing a Stab.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
Slam your enemy into the ground with overwhelming force.
Unlock: Raise Grappling to Lv. 2.
While performing a Pump Kick or Dropkick, grab your enemy and hurl them away with a spinning throw.
Unlock: Raise Grappling to Lv. 3.
Get closer while airborne or latch onto a specific target to attack or escape danger.
Unlock: Raise Grappling to Lv. 4
Allows you to perform multiple Lariat on your enemy after subjecting them to a Lariat.
Unlock: Raise Grappling to Lv. 5.
While sprinting, hook an enemy and slam them into the ground.
Unlock: Spend 1 Abyss Artifact or unlock it by observing the Black Bear enemies you fight during Chapter 6.
While in mid-air, slam your full weight down upon the enemy.
Unlock: Spend 1 Abyss Artifact or unlock it by observing the skill in action.
Strike an enemy with bare fists. Further investment in Unarmed Combat increases the damage of your unarmed strikes.
Unlock: Unlocked by default. Spend 1 Abyss Artifact per level to max it out at Lv. 5.
Use an unarmed attack after rolling to sweep your enemy's legs with a powerful low kick.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
While crouching, wrap your legs around an enemy and bring them to the ground.
Unlock: Raise Unarmed Combat to Lv. 2.
Perform an additional unarmed strike.
Unlock: Raise Unarmed Combat to Lv. 3 or observe the skill in action to unlock it.
While in the air, launch yourself at an enemy and kick them twice.
Unlock: Raise Unarmed Combat to Lv. 4.
Perform an unarmed attack while high in the air to drive a precise diving kick.
Unlock: Raise Unarmed Combat to Lv. 5 or observe the skill in action to unlock it.
Perform a powerful two-footed kick that sends your enemy flying.
Unlock: Unlocked by observing Matthias use the Pump Kick move during his boss fight.
Launch your body forward and deliver a double-kick that sends your enemy flying.
Unlock: Spend 1 Abyss Artifact or unlock it by observing the skill in action.
Vault over the back of an enemy.
Unlock: Spend 1 Abyss Artifact or unlock it by observing the skill in action.
Gather energy into your palm and release it in a single powerful strike that reduces the target's defense.
Unlock: Learned during the Chapter 1 main quest, Traces. Observe the small NPC as it demonstrates Force Palm to learn it.
While in mid-air, aim the energy of your Force Palm downward and launch yourself even higher.
Unlock: Unlock Force Palm Lv. 1.
While charging Force Palm, convert the stored energy into power capable of healing a wounded target.
Unlock: Unlock Force Palm Lv. 1.
Allows you to perform up to two Force Palm strikes.
Unlock: Raise Force Palm to Lv. 2.
Allows you to perform up to three Force Palm strikes.
Unlock: Raise Force Palm to Lv. 3.
Enter Focus mode to slow down time. Maintaining focus restores Spirit.
Unlock: Learned during the Chapter 2 main quest, Unexpected Gift.
When hit while in Focused state, you can repel everything away.
Unlock: Raise Focus to Lv. 2 or observe the skill in action to unlock it.
Automatically face incoming attacks while Focused and counter them.
Unlock: Raise Focus to Lv. 3.
Unleash a Force Palm that penetrates the target while in Focus mode.
Unlock: Observe this skill in action to learn it.
Allows you to lift or move heavy objects.
Unlock: Learned during the Chapter 2 main quest, Unexpected Gift. Observe the small NPC as it demonstrates Nature's Grasp to learn it.
While aiming your bow, use Focus then fire up to 4 shots. Each level invested in this skill increases the maximum number of shots by two.
Unlock: Level up both Marksmanship and Focus to Lv. 2. Then, spend 1 Abyss Artifact to unlock this skill.
While aiming or rolling, you can enter Focused Shot mode.
Unlock: Raise Focused Shot to Lv. 2.
During Focused Shot or Charged Shot, unleash a rapid volley of arrows.
Unlock: Raise Focused Shot to Lv. 3.
During Force Palm, follow up with a powerful strike.
Unlock: Level up both Unarmed Combat and Force Palm to Lv. 3. Then, spend 1 Abyss Artifact to unlock this skill.
While grasping a target with the Axiom Force, transmit the energy of your Force Palm through it and strike targets from a distance.
Unlock: Level up both Force Palm and Axiom Force to Lv. 2. Then, spend 1 Abyss Artifact to unlock this skill.
After using Aerial Swing or while failling, channel all your energy into a downward strike.
Unlock: Meet certain conditions to learn.
Enhances swift actions with the power of nature.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
Guard right before being hit to precisely block an enemy attack.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
Input evade just before being hit to escape danger.
Unlock: Raise Keen Senses to Lv. 2.
