Crimson Desert Skill Tree Guide: Every Ability for Kliff, Damiane, and Oongka

Upgrading your skill tree in Pywel is the only thing standing between you and a brutal end in the mud.

Crimson Desert does not hand you power for free. If you want to survive the late game encounters, you need to understand exactly how the skill economy works and what you are actually buying. You have three playable characters: Kliff Macduff, Damiane, and Oongka. Each of them has a completely independent skill tree rooted in three core stats: Stamina, Spirit, and Health.

You purchase these skills using Abyss Artifacts, which you earn by clearing ruins and killing bosses. Pearl Abyss also included a brilliant "Watch and Learn" mechanic. If you see an enemy execute a specific move during combat, time slows down. Fill the prompt bar, and you permanently learn that skill without spending a single artifact.

Before you start hunting down skill points, I highly recommend checking out my guide on the best early skills to unlock so you do not accidentally cripple your progression. If you do mess up, grab a Faded Abyss Artifact and read my breakdown on how to respec skills to get your points back.

Kliff Macduff: The Versatile Mercenary

Kliff is your main guy, and his skill tree is absurdly massive. He has over 80 skills branching out from basic swordplay to literal telekinesis via the Axiom Force. He is a jack of all trades. You can build him as a heavy brawler or a nimble archer who dodges around the battlefield. If you are trying to master his core parries, read my Sword Mastery challenges guide to get your timing down.

KLIFF'S ARSENAL

Every single ability Kliff can learn.

