Crimson Desert 1.18.0 Patch Notes: Major Quest, Economy, Controls and Graphics Changes

Crimson Desert 1.18.0 is now available, bringing a substantial collection of changes to Pearl Abyss’ action-adventure game. Unlike the previous 1.17.0 update, which primarily focused on technical fixes, the latest patch introduces noticeable gameplay and quality-of-life improvements.

The biggest changes include a completely new Quests category in the Knowledge tab, a major adjustment to the economy surrounding Research quests, additional lock-on camera options and multiple fixes affecting combat, controls, graphics, NPCs and progression.

Crimson Desert 1.18.0 adds a dedicated Quests Knowledge category

One of the most visible changes in the new update is the addition of Quests as a dedicated Knowledge category. Players will now have a more organized way to track and manage information related to completed and ongoing quest content.

The new category contains eight sub-categories:

• Main Quests
• Faction Quests
• Investigation Quests
• Research Quests
• Daily Life Quests
• Guide
• Archive Records
• Constellations

Certain quest knowledge entries will also be granted retroactively when players have already completed the relevant quests before installing the update.

Research quests now use Camp Funds instead of Silver

Crimson Desert 1.18.0 also makes an important change to the game’s economy. Research projects from the six institutes will now require Camp Funds instead of directly consuming Silver.

Early research options, including those associated with Pororin and Scholastone, remain relatively affordable. However, the cost of later research projects increases significantly, making them more meaningful late-game economic investments.

The change also gives players greater incentive to maintain profitable Dispatch missions and manage their camp economy efficiently.

Lock-on camera controls receive major improvements

The latest Crimson Desert update expands the available options for Lock-on Camera Rotation. Players can now choose between three different settings instead of the previous enabled and disabled options.

• Manual: Players can rotate the camera with the right stick or mouse while locked onto an enemy.
• Semi-auto: Camera rotation remains available but is restricted to a limited range.
• Auto: Players cannot manually rotate the camera while lock-on is active.

The patch also fixes an issue that prevented players from locking onto targets with ranged weapons while riding mounts in certain situations. Other control improvements address unnatural quick-slot arrow movement.

Combat and action fixes in Crimson Desert 1.18.0

The update addresses several gameplay problems that could interfere with movement and combat. Certain special mounts should now have fewer issues when crossing low ledges.

Another fix resolves a problem where players could not climb through windows despite there being no obstacles blocking the route.

Sir Catfish also received a fix for an issue that could cause the character to repeatedly perform a particular action at the same location under specific circumstances.

Map and UI improvements

The map has received a useful visual improvement. Areas revealed by ringing a bell can now be distinguished from areas that players have directly explored.

This should make it easier to understand which portions of the world have been revealed through special mechanics and which areas have actually been explored by the player.

Graphics and performance fixes

Crimson Desert 1.18.0 includes several graphics-related fixes. One of the main changes addresses unstable indoor lighting effects that could occur in certain situations.

The update also fixes camera jitter and shaking that could appear when the game was being played under low-FPS conditions.

Players using certain lower-end graphics cards, including the GTX 1060, should also benefit from a fix for corrupted rendering when FSR Frame Generation or XeSS Frame Generation was enabled.

Knowledge system and quest fixes

The Knowledge system has received several smaller improvements. Certain animals can now provide knowledge when players pick them up rather than requiring them to be killed.

The wording of some boss Knowledge entries has also been improved to make their information clearer.

The update fixes multiple quest-related issues, including problems involving the Pensive Statues at Jijeong Temple, the Kiln Repair quest at the Kilnden Workshop and the missing submission for defeating enemies around Cairn House.

The Knowledge entry for Mysterious Invitation can also now be obtained after completing the relevant memory quest beneath Delesyia Castle.

Stable and trading improvements

The Stable has been improved so that players can now equip horse gear directly there. The patch also addresses several trading-related problems.

High-value trade goods can no longer be incorrectly stacked and loaded in quantities of up to 100. Another fix addresses situations where merchants failed to appear at trading stalls.

The location of the Baker’s Note item from the quest “Haverson’s Request” has also been changed.

Other important fixes in Crimson Desert 1.18.0

The latest update contains a long list of additional fixes covering progression, NPC behavior, animations, audio, equipment and save loading.

• Fixed an issue that could return players to the title screen after reviving at a revival point.
• Fixed accelerated voice-over during certain fast-forwarded cutscenes.
• Fixed workers failing to function correctly after loading a save file.
• Fixed regular NPCs appearing inside blockaded areas.
• Fixed abnormal character animations while riding mounts.
• Fixed an issue involving the broken abyss loop at Abyss Skyloop Bridge.
• Fixed the Focus Mode time-lapse effect not activating correctly.
• Fixed certain equipment clipping through characters.
• Fixed abnormal movement for Aeserion.
• Fixed a progression blocker involving Oongka and Torstein during “Time to Face Justice.”
• Fixed multiple oil canisters being equipped in the same slot while operating the heater.
• Fixed incorrect shield displays when using the “Preview Only Selected” option with dual-wielded weapons.
• Fixed Abyss Gear skill sound effects playing when their volume was set to zero.

Localization improvements

Crimson Desert 1.18.0 also includes various localization fixes and improvements across all supported languages. These changes are designed to improve the consistency and overall quality of translated text throughout the game.

Crimson Desert 1.18.0 patch notes: What’s the biggest change?

The most significant changes in Crimson Desert 1.18.0 are the new quest organization system and the shift from Silver to Camp Funds for Research quests. Together, these changes affect both how players track progression and how they manage their in-game economy.

The improved lock-on controls, map visibility and numerous technical fixes further enhance the overall experience. With the update addressing issues across quests, combat, graphics, progression and performance, patch 1.18.0 represents a broader gameplay-focused update compared with the previous version.