Attack right before being hit to interrupt an enemy attack.
Unlock: Raise Keen Senses to Lv. 3 or observe this skill in action to learn it.
Input evade while being hit to roll away and evade quickly.
Unlock: Spend 1 Abyss Artifact to unlock it or observe Kailok the Hornsplitter when he uses it to learn the skill.
Jump twice to perform an extra jump in mid-air off an enemy.
Unlock: Spend 1 Abyss Artifact to unlock it or observe the skill in action to learn it.
While in Focus mode, form a barrier of wind that blocks projectiles.
Unlock: Level up Keen Senses to Lv. 3 and Focus to Lv. 2. Then, spend 1 Abyss Artifact to unlock this skill. Alternatively, you can observe the skill in action to learn it.
During Nature's Snare, lash out with the energy stored while focused.
Unlock: Raise Nature's Snare to Lv. 2.
During Nature's Snare, briefly hold energy in place while focused.
Unlock: Raise Nature's Snare to Lv. 3.
Creates an illusion that replicates your attacks.
Unlock: Level up Keen Senses to Lv. 3 and Forward Slash to Lv. 3. Then, spend 1 Abyss Artifact to unlock this skill. Alternatively, you can observe the skill in action to learn it.
When performing a Forward Slash, automatically creates an illusion that copies the attack.
Unlock: Unlock Nature's Echo Lv. 1.
When performing a Spinning Slash, automatically creates an illusion that copies the attack.
Unlock: Raise Nature's Echo to Lv. 2.
When performing a charged Stab, automatically creates an illusion that copies the attack.
Unlock: Raise Nature's Echo to Lv. 3.
Endure damage taken during combat
Unlock: Spend Abyss Artifacts to upgrade it to a max of 18.
Harness the Axiom Force to perform impossible feats.
Unlock: Unlocked during the Chapter 1 main quest, Traces.
Lock onto a target, then jump to leap a great distance using the Axiom Force.
Unlock: Raise Axiom Force to Lv. 2.
Lock onto a target, then leap using the Axiom Force to swing forward with powerful force.
Unlock: Raise Axiom Force to Lv. 3.
Pull an enemy in and slam them to the ground with the power of the Axiom Force.
Unlock: Upgrade Grappling and Axiom Force to Lv. 3. Then, spend 1 Abyss Artifact to unlock Winch.
While shooting Axiom Force, move instantly to the target enemy and strike.
Unlock: Unlock Wing Lv. 1 then spend 1 Abyss Artifact to get Ambush.
While airborne, input jump to glide while flying.
Unlock: Unlocked during the Chapter 1 main quest, Traces.
Reduces air resistance to fly faster.
Unlock: Raise Flight to Lv. 2.
While in Flight, instantly consume Stamina for a high-speed dash.
Unlock: Can be unlocked using an Abyss Artifact after learning Flight Lv. 1. Alternatively, you can observe the Crowcaller while they use this skill during Chapter 5 to get it for free.
Wield the elements and apply them to your skills.
Unlock: Learn either one of the following skills: Flame Strike Lv. 1, Frost Mantle Lv. 1, Lightning Surge Lv. 1, or Storm Veil Lv. 1. Then, spend 1 Abyss Artifact to unlock this skill.
Allows you to imbue Turning Slash with an element while using it.
Unlock: Raise Imbue Element to Lv. 1.
Allows you to imbue your Charged Shot with an element.
Unlock: Raise Imbue Element to Lv. 2.
Allows you to imbue Force Palm with an element while using it.
Unlock: Raise Imbue Element to Lv. 3.
Allows you to imbue Meteor Kick with an element while using it.
Unlock: Raise Imbue Element to Lv. 4.
Create a field of electricity.
Unlock: Unlock Lightning Lv. 1 by exploring Abyss regions to get this skill.
Create a barrier of frost around you.
Unlock: Unlock Frost Lv. 1 by exploring Abyss regions to get this skill.
Deploy a smoke cloud and escape enemy sight.
Unlock: Unlock Wind Lv. 1 by exploring Abyss regions to get this skill.
Perform a powerful strike while wreathed in flame.
Unlock: Unlock Flame Lv. 1 by exploring Abyss regions to get this skill.
Allows you to seal an object inside a kuku pot after holding it with the Axiom Force.
Unlock: Unlocked during the Chapter 4 main quest, Mysterious Pot.
Power consumed to execute skills and special actions.
Unlock: Spend Abyss Artifacts to upgrade it to a max of 12.
While aiming your firearm, Focus then fire up to 4 shots. Each level invested in this skill increases the maximum number of shots by two.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
While aiming or rolling, enter Focused Shot mode.
