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Strongbox Puzzle Guide

All 15 strongbox locations, puzzle solutions, and rewards

Strongboxes are the highest-tier loot containers in Crimson Desert — locked treasure chests scattered throughout the world of Pywel that can only be opened by solving a unique mechanical puzzle built into each one. There are 15 strongboxes in total, spread across the Hernand, Demeniss, Pailune, and Arboria regions. Each strongbox holds rare and powerful rewards including refineable accessories, unique weapons, crafting recipes, and progression keys. Because the contents count as stolen goods, players must equip a Mask before they can take the rewards. Masks and Keys can be purchased cheaply from the Back Alley Shop in Hernand City.

Puzzle Types

Each strongbox features a unique puzzle mechanism that must be solved to unlock the chest. The 15 puzzles fall into five distinct categories: 1. **Sequential Button Press** — Press numbered buttons in an exact order. Buttons may need to be pressed multiple times. Used in Bluemont Manor 1, Hernand Castle, Church of West Demeniss, Southern Court, Azerian Manor, and Stellen Manor 1. 2. **Scroll Wheel (Piston/Cylinder)** — Rotate 5 wheels a specific number of times each, then pull the switch. The wheels control piston or cylinder heights that must align with a reference line. Used in Bluemont Manor 2, Hillside Manor, Stellen Manor 2, and Arboria Castle. 3. **Sliding Tile** — Rearrange tiles on a grid by sliding them into an empty space to form a complete image. Solutions range from 10 to 16 moves. Used in Mudridge Cabin, Western Court, and Reventine Monastery. 4. **Rotation Puzzle** — Rotate individual square panels to reconstruct a scrambled painting. These puzzles are randomized for each player, so there is no fixed solution. Used in Lioncrest Manor and Sungrove Manor. 5. **Melody/Key Sequence** — Listen to a melody played by the strongbox mechanism, then reproduce it by pressing piano-style keys in the correct order. Used in Hernand Castle. All puzzles reset if you step away, with no penalty for failed attempts. You can retry as many times as needed.

All 15 Strongboxes

Hernand(6)

Bluemont Manor Strongbox 1 (Owl Puzzle)

Sequential Button Press

2nd floor, Leon Roberts' bedroom, northern building of Bluemont Manor, southwest Hernand City · Chapter 2+

Prerequisites

Requires a Key to unlock the door (buy from Back Alley Shop). Alternatively, climb through the 2nd floor window or complete House Roberts faction quests. Equip a Mask before stealing.

Solution

The strongbox features a hexagonal prism with an owl image split across 4 rotating cylinder sections. 4 buttons each rotate different combinations of cylinders. Press the buttons in this exact order: 2, 2, 2, 4, 3, 3, 3, 3, 2, 1, 1, 1, 1. The owl image should now be fully aligned across all 4 cylinder sections.

Rewards
  • Oath of Darkness (earring, +2 Defense, refineable for stacking passive bonus)

Bluemont Manor Strongbox 2 (Piston Puzzle)

Scroll Wheel (Piston)

2nd floor, southern building of Bluemont Manor, Hernand City · Chapter 2+

Prerequisites

From the first strongbox building, cross the street to the adjacent southern house and enter through the 2nd floor window. Equip a Mask before stealing.

Solution

The strongbox uses a wheel rotation mechanism with 5 wheels controlling piston heights. Scroll each wheel from left to right: 1st Wheel: 5 scrolls, 2nd Wheel: 2 scrolls, 3rd Wheel: 4 scrolls, 4th Wheel: 3 scrolls, 5th Wheel: 5 scrolls. The silver tops of all pistons should clear the wood paneling line when correctly aligned.

Rewards
  • Finely Crafted Gold Necklace (+1 Attack, Critical Rate Level 1)

Hillside Manor Strongbox

Scroll Wheel (Cylinder)

2nd floor, southeastern room of Hillside Manor, below the eastern tip of Hernand Castle · Chapter 2+

Prerequisites

The main doors are guarded. Bypass them by climbing to the 2nd floor window on the southwest side of the manor. Equip a Mask before stealing.

Solution

The strongbox uses a wheel rotation mechanism with 5 wheels. Scroll each wheel from left to right: 1st Wheel: 2 scrolls, 2nd Wheel: 3 scrolls, 3rd Wheel: 4 scrolls, 4th Wheel: 5 scrolls, 5th Wheel: 5 scrolls. Adjust all middle tube parts to align with the edge line of the brown area.

