Unlocking the Wind element in Crimson Desert is a pivotal moment that elevates your combat prowess, offering new tactical options for evasion and imbued attacks. This powerful force is not handed to you; it requires navigating a significant portion of the main story and conquering a unique environmental challenge within the Spire of Clockwork. This guide details the essential steps to acquire this element, from completing a critical chapter to mastering a glide trial in the Abyss.
Finish Chapter 8
The first and most crucial prerequisite is to progress through the main campaign until you complete Chapter 8. This chapter culminates in a challenging boss battle at the foot of the Spire of Clockwork in eastern Demeniss. Successfully finishing this chapter grants you the key needed to enter the Spire itself, which is the gateway to the Abyss and the Wind element. Without this key, the subsequent steps are inaccessible.
Ascend The Spire of Clockwork
After obtaining the key, return to the Spire of Clockwork in The Golden Plains. Use the key at the front door to enter. Inside, immediately look for a yellow, horizontal lever directly ahead. Approach it and climb onto it to activate it with your weight. This action powers the lower section of the tower, enabling ascent. If you possess the Aerial Maneuver grapple hook for the Axiom Force, use it to climb the metal platforms efficiently. If you do not have this ability, you must use the turning gears as platforms to climb manually. Continue upwards until you reach a second yellow switch in the middle of the spire. Activate this switch to restore power to the entire structure.
Reach the Balcony and Elevator
Proceed further up to the rotating clock face. Wait for a gap to open, then run outside onto the balcony. From there, turn right and locate an elevator along the side of the tower. Activate the elevator button, ride it up, and enter the top level of the tower. This triggers an Abyss Gate to open, transporting you to Riddle Square within the Abyss.
Complete The Riddle Square Glider Trial
Contrary to what the name might suggest, Riddle Square does not involve solving puzzles. Instead, your objective is a timed glide trial. Approach the center of the square and use Axion Force on the yellow switch located directly to the right of a large ground fan. This initiates the challenge: you must glide through a series of rings within a strict time limit.
Preparation and Strategy
Before starting, it is highly recommended to unlock the Swift Flight ability in your skill tree. This ability significantly aids in completing the trial within the required time. Upon launch, glide straight up and then turn left to begin navigating through the gate sequence. Each ring you pass through replenishes your stamina, so resource management is not a concern. Crucially, aim for the center of each ring to avoid hitting the edge and prematurely mantling onto it. For sequences of rings arranged in an uninterrupted row, using Swift Flight is advised to maintain momentum and speed.
Contingency Plan
If you find yourself failing the trial or losing momentum, use the Axiom Force to grapple back onto the island. This maneuver can save you from a fatal fall and a lengthy fast travel return to Riddle Square.
Claim Your Reward
Successfully passing through all the rings leads you to a landing point in front of a large circular switch. Climb onto this switch and perform a Force Palm to activate it. This action spawns an Abyss Artifact on a podium below. Collecting this artifact grants you a free skill point and, most importantly, unlocks the Wind element for your use.
Equipping and Using the Wind Element
To equip the Wind element, hold right on the D-Pad to open your equipment menu. Then, select Wind from the radial menu. Once equipped, you can summon a smoke bomb to break enemy line of sight and escape by pressing Right Trigger + A on Xbox or Right Trigger + X on PlayStation. If you have the Imbue Element skill unlocked, you can also imbue various attacks, such as Force Palm or Turning Slash, with the Wind element, adding new properties and effects to your combat repertoire.
Mastering the path to the Wind element transforms your approach to combat in Crimson Desert, providing a essential tool for disengagement and enhancing your offensive capabilities with elemental power. This journey through the Spire of Clockwork and the Abyss trial is a rewarding test of progress and skill, culminating in a versatile new asset for your arsenal.