Unlock: Raise Focused Shot to Lv. 2.
During Focused Shot or Charge Shot, unleash a rapid volley of bullets with Focused Shot.
Unlock: Raise Focused Shot to Lv. 3.
Concentrate energy in your feet and deliver powerful consecutive kicks.
Unlock: Raise both Unarmed Combat and Keen Senses to Lv. 3 while also learning Tornado Kick Lv. 1. Once all 3 are unlocked, spend 1 Abyss Artifact to unlock this skill.
Time flows more slowly around you while in Focus mode.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
Allows you to lift or move heavy objects.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
While in Focus mode, have a sentinel assault a targeted location.
Unlock: Raise both Focus and Shield Toss to Lv. 3. Then, spend 1 Abyss Artifact to unlock this skill.
Perform an extra jump in mid-air or off an enemy.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
Input evade after being hit to roll away and evade quickly.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
Enhances swift actions with the power of nature.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
Guard right before being hit to precisely block an enemy attack.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
Input evade just before being hit to escape danger.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
Attack right before being hit to interrupt an enemy attack.
Unlock: Raise Keen Senses to Lv. 3.
While in Focus mode, deploy a sentinel that temporarily assists you in combat.
Unlock: Raise both Focus and Shield Toss to Lv. 2. Then, spend 1 Abyss Artifact to unlock this skill.
Endure damage taken during combat
Unlock: Spend Abyss Artifacts to upgrade it to a max of 18.
Use a glider to fly while airborne.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
Reduce air resistance to fly faster.
Unlock: Raise Flight to Lv. 2.
In mid-air, deploy an Abyss Fan powered by Scholastone technology. Use the resulting updraft to leap higher or extend your flight time.
Unlock: Meet certain conditions to learn.
Lunge forward with a flame-charged punch.
Unlock: Unlock Flame Lv. 1 by exploring Abyss regions to get this skill.
Create a barrier of frost around you.
Unlock: Unlock Frost Lv. 1 by exploring Abyss regions to get this skill.
Wield the elements and apply them to your skills.
Unlock: Learn either one of the following skills: Flame Rush Lv. 1, Frost Mantle Lv. 1, Lightning Strike Lv. 1, or Storm Pillar Lv. 1. Then, spend 1 Abyss Artifact to unlock this skill.
Imbue Smiting Strike with an element while using it.
Unlock: Unlocked Imbue Element Lv. 1.
Imbue your Charged Shot with an element.
Unlock: Raise Imbue Element to Lv. 2.
Imbue Shield Toss with an element while using it.
Unlock: Raise Imbue Element to Lv. 3.
Imbue Meteor Kick with an element while using it.
Unlock: Raise Imbue Element to Lv. 4.
Pull nearby enemies into a raging whirlwind then hit them with explosive force.
Unlock: Unlock Wind Lv. 1 by exploring Abyss regions to get this skill.
Release an electric burst from the tip of your sword and shock nearby enemies.
Unlock: Unlock Lightning Lv. 1 by exploring Abyss regions to get this skill.
Energy consumed when performing actions such as dodging or moving.
Unlock: Spend Abyss Artifacts to upgrade it to a max of 14.
Spin around and slam an enemy down with a spear of light.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
While using another skill, quickly chain into Smiting Strike.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
Perform two additional strikes after Smiting Strike.
Unlock: Raise Smiting Strike to Lv. 2.
Smiting Strike ignores Super Armor.
Unlock: Raise Smiting Strike to Lv. 3.
Dodge an attack and strike quickly.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
Dodge enemy attacks and rapidly slash multiple times in a row.
Unlock: Raise Sword Flurry to Lv. 2 or observe the skill in action to learn it.
Move forward and cut down enemies in your path.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
After a successful charged Piercing Light, follow up with a rising slash.
Unlock: Raise Piercing Light to Lv. 2.
Move after a successful charged Piercing Light to sprint with the enemy stuck on the end of your blade.
Unlock: Raise Piercing Light to Lv. 2 or observe the skill in action to learn it.
Piercing Light attacks ignore Super Armor.
Unlock: Raise Piercing Light to Lv. 3.
Perform a basic attack with your melee weapon. Further investigation in Armed Combat increases the damage of your melee weapon attacks.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
Rapidly switch between your primary and secondary weapons to perform an attack.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
Strike while dodging backward.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
While guarding, charge forward and smash an enemy with your shield.
Unlock: Raise Armed Combat to Lv. 3.
Call down a spear of light to damage enemies.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
Repeatedly call down spears of light to damage enemies.
Unlock: Raise Smiting Bolt to Lv. 2.
Smiting Bolt can no longer miss.
Unlock: Raise Smiting Bolt to Lv. 3.