Rewards
  • Saint's Necklace (temporary stamina boost when used)

Lioncrest Manor Strongbox (Painting Puzzle)

Rotation Puzzle (Randomized)

2nd floor, eastern room of Lioncrest Manor, northwest outskirts of Hernand Town · Chapter 2+

Prerequisites

Climb up the side of the manor and enter through the 2nd floor window. Can also enter via the side quest 'Bruna's Request'. Equip a Mask before stealing.

Solution

The puzzle features a misaligned painting of a girl with fairy wings, split into 9 rotating fragments in a 3x3 grid. Rotate each of the 9 fragments individually until they combine into the complete image. The arrangement is randomized per player, so there is no fixed sequence — just rotate each panel until the painting is restored.

Rewards
  • Engraved Gold Earring (refineable for passive bonus)

Hernand Castle Strongbox (Melody Puzzle)

Melody / Key Sequence

Locked room on the top (3rd) floor of Hernand Castle's main keep, accessible via the central stairwell · Chapter 2+

Prerequisites

Must complete the 'Actions Speak Louder Than Words' main quest to obtain Hernandian Attire — equip it to pass the castle guards. Need a Key for the locked room door. Equip a Mask before stealing.

Solution

The strongbox has a musical mechanism with piano-style keys in top and bottom rows, and a crank dial on the right. First, crank the dial until it slows and catches, then release it to hear the melody. You can repeat this to memorize the tune. Then press the keys in this order: 1) Top 1st Key, 2) Bottom 4th Key, 3) Bottom 3rd Key, 4) Bottom 4th Key, 5) Top 3rd Key, 6) Bottom 1st Key, 7) Top 3rd Key.

Rewards
  • Recipe: Lavish Meal (buff-heavy cooking recipe)

Mudridge Cabin Strongbox (Sliding Puzzle)

Sliding Tile Puzzle (10 steps)

Higher cabin in Mudridge Cabin, Pororin Forest, southeast of Unicorn Cliff, Hernand region · Chapter 2+

Prerequisites

Climb up the posts of the cabin to reach the higher cabin, then defeat the bandits guarding the area. Equip a Mask before stealing.

Solution

A sliding puzzle featuring a painting of a tree. Move the squares in this 10-step sequence: 1) Center right square down, 2) Center square right, 3) Center left square right, 4) Bottom left square up, 5) Bottom center square left, 6) Center square down, 7) Center left square right, 8) Bottom left square up, 9) Bottom center square left, 10) Bottom right square left.

Rewards
  • Flower Petal Earring (accessory)

Demeniss(6)

Church of West Demeniss Strongbox

Sequential Button Press

Inside a locked shack to the left of the Church of West Demeniss, Byron Estate region · Chapter 3+

Prerequisites

Accessible during the 'Secret at the Church' main quest. The Dagger is used to progress to the Pillar of Radiance puzzle.

Solution

The puzzle consists of 4 directional boxes. Press them in this order: 1) Lower right, 2) Upper left, 3) Lower left, 4) Upper right. Once all lights turn blue, interact with the strongbox door to find a Small Box inside.

Rewards
  • Dagger of Radiance (unique weapon, used in Pillar of Radiance puzzle)

Southern Court Strongbox

Sequential Button Press

2nd floor room of Southern Court, Demeniss city · Chapter 3+

Prerequisites

Sneak through the unguarded back entrance to reach the 2nd floor. Equip a Mask before stealing.

Solution

This is one of the simplest strongbox puzzles. The puzzle has just 2 buttons. Press the 1st button, then press the 2nd button. That's it.

Rewards
  • Witch's Earring

Azerian Manor Strongbox (Button Puzzle)

Sequential Button Press

2nd floor of Azerian Manor, hidden room behind a rotating wall, Demeniss region · Chapter 3+

Prerequisites

Find the rotating wall on the 2nd floor to access the hidden strongbox room. Equip a Mask before stealing.

Solution

The puzzle has 3 buttons. Press them in this order: 1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3 (Button 1 twice, Button 2 three times, Button 3 three times).

Rewards
  • Ancient Earring

Sungrove Manor Strongbox (Rotating Puzzle)

Rotation Puzzle (Randomized)

2nd floor of Sungrove Manor, northwest of Demeniss city · Chapter 3+

Prerequisites

Fly or climb to the manor roof and enter through a window on the right side. Jump from the back of the manor where there are fewer guards. Equip a Mask before stealing.

