Crimson Desert is finally here, and its massive open world of Pywel is as beautiful as it is overwhelming. With total freedom granted almost immediately, it’s easy to get lost in choice paralysis or miss out on game-changing upgrades hidden right under your nose. From finding a powerful secret shield at the very start to unlocking essential traversal abilities like flight and telekinesis, we’ve spent countless hours uncovering the systems the game doesn't explicitly explain. Whether you're looking to expand your inventory, rob the local bank without getting caught, or even recruit a loyal pet to loot enemies for you, this guide covers the twelve essential things you should do first to master the early hours.In this Crimson Desert gameplay guide, we break down the best early-game strategies to help you level up fast and survive the "blessing and a curse" of its unfathomable map. Learn how to locate Abyss Nexus fast travel points, where to find the Backalley Merchant for masks and keys, and why ringing the Hernand Bell is the most important thing you can do for your minimap. We also dive into the best skill tree investments, such as hitting the 200-stamina threshold for "Spider-Man" style traversal, and how to properly level up your horse, Herspia, for maximum efficiency.