Skill	How to Unlock	Combat Effect
Stamina	Spend Abyss Artifacts. Max Lv. 14.	Energy consumed when performing actions such as dodging or moving.
Armed Combat	Default. 1 Artifact per level (Max Lv. 5).	Perform a basic melee attack. Further investment increases melee weapon damage.
Evasive Slash	Raise Armed Combat to Lv. 2.	Strike while dodging backward.
Charge	Raise Armed Combat to Lv. 3.	While guarding, sprint forward and smash an enemy with your shield.
Rush	Raise Armed Combat to Lv. 4.	While dodging forward, fend off an enemy's attack.
Quick Swap	Raise Armed Combat to Lv. 5.	Rapidly switch between primary and secondary weapons to perform an attack.
Forward Slash	Default. 1 Artifact per level (Max Lv. 3).	Step forward and deliver a powerful slash.
Forward Slash Proficiency	Raise Forward Slash to Lv. 2 or Watch and Learn.	Lunge forward and follow up with a finishing slash.
Forward Slash Sure Hit	Raise Forward Slash to Lv. 3.	Forward Slash can no longer miss.
Shield Bash	Default.	Strike the enemy with your shield and block incoming attacks.
Turning Slash	Default. 1 Artifact per level (Max Lv. 3).	Perform a spinning overhead strike that sends enemies flying.
Turning Slash Proficiency	Raise Turning Slash to Lv. 2.	While using another skill, quickly chain into Turning Slash.
Turning Slash Expertise	Raise Turning Slash to Lv. 3 or Watch and Learn.	While using Turning Slash, follow up with a powerful downward strike.
Turning Slash Rend Armor	Raise Turning Slash to Lv. 3.	Turning Slash ignores Super Armor and sends enemies flying.
Stab	Default. 1 Artifact per level (Max Lv. 3).	Quickly stab forward and inflict Bleed.
Swift Stab	Raise Stab to Lv. 2 or Watch and Learn.	Perform a follow-up attack after a successful charged Stab.
Skewering Stab	Raise Stab to Lv. 2.	After a successful charged Stab, move to immediately grapple the enemy.
Aerial Stab	Raise Stab to Lv. 3.	While in mid-air, perform a forward Stab.
Stab Rend Armor	Raise Stab to Lv. 3.	Stab ignores Super Armor.
Spinning Slash	Default. Spend 1 Artifact (Max Lv. 2).	Perform a short leap and slash the enemy while spinning.
Spinning Slash Proficiency	Raise Spinning Slash to Lv. 2 or Watch and Learn.	Perform consecutive Spinning Slashes.
Blinding Flash	Unlocked during the Prologue (Unknown Space).	Reflect light and temporarily blind enemies.
Blinding Flash Finisher	Spend 1 Artifact or Watch and Learn.	While enemies are blinded, rush in and deliver a rapid flurry of strikes.
Marksmanship	Default. 1 Artifact per level (Max Lv. 5).	Perform a basic ranged attack. Increases ranged weapon damage.
Charged Shot	Spend 1 Artifact or Watch and Learn.	While aiming, charge your shot to increase its power.
Multishot	Spend 1 Artifact or Watch and Learn.	While aiming, fire 10 arrows in a wide spread.
Evasive Shot	Spend 1 Artifact or Watch and Learn.	Dodge twice while aiming to sidestep an enemy attack and release an arrow.
Evasive Shot Proficiency	Raise Evasive Shot to Lv. 2.	Increases the speed of Evasive Shot.
Evasive Shot Expertise	Raise Evasive Shot to Lv. 3.	Automatically fire two arrows in rapid succession during Evasive Shot.
Explosive Evasive Shot	Raise Evasive Shot to Lv. 3 or Watch and Learn.	While aiming, fire an arrow into the ground to propel yourself skyward and evade.
Grappling	Default. 1 Artifact per level (Max Lv. 5).	Allows you to perform grapples. Increases grappling damage.
Throw	Default.	Toss an enemy across the battlefield.
Restrain	Default.	Take an enemy hostage after performing a Stab.
