Trace
RareQuests
Follow the traces left behind to uncover a hidden truth in Hernand.
Type
Main Story
Faction
Trace
Chapter
Chapter 1
Region
Hernand
Difficulty
Normal
Estimated Time
45-60 min
Location
Hernand Castle & Abyss
Prerequisites
Complete Heart Beyond Borders
Walkthrough
- 1Complete Mystical Key: Examine the Engraved Key, equip Hernandian Attire, enter Hernand Castle,
- 2Find the Alchemist's Chamber, step into the Abyss Gate
- 3Activate Abyss Nexus: Step on the glowing platform upon entering the Abyss
- 4Acquire Axiom Force: Follow the path to the Axiom Archive to trigger the power acquisition cutscene
- 5Solve Polar Opposites: Use Axiom Force on the two floor plates, rotate them to connect yellow
- 6Patterns with nearby energy wires
- 7Enter the Tower: Once aligned correctly, the building opens automatically
- 8Speak with Alustin: Meet the Alchemist and receive your next objective
- 9Complete Abyss Without Balance: Navigate the skybridge puzzle, use Force Palm skill, synthesize an
- 10Abyss Cell
- 11Meet Woman in White: Discover her true identity and gain the Flight ability
Tips
- Trace is a quest arc containing 4 sub-quests: Mystical Key, Polar Opposites, Abyss Without Balance, Woman in White
- The Faded Abyss Artifact received in Woman in White unlocks Abyss Gear system progression
- Learning Axiom Force in Polar Opposites is the core mechanic for all remaining Abyss puzzles
- Shai's Pendant (from Heart Beyond Borders) reveals the Woman in White's identity and purpose
- The Traces arc represents Chapter 1's climax and grants your character the Flight ability
NPCs Involved
- Alustin
- Woman in White
- Shai
Featured in Guides
- Crimson Desert Beginner Guide: 10 Things to Do FirstSkip the rookie mistakes. The 10 most important things to do first in Crimson Desert — controller setup, stat priority, inventory, food, fast travel, and silver.
- Crimson Desert: How to Make Silver Fast (Silver Farming Guide)10 proven ways to farm Silver fast in Crimson Desert — from a free 190-Silver Gold Bar in your first hour to passive bank investments and Golden Apple loops.
- Crimson Desert Inventory Guide — Hernand Commissions, +10 Bag, Greymane 81-Slot PathNo storage chests exist anywhere. Maximize bag slots: +3 per Commission quest, +10 from a hidden Extra Large Bag, +81 from all 27 Greymane Commissions. Full route inside.
- Crimson Desert Bounties Guide — Live Capture, Double Loads, 2x SilverBounties pay 2x for live capture vs kill. Tackle, punch 3 times to confess, then load TWO outlaws onto your horse. ~10 silver each, 10-20 min loops.
Last updated: March 2026