Crimson Desert Weapons Guide: In every action RPG, there are several different weapons to choose from, but there are even more options to choose from in Crimson Desert. Pearl Abyss has done away with the concept of forcing players to choose a specific type of fighting style and has instead designed a weapon system that is open to experimentation, strategy, and creativity.
You can be a big, charging samurai with a greatsword, a skilled archer firing from afar, or a stylish HUD brawler; Crimson Desert lets you fight your way. The added factor is that raw weapon damage is not the sole measurement of a system.
You’re strongest when you deploy powerful Abyss Gears, enhance your preferred weapons and learn to switch between various combat styles throughout a fight. So, if you are unsure which weapon to focus on and how to make a loadout that is as strong as possible, this is the guide for you.
A Deep and Flexible Weapon System
13 different types of weapons, barehanded fighting, and strong mounted combat make the combat one of the most versatile in a modern action RPG in the Crimson Desert.
There is no commitment to weapon selection like in other games; players can change their weapons while playing battle scenes. This will help to get players thinking about combining weapons in a way that suits their own personal preferences, instead of sticking to one weapon all the way through the adventure.
The weapons in the game can be categorised into a few types:
- One-handed weapons
- Two-handed weapons
- Ranged weapons
- Shields
- Bare-handed combat
- Mounted combat
There are different strengths, attack speed, stamina usage and combat styles for each category.
One-Handed Weapons are more agile and balanced
One-handed weaponry is the simplest to learn for novices. A balanced attack/defensive combination can be found in the classic sword and shield, and attacks can be blocked, parried and counterattacked with ease.
For players with a taste for quick combat, they can opt for the Rapier for combo attacks or the Dagger for stealthily delivering critical hits.
For their part, Maces and Hammers specialise in slowing opponents rather than taking a lot of damage, and are great for managing tough battles.
Two-Handed Weapons are incredibly powerful
Two-handed weapons are more suitable for players who like to inflict significant damage. Its wide range of attack, devastating crowd control and special heavy attack with invulnerability frames have made the Greatsword one of the community’s favourites.
The Spear has a great reach and high area damage, making it perfect for boss fights and masses of enemies.
Axes have a limited range of movement, but they can deliver some serious stagger attacks that can take out more difficult opponents in no time. Gain control of ranged weapons with the Ranged Weapons Keep You in Control skill.
Not every battle must be a close combat battle
In the Crimson Desert, there are a few ranged weapons to play in various ways. The Bow is the most versatile ranged weapon with the ability to shoot elemental arrows, stealth attacks and hunting abilities.
Players who like to move around can use the Pistol to shoot while continuously moving, making fluid Aerial Combos.
Meanwhile, Rifles and Hand Cannons are designed to inflict serious damage on enemies from far away, but also have longer reload times, making them better suited to certain encounters than general combat.
Bare Hands Are Surprisingly Powerful
The ability to fight unarmed is one of the best surprises in Crimson Desert. In contrast to other RPGs where using weapons to fight is the only way to do it, Bare Hands are considered to be combo extenders, enhancing almost all of the fighting styles.
Popular Blinding Flash Finisher skill is one of the most powerful finishing skills and pushes close-by enemies back, pushing them away. Many skilled players see Bare Hands as more of a skill test than a challenge.
Mounted Combat Adds Another Layer
Rideable mounts add to the excitement of combat. Players can engage in battles from different angles with large beasts like dragons, bears or even mechanical units.
There are also unique attacks for each mount, providing players with more means to clear enemy camps or dominate large battles later in the game.
The Best Weapon Types in Crimson Desert
While all weapons have their merits, some tend to excel in a variety of scenarios.
The following are the best options, according to community impressions:
- Bare Hands for Combo Extensions/Finishers.
- Greatsword used for crowd control and boss battles.
- Bend forward for stealth, ranged attacks, and exploration.
- Spear for good shot range and for area shots.
Sword, Rapier, and Pistol are also strong weapons, depending on your style of play, and Rifles and Hand Cannons are more situational due to slower reload times.
Strong Unique Weapons that can be found
Exploration is an important aspect of character development. While some are bought from shops, many of Crimson Desert’s strongest weapons are hidden around the world.
A few great unique weapons are:
- Hwando
- Sword of the Lord
- Tauria Curved Sword
- Survivor’s Solitude
- Acria Sword
- Spear of Righteousness
Most unique weapons come with pre-installed Abyss Gears, which is a huge advantage as soon as these are obtained.
Weapon Refinement Makes Every Upgrade Count
Players do not have to get new weapons constantly, they can enhance their favourite weapons with the Refinement system.
Up to 10 levels of refinement per weapon, enhancing its overall effectiveness by crafting materials collected in the Abyss and by using Abyss Artefacts.
The players, however, have to make serious choices, as Abyss Artefacts are also needed to unlock character skills using the Abyss Tree. It’s best to invest in character investment early in the game, as it is often more beneficial than weapon investment over time.
Abyss Gears Are the Real Source of Power
The Abyss Gear system is one of the most unique features of Crimson Desert. These special add-ons add passive bonuses and unusual combat modifiers that can drastically alter the capabilities of weapons.
Rather than just picking weapons to maximise the attack, veteran players will focus on acquiring gear that provides the highest Abyss Gear value.
In the hands of someone with the right modifiers, weapons could turn from ineffective to devastating in combat. With the right modifiers, a weapon can go from useless to highly useful in combat.
Build the Right Loadout
Players can change their weapons when fighting, so configuring ‘balanced’ loadouts is very significant.
Popular combinations include:
- Greatsword with Bare Hands for apocalyptic melee attacks.
- Bow, Sword and Dagger for the stealth game.
- Leverage Spear for balanced offence and mobility.
- If the stagger remains high, use Axe with Hammer to inflict severe stagger.
Players can try to find what works best for them in combat by experimenting with different combinations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. In Crimson Desert, how many types of weapons are there?
There are 13 weapon types in Crimson Desert, in addition to Bare Hands, Shields, and Mounted Combat.
Q2. What’s the strongest weapon in Crimson Desert?
The one answer that can’t be given is that one weapon is not better than another. The Greatsword, Bow, Spear and Bare Hands are, however, considered some of the best options.
Q3. What are Abyss Gears?
Abyss Gears are special pieces of equipment modifiers that will infuse weapons and armour with powerful, passive bonuses and combat abilities.
Q4. Are there any characters who can switch weapons during combat?
Yes. In Crimson Desert, equipped weapons can be swapped out in battle, offering players the combo chain of powerful weaponry and the flexibility of combating differently.
Q5. Is the unique weapon more powerful than the standard weapon?
Most unique weapons have pre-installed Abyss Gears, which makes them much more powerful than normal weapons in the early and mid-game.
Disclaimer: This guide is based on the current launch version of Crimson Desert and available gameplay information. Weapon balance, Abyss Gear effects, refinement mechanics, and combat systems may change through future game updates or patches released by the developers.
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