Lariat	Raise Grappling to Lv. 2.	Slam your enemy into the ground with overwhelming force.
Giant Swing	Raise Grappling to Lv. 3.	During a Pump Kick or Dropkick, grab the enemy and hurl them with a spinning throw.
Back Hang	Raise Grappling to Lv. 4.	Get closer while airborne or latch onto a target to attack or escape.
Lariat Follow-up	Raise Grappling to Lv. 5.	Perform multiple Lariats on an enemy after the first Lariat lands.
Clothesline	Spend 1 Artifact or Watch and Learn (Black Bears in Ch. 6).	While sprinting, hook an enemy and slam them into the ground.
Body Slam	Spend 1 Artifact or Watch and Learn.	While in mid-air, slam your full weight down upon the enemy.
Unarmed Combat	Default. 1 Artifact per level (Max Lv. 5).	Strike enemies with bare fists. Increases unarmed strike damage.
Leg Sweep	Default.	After rolling, sweep the enemy's legs with a powerful low kick.
Scissor Takedown	Raise Unarmed Combat to Lv. 2.	While crouching, wrap your legs around an enemy and bring them to the ground.
Unarmed Combat Proficiency	Raise Unarmed Combat to Lv. 3 or Watch and Learn.	Perform an additional unarmed strike.
Flying Kick	Raise Unarmed Combat to Lv. 4.	While airborne, launch yourself at an enemy and kick them twice.
Meteor Kick	Raise Unarmed Combat to Lv. 5 or Watch and Learn.	While high in the air, perform a precise diving kick on an enemy below.
Pump Kick	Watch and Learn from Matthias boss fight.	Perform a powerful two-footed kick that sends the enemy flying.
Dropkick	Spend 1 Artifact or Watch and Learn.	Launch your body forward and deliver a double-kick that sends the enemy flying.
Vault	Spend 1 Artifact or Watch and Learn.	Vault over the back of an enemy.
Spirit	Spend Abyss Artifacts. Max Lv. 12.	Power consumed to execute skills and special actions.
Force Palm	Learned during Chapter 1 (Traces) via small NPC observation.	Gather energy into your palm and strike, reducing the target's defense.
Aerial Force Palm	Unlock Force Palm Lv. 1.	While in mid-air, aim energy downward and launch yourself higher.
Healing Force Palm	Unlock Force Palm Lv. 1.	Convert stored energy into power capable of healing a wounded target.
Force Palm Proficiency	Raise Force Palm to Lv. 2.	Allows you to perform up to two Force Palm strikes.
Force Palm Expertise	Raise Force Palm to Lv. 3.	Allows you to perform up to three Force Palm strikes.
Focus	Learned during Chapter 2 (Unexpected Gift).	Slow down time. Maintaining focus restores Spirit.
Focused Repulsion	Raise Focus to Lv. 2 or Watch and Learn.	When hit while in Focused state, repel everything away.
Focused Insight	Raise Focus to Lv. 3.	Automatically face incoming attacks while Focused and counter them.
Focused Force Palm	Watch and Learn.	Unleash a penetrating Force Palm while in Focus mode.
Nature's Grasp	Learned during Chapter 2 (Unexpected Gift) via NPC observation.	Allows you to lift or move heavy objects.
Focused Shot	Level Marksmanship and Focus to Lv. 2, spend 1 Artifact.	While aiming, use Focus then fire up to 4 shots. Increases per level.
Focused Evasive Shot	Raise Focused Shot to Lv. 2.	While aiming or rolling, you can enter Focused Shot mode.
Focused Charged Shot	Raise Focused Shot to Lv. 3.	Unleash a rapid volley of arrows during Focused Shot or Charged Shot.
Force Palm Pulse	Level Unarmed Combat and Force Palm to Lv. 3, spend 1 Artifact.	During Force Palm, follow up with a powerful strike.
Force Current	Level Force Palm and Axiom Force to Lv. 2, spend 1 Artifact.	Transmit the energy of Force Palm through Axiom Force to strike from a distance.
