Crimson Desert's latest expansion, Charting the Unknown, has launched, focusing on expanding the existing world rather than delivering a concentrated narrative. The update introduces endgame challenges, new housing options, a romance system, and a sailing ship mechanic tied to an ocean questline exploring Pywel's treacherous coast and islands. Each of these features requires specific in-game milestones to unlock.
To begin the shipbuilding and ocean exploration content, players must progress through the Greymane faction quest "Grounds of the Sunrise." Specifically, completing the "Expanding the Camp" objective within the "Gathered Will" section will trigger the ability to purchase or construct a first ship. Advancing this initial questline leads directly into the new ocean story. Once unlocked, players can upgrade to medium or large ships for 1.2 million and 6 million camp funds respectively, or choose to build them using fewer funds but requiring more materials.
The expansion also introduces the Garden of Trials, a set of combat challenges that become available only after completing the main story. To access this area, players must visit the Axiom Archive in the abyss, the location where Alustin was first encountered near the game's start. Inside, turning right before the staircase and door reveals a corridor leading to the new annex. Additionally, new story quests for characters Kliff, Oongka, and Damiane are available post-main story in Pailune and Demeniss, featuring fresh combat encounters throughout the world.
Romance mechanics have been expanded to include Kliff, Oongka, and Damiane, who can now pursue relationships with specific NPCs. Players can verify romance availability through an NPC's interaction menu. The process requires reaching 100 trust to select the "seduce" option; once likeability is maxed out, players can "propose." The four witches also have new faction quests designed to build trust and likeability as potential romance options. Married characters can either follow the player or reside in their house, and divorce is an available option after marriage.
Finally, the update brings upgraded housing modes and new management facilities. Unlocking these requires securing the Greymane Camp on Howling Hill and fulfilling Luke's request during the "Grounds of the Sunrise" quest. Acquiring this camp reveals various "facility" icons on the map, indicating strongholds that can be rented as management facilities. However, players must first liberate the region and complete its associated faction quest to gain access to these locations.
Sources: PC Gamer.