Reflect light and temporarily blind enemies.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
While running, wrap your legs around an enemy and throw them.
Unlock: Spend 1 Abyss Artifact to unlock it or observe the skill in action to learn it.
Allows you to perform a grapple. Further investment in Grappling increases the damage of your grappling moves.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
Toss an enemy across the battlefield.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
During Piercing Light, take an enemy hostage.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
Slam your enemy into the ground with overwhelming force.
Unlock: Raise Grappling to Lv. 2.
While performing a Scissor Kick or Tornado Kick, grab an enemy, spin them, and slam them down.
Unlock: Raise Grappling to Lv. 3.
Get closer while airborne or latch onto a specific target to attack or escape danger.
Unlock: Raise Grappling to Lv. 4.
Perform an Uppercut to slam an airborne enemy into the ground.
Unlock: Raise Grappling to Lv. 5.
Throw a shield that strikes enemies and can bounce up to 3 times before returning.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
Your shield now bounces off enemies up to 5 times.
Unlock: Raise Shield Toss to Lv. 2.
Your shield now bounces off enemies up to 7 times.
Unlock: Raise Shield Toss to Lv. 3.
Perform a basic attack with your ranged weapon. Further investment in Marksmanship increases the damage of your ranged weapon attacks.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
While aiming, charge your shot and fire a powerful bullet.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
While aiming, sidestep an enemy attack and fire a shot.
Unlock: Spend 1 Abyss Artifact to unlock it.
Increases the speed of Evasive Shot.
Unlock: Raise Evasive Shot to Lv. 2.
Automatically fire two shots in rapid succession during Evasive Shot.
Unlock: Raise Evasive Shot to Lv. 3.
Perform a spinning kick that sends an enemy flying.
Unlock: Spend 1 Abyss Artifact to unlock it or observe the skill in action to learn it.
Vault over the back of an enemy.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
Reloads firearms more quickly.
Unlock: Observe this skill in action to learn it.
Perform a powerful cross-legged strike.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
Strike an enemy with bare fists. Further investment in Unarmed Combat increases the damage of your unarmed strikes.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
After rolling, sweep your enemy's legs with a powerful low kick.
Unlock: Unlocked by default.
While crouching, wrap your legs around an enemy and bring them to the ground.
Unlock: Raise Unarmed Combat to Lv. 2.
Perform an additional unarmed strike.
Unlock: Raise Unarmed Combat to Lv. 3.
While in the air, launch yourself at an enemy and kick them away.
Unlock: Raise Unarmed Combat to Lv. 4.
Perform an unarmed attack while high in the air to drive a precise diving kick.
Unlock: Raise Unarmed Combat to Lv. 5.
Crimson Desert features 169 skills split between two playable characters: Kliff and Damiane. Skills are unlocked through four distinct methods. Abyss Artifact skills require spending Abyss Artifacts found throughout the world to upgrade skill trees. Default skills are available from the start and can be leveled up with artifacts. Watch & Learn skills are acquired by observing enemies or NPCs use the skill in combat β you must witness the move and then practice it yourself. Story skills are granted through main quest progression at key narrative moments.
Skill System Guide
The skill system in Crimson Desert is built around the Abyss Artifact upgrade tree. Each character has branching skill trees covering combat fundamentals (Armed Combat, Unarmed Combat), defensive techniques (Guard, Evasion), and special abilities. Leveling a base skill unlocks sub-skills β for example, raising Armed Combat to Level 2 unlocks Evasive Slash, while Level 3 unlocks Charge. Watch & Learn skills are among the most powerful in the game since they are learned from bosses and elite enemies. After defeating a boss, you may learn their signature move, such as Pump Kick from Matthias or Swift Stab from the Reed Devil. Plan your Abyss Artifact spending carefully, as artifacts are limited and respeccing requires rare consumables.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I unlock new skills?
- Skills are unlocked in four ways: spending Abyss Artifacts on the skill tree (Artifact method), having them from the start (Default), observing enemies use them in combat (Watch & Learn), or progressing through the main story (Story). Each method requires different gameplay actions.
- Can I respec my skill points?
- Abyss Artifact allocation can be reset using rare respec items found in the game world. These items are limited, so it is important to plan your skill build before spending artifacts. Using our Skill Planner tool (coming soon) can help you avoid costly mistakes.
- What are the best skills to unlock first?
- For Kliff, prioritize Armed Combat to Level 5 to unlock the full melee combo chain, then invest in Guard and Evasion for survivability. Charge and Rush are excellent gap-closers for boss fights. For Damiane, focus on her unique ranged and agility skills. Watch & Learn skills from early bosses like Pump Kick and Evasive Roll are also high priority as they provide powerful combat options at no artifact cost.