Diving Force Palm	Meet certain conditions.	Channel energy into a downward strike after Aerial Swing or falling.
Keen Senses	Default.	Enhances swift actions with the power of nature.
Parry	Default.	Guard right before being hit to precisely block an enemy attack.
Dodge	Raise Keen Senses to Lv. 2.	Input evade just before being hit to escape danger.
Counter	Raise Keen Senses to Lv. 3 or Watch and Learn.	Attack right before being hit to interrupt an enemy attack.
Evasive Roll	Spend 1 Artifact or Watch and Learn from Kailok the Hornsplitter.	Input evade while being hit to roll away quickly.
Double Jump	Spend 1 Artifact or Watch and Learn.	Jump twice to perform an extra jump in mid-air off an enemy.
Nature's Snare	Level Keen Senses to Lv. 3 and Focus to Lv. 2, spend 1 Artifact or Watch and Learn.	While in Focus, form a barrier of wind that blocks projectiles.
Nature's Retribution	Raise Nature's Snare to Lv. 2.	During Nature's Snare, lash out with stored energy.
Nature's Veil	Raise Nature's Snare to Lv. 3.	During Nature's Snare, briefly hold energy in place while focused.
Nature's Echo	Level Keen Senses to Lv. 3 and Forward Slash to Lv. 3, spend 1 Artifact.	Creates an illusion that replicates your attacks.
Echoing Forward Slash	Unlock Nature's Echo Lv. 1.	When performing Forward Slash, automatically creates an illusion that copies the attack.
Echoing Spinning Slash	Raise Nature's Echo to Lv. 2.	When performing Spinning Slash, automatically creates an illusion that copies the attack.
Echoing Stab	Raise Nature's Echo to Lv. 3.	When performing a charged Stab, automatically creates an illusion that copies the attack.
Health	Spend Abyss Artifacts. Max Lv. 18.	Endure damage taken during combat.
Axiom Force	Unlocked during Chapter 1 (Traces).	Harness telekinetic force.
Aerial Maneuver	Raise Axiom Force to Lv. 2.	Lock onto a target, jump to leap a great distance.
Aerial Swing	Raise Axiom Force to Lv. 3.	Lock onto a target, leap and swing forward with powerful force.
Winch	Upgrade Grappling and Axiom Force to Lv. 3, spend 1 Artifact.	Pull an enemy in and slam them to the ground.
Ambush	Unlock Winch Lv. 1, spend 1 Artifact.	While shooting Axiom Force, move instantly to the target and strike.
Flight	Unlocked during Chapter 1 (Traces).	Glide while airborne.
Swift Flight	Raise Flight to Lv. 2.	Reduces air resistance to fly faster.
Aerial Roll	Spend 1 Artifact or Watch and Learn from Crowcallers (Ch. 5).	Instantly consume Stamina for a high-speed dash mid-flight.
Imbue Element	Learn Flame Strike, Frost Mantle, Lightning Surge, or Storm Veil Lv. 1. Spend 1 Artifact.	Wield the elements and apply them to your skills.
Elemental Turning Slash	Raise Imbue Element to Lv. 1.	Imbue Turning Slash with an element.
Elemental Charged Shot	Raise Imbue Element to Lv. 2.	Imbue your Charged Shot with an element.
Elemental Force Palm	Raise Imbue Element to Lv. 3.	Imbue Force Palm with an element.
Elemental Meteor Kick	Raise Imbue Element to Lv. 4.	Imbue Meteor Kick with an element.
Lightning Surge	Explore Abyss regions to get Lv. 1.	Create a field of electricity.
Frost Mantle	Explore Abyss regions to get Lv. 1.	Create a barrier of frost around you.
Storm Veil	Explore Abyss regions to get Lv. 1.	Deploy a smoke cloud and escape enemy sight.
Flame Strike	Explore Abyss regions to get Lv. 1.	Perform a powerful strike while wreathed in flame.
Mystical Storage	Unlocked during Chapter 4 (Mysterious Pot).	Allows you to seal an object inside a kuku pot using Axiom Force.

