How to Unlock Every Playable Character in Crimson Desert and Master Their Skills

Three fantasy characters are shown. Left: a bearded man with pointed ears and fur clothing. Center: a man with face markings and fur cloak. Right: a woman with braided hair in armor, standing outdoors. They convey a mystical and adventurous tone.
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By Alexandria LopezStaff Writer

Three fantasy characters are shown. Left: a bearded man with pointed ears and fur clothing. Center: a man with face markings and fur cloak. Right: a woman with braided hair in armor, standing outdoors. They convey a mystical and adventurous tone.
  • Primary Subject: Crimson Desert (Version 1.00.03 / 1.00.04)
  • Key Update: Players have confirmed that while Kliff is the primary lead, Damiane and Oongka offer unique gameplay styles, including turret-based defense and heavy tanking.
  • Status: Confirmed
  • Last Verified: March 24, 2026
  • Quick Answer: Unlock Kliff at the start, Damiane in Chapter 3, and Oongka in Chapter 7 after completing the "Gentle Sound of Flowing River" side quest.

You might know that Crimson Desert centers around Kliff MacDuff, but did you know there are other characters you can play as?

By now, you probably know that Kliff is the main character of Crimson Desert. The main storyline centers around him reinstating the Greymane Faction and protecting the world from imminent doom. However, there are brief moments in the game where you actually play as other characters.

Here are all the playable characters in Crimson Desert and how to unlock them.

All the Playable Characters in Crimson Desert and How to Unlock Them

There are three playable characters in Crimson Desert: Kliff, Damiane, and Oongka. Each character has their own skill tree, but Kliff's health, stamina, and spirit levels are shared amongst all the characters.

A warrior in detailed armor with fur trim stands in a misty forest. Intense expression, face paint, and a forest backdrop convey a medieval, adventurous tone.
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Credit: Pearl Abyss

Kliff is unlocked at the start of the game. As the main protagonist, the game centers around him. He is the character with the most abilities and powers to unlock. This means that you need to prioritize unlocking his skills and upgrading his weapons.

READ MORE: How to Get a Dragon Mount in Crimson Desert and Fly Across Pywel

Damiane is unlocked as a playable character partway through Chapter 3. She specializes in speed and ranged combat options. She can fight large groups of enemies with her Shield Sentinel, which turns her shield into a turret that shoots at nearby weapons.

A female video game character with long, wavy brown hair and a leather outfit stands in a vibrant green forest. Sunlight softly illuminates her serious expression. Game interface elements are visible on the screen.
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Credit: Pearl Abyss

Her Smilting Bolt is a heavy-hitter that damages enemies with a blast of light. Damiane is also great for hunting wildlife, as her guns are able to cause major damage at long range.

READ MORE: How to Get the Soul Spear in Crimson Desert and Unleash Soul Projectiles

The third playable character is Oongka, an orc who is unlocked in Chapter 7. Though he is playable near the end of Chapter 7, you'll need to complete the side quest "Gentle Sound of Flowing River" to be able to use him again.

A warrior in fur-trimmed armor stands confidently on a grassy field, holding an axe. Wooden structures and windmills are visible under a blue sky.
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Credit: Pearl Abyss

Oongka is great with heavy melee attacks, tanking damage, and using dual-wielding weapons. His Rampage ability lets him plow through enemies, while his Rage grants a boost to his armor to increase survivability.

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