We’ll show you which characters you can expect in Crimson Desert and how to unlock them throughout the game.
Crimson Desert does not rely on custom-built avatars, but instead features clearly defined characters with their own stories and gameplay styles. Instead of spending time in a character creator, you choose a personality and a specific way to fight. We’ll show you which playable characters are available and when you can explore the open world with them.
Kliff Macduff as a versatile leader
Kliff is the central character of Crimson Desert and the focus of the main story. As a member of the Greymane clan, he is forced after a devastating attack to gather his scattered companions and face new power struggles across the continent of Pywel. Many story missions are closely tied to him, which means you’ll experience most of the campaign through his perspective.
In combat, Kliff is a classic all-rounder who combines multiple playstyles:
- Sword and shield for controlled melee combat
- Bow for flexible ranged attacks
- Wrestling and grappling techniques to grab and throw enemies
- Elemental magic through a magical bracelet
- Situational weapon switching depending on the fight
As a result, Kliff feels highly dynamic. You can push enemies off cliffs, interact with environmental objects, or use magic to take advantage of physical effects during combat. If you don’t want to commit to a single extreme playstyle and prefer experimenting with multiple tools, Kliff is your most flexible option.
Damiane for speed and precision
Damiane brings speed into the game. She combines heavy weapons with impressive mobility and focuses heavily on dodging, positioning, and well-timed counters. Her playstyle feels more technical than Oongka’s and more specialized than Kliff’s.
Her arsenal includes:
- A two-handed claymore for powerful yet quick strikes
- Pistol and musket for effective ranged attacks
- Rapier and small shield for precise melee duels
- High mobility with a focus on evasive maneuvers
Damiane controls the pace of combat. You engage, deal damage, retreat, and follow up from a distance. If you enjoy fast, tactical fights and rely on timing, she will likely suit you well. Mistakes are less forgiving than with Kliff, so clean execution is key.
Oongka with pure strength
Oongka is the powerhouse of the trio and relies on raw force. With his massive two-handed axe, he cuts through groups of enemies, while a wrist-mounted cannon adds explosive attacks. His combat style is direct, aggressive, and uncompromising.
- Huge two-handed axe with strong area damage
- Wrist-mounted cannon for explosive attacks
- Grapple and throw techniques against single enemies
- Strong physical presence in melee combat
Oongka feels heavy and powerful. Every hit has weight, and every attack clears space. If you enjoy breaking through enemy hordes head-on and using simpler but hard-hitting combos, he’s a perfect fit.
How to unlock the characters
You start the game with Kliff. Damiane and Oongka are unlocked as you progress through the story. After that, you can switch between them in the open world. However, certain main story sections remain exclusive to Kliff.
Once you choose a character, the other two can accompany you in the open world and are controlled by AI. There is no co-op or multiplayer mode, as Crimson Desert is designed as a purely single-player experience.
- Important: Boss fights must always be completed solo. You won’t receive any support from the other two characters during these encounters.
Customization without a character creator
Crimson Desert does not feature a full character creator. Instead, you can customize your character cosmetically. In a barbershop, you can change hairstyles, hair colors, beards, eyebrows, as well as facial and body tattoos.
In the dye workshop, you can adjust the colors of armor, weapons, mounts, and certain equipment pieces. These changes are purely visual and do not affect stats or abilities.