Damiane: The Complete Skill Tree

Damiane plays significantly faster than Kliff, relying on aggressive blade combos, bouncing shield mechanics, and firearms.

DAMIANE'S ARSENAL

Every single ability Damiane can learn.

Skill	How to Unlock	Combat Effect
Stamina	Spend Abyss Artifacts. Max Lv. 14.	Energy consumed when performing actions such as dodging or moving.
Smiting Strike	Default.	Spin around and slam an enemy down with a spear of light.
Smiting Strike Proficiency	Default.	While using another skill, quickly chain into Smiting Strike.
Smiting Strike Expertise	Raise Smiting Strike to Lv. 2.	Perform two additional strikes after Smiting Strike.
Smiting Strike Rend Armor	Raise Smiting Strike to Lv. 3.	Smiting Strike ignores Super Armor.
Sword Flurry	Default.	Dodge an attack and strike quickly.
Sword Flurry Proficiency	Raise Sword Flurry to Lv. 2 or Watch and Learn.	Dodge attacks and rapidly slash multiple times in a row.
Piercing Light	Default.	Move forward and cut down enemies in your path.
Uppercut	Raise Piercing Light to Lv. 2.	After a charged Piercing Light, follow up with a rising slash.
Skewer	Raise Piercing Light to Lv. 2 or Watch and Learn.	Sprint with the enemy stuck on the end of your blade.
Piercing Light Rend Armor	Raise Piercing Light to Lv. 3.	Piercing Light ignores Super Armor.
Armed Combat	Default.	Perform basic melee attacks. Increases melee damage.
Quick Swap	Default.	Rapidly switch weapons to perform an attack.
Evasive Smite	Default.	Strike while dodging backward.
Charge	Raise Armed Combat to Lv. 3.	While guarding, charge forward and smash an enemy with your shield.
Smiting Bolt	Default.	Call down a spear of light to damage enemies.
Smiting Bolt Proficiency	Raise Smiting Bolt to Lv. 2.	Repeatedly call down spears of light.
Smiting Bolt Sure Hit	Raise Smiting Bolt to Lv. 3.	Smiting Bolt can no longer miss.
Blinding Flash	Default.	Reflect light and temporarily blind enemies.
Spinning Scissors Throw	Spend 1 Artifact or Watch and Learn.	While running, wrap legs around an enemy and throw them.
Grappling	Default.	Allows grapples. Increases grappling damage.
Throw	Default.	Toss an enemy across the battlefield.
Restrain	Default.	During Piercing Light, take an enemy hostage.
Lariat	Raise Grappling to Lv. 2.	Slam enemy into the ground.
Screwdriver	Raise Grappling to Lv. 3.	Grab an enemy, spin them, and slam them down.
Back Hang	Raise Grappling to Lv. 4.	Latch onto a target to attack or escape.
Aerial Grapple	Raise Grappling to Lv. 5.	Perform an Uppercut to slam an airborne enemy down.
Shield Toss	Default.	Throw a shield that bounces up to 3 times.
Shield Toss Proficiency	Raise Shield Toss to Lv. 2.	Shield bounces up to 5 times.
Shield Toss Expertise	Raise Shield Toss to Lv. 3.	Shield bounces up to 7 times.
Marksmanship	Default.	Perform basic firearm attacks. Increases ranged damage.
Charged Shot	Default.	Charge a shot to fire a powerful bullet.
Evasive Shot	Spend 1 Artifact.	Sidestep an attack and fire.
Evasive Shot Proficiency	Raise Evasive Shot to Lv. 2.	Increases speed of Evasive Shot.
Evasive Shot Expertise	Raise Evasive Shot to Lv. 3.	Fire two shots in rapid succession while evading.
Tornado Kick	Spend 1 Artifact or Watch and Learn.	Spinning kick that sends enemy flying.
Vault	Default.	Vault over an enemy.
Quick Reload	Watch and Learn.	Reloads firearms more quickly.
Scissor Kick	Default.	Perform a powerful cross-legged strike.
Unarmed Combat	Default.	Strike with bare fists. Increases unarmed damage.
Leg Sweep	Default.	Sweep legs with a powerful low kick.
Scissor Takedown	Raise Unarmed Combat to Lv. 2.	Crouching leg wrap to bring enemy down.
Unarmed Combat Proficiency	Raise Unarmed Combat to Lv. 3.	Perform an additional unarmed strike.
Flying Kick	Raise Unarmed Combat to Lv. 4.	Airborne launch kick.
Meteor Kick	Raise Unarmed Combat to Lv. 5.	Precise diving kick from high in the air.
Spirit	Spend Abyss Artifacts. Max Lv. 12.	Power consumed to execute skills.
Focused Shot	Default.	Focus to fire multiple shots. Increases per level.
Focused Evasive Shot	Raise Focused Shot to Lv. 2.	Enter Focus mode while aiming or rolling.
Focused Charged Shot	Raise Focused Shot to Lv. 3.	Unleash rapid volley of bullets.
Flurry of Kicks	Raise Unarmed & Keen Senses to Lv. 3, get Tornado Kick Lv. 1, spend 1 Artifact.	Concentrate energy for powerful consecutive kicks.
Focus	Default.	Time flows more slowly around you.
Nature's Grasp	Default.	Lift or move heavy objects.
Blade Sentinel	Raise Focus and Shield Toss to Lv. 3, spend 1 Artifact.	While Focused, have a sentinel assault a targeted location.
Double Jump	Default.	Extra mid-air jump.
Evasive Roll	Default.	Roll to evade quickly.
Keen Senses	Default.	Enhances swift actions.
Parry & Dodge	Default.	Precise blocking and evading.
Counter	Raise Keen Senses to Lv. 3.	Attack right before being hit to interrupt enemy.
Shield Sentinel	Raise Focus and Shield Toss to Lv. 2, spend 1 Artifact.	Deploy a sentinel that assists in combat.
Health	Spend Abyss Artifacts. Max Lv. 18.	Endure damage taken.
Flight & Swift Flight	Default / Raise to Lv. 2.	Fly with glider and reduce air resistance.
Skystep	Meet certain conditions.	Deploy an Abyss Fan to leap higher on an updraft.
Flame Rush	Explore Abyss to unlock Flame Lv. 1.	Lunge with a flame-charged punch.
Frost Mantle	Explore Abyss to unlock Frost Lv. 1.	Create a barrier of frost.
Storm Pillar & Lightning Strike	Explore Abyss to unlock Wind/Lightning Lv. 1.	Create whirlwind explosives or electric sword bursts.
Imbue Element	Learn a Lv. 1 Element, spend 1 Artifact.	Applies elements to Smiting Strike, Charged Shot, Shield Toss, and Meteor Kick.

Oongka: The Complete Skill Tree

Oongka ignores finesse in favor of brute strength, dual wielding massive weapons, and area-of-effect abilities to break enemy lines.

OONGKA'S ARSENAL

Every single ability Oongka can learn.

