Crimson Desert Flame and Frost Magic: You have been playing Crimson Desert and noticed that there were some mysterious elemental skills in the red area of the skill tree, and you might have thought to yourself, “what am I doing wrong?” Regular progression will not unlock Spending Abyss Artifacts. The game is quite different.
Exploration and Abyss puzzles are tied to Flame and Frost magic. You must break out of the norm, find certain spots, solve puzzles and pass through a series of Abyss areas before these potent abilities appear.
The bad news is that you’ll need to wait until the middle of Chapter 4 to access the first elemental abilities. Even better, when you unlock an element, it unlocks for all three characters to play: Kliff, Damiane and Oongka.
What Are Elemental Skills in Crimson Desert?
Elemental skills are a unique combat skill in Crimson Desert. They are not skills that are acquired by clicking on them, but like other skills, they can only be unlocked with Abyss Artifacts and the purchase of skills from the tree.
Rather, they are linked to the challenges for the actual game of “Restoration – The Abyss”. These challenges are about exploring the Abyss and solving various environmental puzzles. In the journal 40 of these challenges are recorded and several Spires serve as gateways to these areas.
A total of four elemental abilities are given:
- Mantle: Creates a frost barrier and repels enemies, and can freeze enemies who attack you.
- Melee: Burns the enemy when using this attack, and can be combined with other compatible attacks.
- Lightning Surge: Generates electricity and is very effective against wet enemies.
- Storm Veil: Generates a smoke cloud that may aid in getting out of sight of enemies, or repositioning yourself.
If it’s Flame and Frost that players want to unlock first, the adventure starts at the Spire of Ringing Truth.
How to Unlock Frost Mantle
The first elemental ability on this route is Frost Mantle, and it also unlocks the ability to use Flame Strike later.
Step 1: Find the Spire of Ringing Truth
Head west from Pailune, past Wayward Woods and to Upper Nas River. The Spire of Ringing Truth is optional and should not be considered a goal of the main story.
When you have reached the Spire, take all the way to the top, and blow up the bell. When done, the bell drops and provides access to the basement.
On the inside, there’s a flying boss called Priscus the Ancient. This battle can be a bit tricky if you have to deal with the flying enemy from close range and you can use a bow and lots of arrows to make it easier.
Step 2: Enter the Abyss
Once you have defeated Priscus, enter the Abyss Gate and start the puzzle chain.
The route includes:
- Ether Rest: Rotate the structure using Axiom Force and move up with Nature’s Grasp.
- Frostbitten Paradise: Use Axiom Force to shift objects, platforms and switches.
- Cross the frozen zone and follow the torches as they will provide warmth; pick up the battery, melt it in the lava pool and take it back to the required battery port.
After completing the Path of Trials and activating the Abyss Gate, Frost Mantle is automatically unlocked. Abyss Artifacts can then be invested into Frost’s abilities and Frost used as an elemental imbuement.
How to Unlock Flame Strike
After unlocking Frost Mantle, does not require you to start a new completely different journey. Head through the Abyss to Flame Strike.
The path then leads through Sanctorum of Darkness and Loop of Life, culminating in the Tree of Slumber.
Sanctorum of Darkness
There is a puzzle using lasers in this area. The laser will have to be moved, you will have to go to another level, pick up a chip and then use it to switch on another laser.
The puzzle can be challenging because the right answer involves going down then up. With that in mind, you can get the rest of the way clear on the path.
Loop of Life
The Loop of Life is mainly focused on platforming. Follow this section and head uphill to the next section of the Abyss chain.
Tree of Slumber
The Tree of Slumber is the last puzzle prior to Flame Strike. Stab on the middle pillar, then turn your sword to control the others. You are trying to make each outer pillar approximately 2/3 of the way up so that the blue light comes on.
When all pillars are glowing in the proper color, hit the middle pillar to finish the puzzle. Flame Strike will then unlock and Flame Level 1 and Flame elemental imbuement.
How to Use Flame and Frost in Combat
Extracting the elements is only the first step. Their proper use can make a significant impact in tough fights. You can switch your active element using the Function Wheel with controller’s D-Pad Right or keyboard’s F3 button. Then elemental abilities are activated without the need for the corresponding controller combination.
You can also imbue certain attacks with an element. Turning Slash, Meteor Kick, Force Palm, and bow Charged Shot are compatible attacks. Use the imbue during the hit animation, choosing which element to use.
Spirit management is also important. Elemental powers use up Spirit, and Focus can replenish it. Having a bit of Spirit left can come in very handy when facing bosses, and you suddenly need an elemental ability.
Tips to Get Flame and Frost Faster
There are a couple of simple preparations that can save you a lot of time:
- Don’t try this route until after mid-Chapter 4.
- Bring lots of arrows for Priscus the Ancient.
- The Spire of Ringing Truth is a great route to take if you haven’t unlocked Frost yet as it’ll go to both Frost and Flame.
- Unlock element 1 and don’t forget to invest in it to use elemental combat more effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What about Flame & Frost being unlocked through Abyss Artifacts?
No. The elemental abilities arent unlocked directly by skill tree, but are linked to elemental challenges and puzzles.
What should do I unlock first?
Frost Mantle is the first waypoint on the Spire of Ringing Truth path, and is the starting point for achieving Flame Strike.
Do I have to unlock the elements separately for each character?
No. When unlocked, an element can be accessed by Kliff, Damiane and Oongka.
Where is Flame Strike unlocked?
The “Tree of Slumber” puzzle (found in the end of the appropriate Abyss chain) unlocks Flame Strike.
Are there any other elemental abilities?
Yes. Crimson Desert contains four elements: Frost, Flame, Lightning and Storm. Lightning Surge and Storm Veil are two different routes; Storm Veil is available much later in Chapter 8.
Disclaimer: This article has been written from the information provided and is only for informational and gaming-guide purposes. The game mechanics, controls, locations and unlocks can change in future updates and/or patches.
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