Solution

The puzzle features rotating square panels that must be aligned to match a target image displayed on the strongbox. The configuration is randomized per player, so there is no fixed solution. Rotate each square individually until they all combine into the complete image.

Rewards
  • Sungrove Manor Key (progression item — unlocks additional areas within Sungrove Manor)

Western Court Strongbox (Sliding Puzzle)

Sliding Tile Puzzle (16 steps)

Underground basement of Western Court, northwest of Demeniss city · Chapter 3+

Prerequisites

Access the underground basement of Western Court. Equip a Mask before stealing.

Solution

A complex 16-step sliding tile puzzle. Move the squares in this sequence: 1) Bottom center right, 2) Bottom left right, 3) Center left down, 4) Center left, 5) Center right left, 6) Bottom right up, 7) Bottom center right, 8) Bottom left right, 9) Center left down, 10) Center left, 11) Bottom center up, 12) Bottom left right, 13) Center left down, 14) Center left, 15) Bottom center up, 16) Bottom right left.

Rewards
  • Karanda's Necklace

Reventine Monastery Strongbox (Sliding Puzzle)

Sliding Tile Puzzle (16 steps)

Behind a revolving bookshelf in Reventine Monastery, far west of Demeniss city, western edge of the Demeniss region · Chapter 3+

Prerequisites

Find the revolving bookshelf inside the monastery — it is the hidden entrance to the strongbox room. Equip a Mask before stealing.

Solution

A 16-step sliding tile puzzle. Move the squares in this sequence: 1) Bottom center right, 2) Bottom left right, 3) Center left down, 4) Center left, 5) Center right left, 6) Bottom right up, 7) Bottom center right, 8) Bottom left right, 9) Center left down, 10) Center left, 11) Bottom center up, 12) Bottom left right, 13) Center left down, 14) Center left, 15) Bottom center up, 16) Bottom right left.

Rewards
  • Reventine Monastery Exclusive Document (lore/progression item)

Pailune(2)

Stellen Manor Strongbox 1 (Key Puzzle)

Sequential Button Press (Key Sequence)

2nd floor dining room of Stellen Manor, Pailune region, northeast of Drakesfall Gorge · Chapter 4+

Prerequisites

Climb in through the window to access the 2nd floor dining room. Equip a Mask before stealing.

Solution

The puzzle has keys arranged in a row. Press them in this 7-step sequence: 1) Bottom 1st Key, 2) Bottom 3rd Key, 3) Bottom 4th Key, 4) Bottom 2nd Key, 5) Bottom 1st Key, 6) Bottom 3rd Key, 7) Bottom 4th Key.

Rewards
  • Stellen Manor Closet Key (progression item — unlocks additional area within the manor)

Stellen Manor Strongbox 2 (Wheel Puzzle)

Scroll Wheel

Tower room of Stellen Manor, Pailune region, accessible by climbing through the window · Chapter 4+

Prerequisites

Climb up to the tower and enter through the window. Equip a Mask before stealing.

Solution

The strongbox uses a wheel scrolling mechanism with 5 wheels. Scroll each wheel from left to right: 1st Wheel: 2 scrolls, 2nd Wheel: 5 scrolls, 3rd Wheel: 5 scrolls, 4th Wheel: 4 scrolls, 5th Wheel: 3 scrolls. Then hit the switch on the right side to unlock.

Rewards
  • Finely Crafted Gold Ring

Arboria(1)

Arboria Castle Strongbox (Wheel Puzzle)

Scroll Wheel

Basement center of Arboria Castle, in an area full of spider webs · Chapter 5+

Prerequisites

Navigate to the basement of Arboria Castle. Be prepared for encounters in the spider web area. Equip a Mask before stealing.

Solution

The strongbox uses a wheel-based combination with 5 wheels. Scroll each wheel from left to right: 1st Wheel: 3 scrolls, 2nd Wheel: 4 scrolls, 3rd Wheel: 5 scrolls, 4th Wheel: 4 scrolls, 5th Wheel: 2 scrolls. Then hit the switch on the right side to unlock.