Skill	How to Unlock	Combat Effect
Stamina	Spend Abyss Artifacts. Max Lv. 14.	Energy consumed for movement.
Dropkick & Pump Kick	Default.	Double-kicks to send enemies flying.
Body Slam & Clothesline	Default.	Airborne slam or sprinting hook to ground enemies.
Grappling	Default.	Increases grappling damage.
Throw & Restrain	Default.	Toss enemies or take hostages during Slash.
Lariat	Default.	Slam enemy into ground.
Giant Swing	Raise Grappling to Lv. 3.	Spinning throw after Pump Kick/Dropkick.
Back Hang	Raise Grappling to Lv. 4.	Latch onto target to attack.
Lariat Follow-up	Raise Grappling to Lv. 5 or Watch and Learn.	Multiple Lariats on a single enemy.
Unarmed Combat	Default.	Increases unarmed strike damage.
Low Dropkick & Scissor Takedown	Default / Raise Unarmed to Lv. 2.	Rolling low kick or crouching takedown.
Unarmed Combat Proficiency	Raise Unarmed Combat to Lv. 3.	Additional unarmed strike.
Meteor Kick & Vault	Raise Unarmed to Lv. 5 / Default.	Diving kick or vault over enemies.
Marksmanship	Default.	Increases blaster damage.
Evasive Shot (Proficiency, Expertise)	Default. Upgrades at Lv. 2 & Lv. 3.	Sidestep and fire blaster. Upgrades add speed and rapid double shots.
Charged Shot	Default.	Charge shot for powerful bullet.
Armed Combat	Default.	Increases melee weapon damage.
Leaping Smash & Charge	Default / Raise Armed Combat to Lv. 3 or Watch and Learn.	Leap and slam down. Charge with shield while guarding.
Dual Wielding Mastery	Raise Armed Combat to Lv. 4.	Wield two-handed weapons with a single hand. Increases Rampage damage.
Quick Swap & Slash	Default.	Switch weapons. Fast forward swing to drive enemies down.
Hack and Slash & Slash and Sling	Default / Raise Slash to Lv. 2.	Follow up attacks. Sling adds a spinning grab throw.
Slash Rend Armor	Raise Slash to Lv. 3.	Ignores Super Armor.
Rampage (Proficiency, Sure Hit)	Default. Upgrades via Watch and Learn / Lv. 3.	Cut through enemies. Adds finishing attack and unmissable accuracy.
Blinding Flash & Raging Lightning	Default. Raging Lightning Proficiency at Lv. 2.	Stun enemies. Rapid spin slashes.
Quaking Fury (Proficiency, Expertise)	Default. Expertise at Lv. 2. Rend Armor at Lv. 3.	Spin sweep. Upgrades allow stomping ground for earthquakes and bypassing Super Armor.
Spirit & Keen Senses	Spend Artifacts (Max Lv. 12) / Default.	Powers skills. Enhances evasion.
Parry, Dodge, Counter	Default / Raise Senses to Lv. 2 / Raise Senses to Lv. 3.	Precise blocks and interrupts.
Evasive Roll & Double Jump	Default.	Evade quickly. Extra air jump.
Quick Grab & Nature's Grasp	Default.	Grapple to interrupt attack. Move heavy objects.
Focus & Explosive Leap	Default / Raise Focus & Marksmanship to Lv. 3, spend 1 Artifact.	Slow time. Jump to target and land with explosive force.
Aerial Evasive Shot & Rage	Spend 1 Artifact / Default.	Recoil evasion mid-air. Super Armor state during Focus.
Scatter Shot & Explosive Strike	Default / Raise Unarmed to Lv. 3, spend 1 Artifact.	Wide blaster spread. Deliver explosive punch during Scatter Shot.
Focused Shot (Evasive, Charged)	Default. Upgrades at Lv. 2 & Lv. 3.	Fire multiple blaster shots during Focus.
Health & Imbue Element	Spend Artifacts (Max Lv. 18) / Learn Lv. 1 element, spend 1 Artifact.	Endure damage. Imbues Quaking Fury, Charged/Scatter Shot, and Meteor Kick.
Flame Quake & Frost Mantle	Explore Abyss to get Lv. 1.	Fire-imbued fist slam. Frost barrier.
Storm Howl & Lightning Pulse	Explore Abyss to get Lv. 1.	Roar that drives enemies back. Electrocute nearby enemies.
Flight (Vertical, Swift)	Meet conditions / Raise to Lv. 2.	Use a rocket pack to ascend and fly faster.