Hundreds of hours in, many Crimson Desert players are only just finding out they've not actually been completing Sanctums properly: "You need to what now"

It's no secret that Crimson Desert can be a bit confusing, as it is quite a massive game and doesn't always tell players what to do step-by-step. As a result, it turns out that fans haven't exactly been cleaning Sanctums properly.

In Crimson Desert, there are several challenges that require us to cleanse and restore specific Sanctums – take the Sanctum of Temperance for example. Many of us (hi, it's me) haven't been doing so properly, apparently.

As one Reddit user in the same position points out, "After 200 hours, I just found out that after cleansing Sanctums, I also need to stabilize it and receive power cores for crafting Kuku gear." Oof.

"Honestly, I'm trying to remember where/when it was ever mentioned that I need to beam light on Sanctums device. I liberated eight of them, restarted their devices, watched witches' dialogues, and I thought that that was it. I missed out on a really important loot for crafting."

They're (more like we're, honestly) not alone, either. As the top comment reads, "You and basically everyone else" – and, yeah, it sure looks like it.

After 200 hours, I just found out that after cleansing sanctums, I also need to Stabilise it and receive power cores for crafting kuku gear… from r/CrimsonDesert

Another reply so eloquently questions, "The fuck you mean there's an extra step?" Further down, somebody else writes, "I literally just did my first set of cleansing, and I have no idea what you're talking about. It's never mentioned."

In response, a fellow fan amusingly adds, "Lol. 'It's never mentioned.' Welcome to Crimson Desert, dude." The previous commenter replies, "Fair point" – because, yep, this game is seriously lacking in the tutorial department.

From "you need to what now" to "I need to what," folks' reactions on the post make as much evident – Pearl Abyss didn't overdo handholding, because it isn't really holding our hands at all. It's more of a shove us off the cliff without a parachute type of situation, if you ask me. I can appreciate this sort of thing in some games, but I do personally think Crimson Desert could benefit from a little more explanation here and there.

Like, you know, regarding Sanctums. I'm not asking for yellow paint or anything, just a small pointer here or there! Anyway, if you need me, I'll be grieving all of the hours I've poured into playing one of the biggest new games of 2026 incorrectly.

If you're curious about the game yourself but have yet to play, check out our Crimson Desert review for our own honest thoughts on it.