Rewards
  • Equipment Manual (crafting material)

Tips

  • Buy a Mask and at least one Key from the Back Alley Shop in Hernand City before attempting any strongboxes. Both cost only a few bronze coins.
  • You MUST equip a Mask before you can steal items from strongboxes. Without it, you can solve the puzzle but cannot take the loot.
  • After stealing, a crime/heat meter appears on screen. Stay inside the building until the bar fully depletes. Leaving early triggers a wanted status and combat encounters.
  • To steal from a strongbox, press L1/LB (or keyboard equivalent) to aim precisely at the small box inside, then use the steal prompt. Adjust your camera angle up and down if the prompt appears grayed out.
  • For the Hernand Castle strongbox, you must first complete the 'Actions Speak Louder Than Words' quest and equip the Hernandian Attire to pass the guards.
  • Hillside Manor's front entrance is heavily guarded — always use the 2nd floor window on the southwest side to bypass the guards.
  • Rotation puzzles at Lioncrest Manor and Sungrove Manor are randomized each time, so no guide can give you a fixed solution. Just rotate panels until the image matches.
  • Key rewards (Stellen Manor Closet Key, Sungrove Manor Key) are progression items that unlock additional areas. Do NOT sell them before checking what they open.
  • Prioritize the Oath of Darkness Earring (Bluemont Manor 1) and Engraved Gold Earring (Lioncrest Manor) first — both are refineable for stacking passive power bonuses.
  • All puzzles reset when you step away with no penalty, so feel free to experiment without fear of losing progress.
  • If caught stealing and jailed, all masks in your inventory will be confiscated. Buy extras as backup.
  • Stealing costs Contribution points, so be selective about what you steal — only take items that are worth the reputation hit.
  • Watch out for NPCs wandering into strongbox rooms while you're stealing. If a noble walks in and sees you, you'll be thrown in jail.

About Strongbox Puzzles

Strongboxes are the highest-tier locked treasure chests in Crimson Desert, each containing rare accessories, weapons, and crafting recipes. There are 15 strongboxes spread across four regions, each with a unique mechanical puzzle. Puzzle types include sequential button presses, scroll wheel alignment, sliding tiles, rotation puzzles, and melody sequences. Before opening any strongbox, equip a Mask (purchased from the Back Alley Shop) since the contents count as stolen goods. All puzzles reset on failure with no penalty, so you can retry as many times as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many strongboxes are there in Crimson Desert?
There are 15 strongboxes in total, spread across 4 regions: 6 in the Hernand region (including Mudridge Cabin in Pororin Forest), 6 in the Demeniss region, 2 in the Pailune region, and 1 in Arboria Castle.
Why can't I steal from the strongbox after solving the puzzle?
You must equip a Mask first — without it, the steal option will not appear. After equipping the mask, press L1/LB to aim precisely at the small box inside the strongbox. If the interaction prompt is grayed out, adjust your camera angle up and down slightly until it turns white. Masks can be bought from the Back Alley Shop in Hernand City for a few copper coins.
What happens if I get caught stealing from a strongbox?
If caught, you'll be thrown in Hernand jail. All masks in your inventory will be confiscated, and you'll lose Contribution points. To avoid this, always wait inside the building until the crime/heat meter fully depletes before leaving. Also watch out for NPCs who may wander into the room while you're stealing.
Which strongboxes should I prioritize first?
Prioritize the Oath of Darkness Earring from Bluemont Manor Strongbox 1 and the Engraved Gold Earring from Lioncrest Manor — both are refineable accessories that grant stacking passive power bonuses, making them the most valuable strongbox rewards in the game. The Dagger of Radiance from the Church of West Demeniss is also high priority as it's needed for quest progression.
Do strongbox puzzles have a time limit or failure penalty?
No. All strongbox puzzles can be attempted as many times as you want with no time limit and no penalty for failure. The puzzle simply resets if you step away. Rotation puzzles (Lioncrest Manor, Sungrove Manor) are randomized each time they reset, but the other puzzle types maintain the same solution.
Where do I buy Masks and Keys?
Both can be purchased from Grimrak at the Back Alley Shop in Hernand City. Masks cost about 10 copper coins. Keys are similarly cheap. You can also obtain masks by looting defeated bandits or completing certain quests.
Can I sell the key rewards from Stellen Manor and Sungrove Manor strongboxes?
Technically yes, but you should NOT sell them. The Stellen Manor Closet Key and Sungrove Manor Key are progression items that unlock additional locked areas within their respective manors, potentially containing more valuable loot. Always check what they open before considering selling them.
How do I enter Hernand Castle to reach the strongbox?
You must first complete the 'Actions Speak Louder Than Words' main quest, which involves helping a tailor near Muckroot Ranch. This rewards you with Hernandian Attire. Equip the attire to pass through the castle gates without being stopped by guards. Then climb to the 3rd floor of the main keep and use a Key to unlock the bedroom door containing the strongbox.
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