This is a Forbidden Knowledge walkthrough for Crimson Desert. Learn how to complete Forbidden Knowledge and its quest rewards in this guide!

Forbidden Knowledge Walkthrough

1.1	Head to Hernand
1.1	Head to the City of Hernand and proceed toward the orange marker. Upon arrival, an unnamed NPC will randomly bump into you and leave you with Alustin’s Letter. If the NPC does not appear, save and reload, then walk around the area until the encounter triggers. You must read the letter to progress.
1.2	Read Alustin's Letter
1.2	Open your inventory and read Alustin's Letter to get information for the next step.

The Words of Alustin Walkthrough

2.1	Visit the Fence
2.1	Go north of the beggar towards the plaza with the Message Board. The building with the Fence is to the left of the board, the entrance being the side door to the right.
2.2
2.2	Speak to Darroch inside and you will receive the Scholastone Uniform, which you need to enter the Scholastone Institute later.
2.3	Head to Scholastone
2.3	Head deep southwest of the Hernand region to find a hidden cave blocked by a barrier.
2.4
2.4	To open the magic entrance, put onn the Scholastone Uniform. The barrier will lift, allowing you to head through.
2.5
2.5	Move forward, and you will learn the Focus Force Palm mechanic. Use it on the glowing green energy in the center to open the path to Scholastone Institute.
2.6	Find the Path to Scholastone Institute
2.6	Move up and you will meet a Troll who will talk to you and show you the path to Scholastone Institute. You can reach the place by climbing the mountain or riding your mount following the road to the entrance.

3.1	Meet the Dean of the Scholastone Institute
3.1	Meet Dean Grundir on the bridge once you arrive in the institute. Follow him to meet Octavius, and after the meeting, you must pass time and return 24 hours for the next part.

4.1	Help with Octavius's Experiment
4.1	When ready, speak with Octavius to begin the experiment. Head underground to the lock device by jumping off the ledge to the left of Octavius and gliding to the opening just below.
4.2	Strongbox Lock Device Puzzle
4.2	You must activate each square in order so that all symbols light up at the same time. Each block you push down alternates the blocks it is connected to up and down. The correct order to activate the squares: Top Left Middle Top Middle Bottom Right Bottom Left Middle Right Bottom Middle Middle Left Top Right Note: There can be a faster way to solve the puzzle, stay updated for a faster solution!
4.3
4.3	Climb back up and grab the battery cubes with Axiom Force.
4.4
4.4	Line the cube into the sockets on the pillars, then use Force Palm on it to shove the battery in.
4.5
4.5	Use Axiom Force on the unstable core and continuously pull it backwards to get it out.
4.6	Defeat Tenebrum
4.6	Deal damage to Tenebrum by jumping or climbing up the pillars, then gliding toward it and using Force Palm mid-air to deal heavy damage. Successful hits will defeat the boss in a few hits. Carefully dodge the black projectiles that go towards you to avoid damage. Falling into the middle will reset your position, but it will not kill you. Defeating the boss rewards you with one Abyss Artifact. ▶ How to Beat Tenebrum

5.1	Go to the Spire of the Stars
5.1	Follow the path outside, northeast of the main building toward the Spire of the Stars. The route is a straightforward staircase leading to the door, passing through a cave and gradually becoming snowier. At the door, insert the core into the center to open it.
5.2
5.2	On the sides of the room are diamonds that you can use Force Palm on to retrieve a power core. Take three of these from the shapes around the room, as the fourth one is already activated.
5.3
5.3	At the center, insert the cores into the slots. The circle shape (second line) will already be activated.
5.4
5.4	Climb up to each shape and hold down to move them around. To reset a line and bring it back up, Force Palm the buttons on the bottom.
5.5	Spire of the Stars Solution
5.5	The correct order is to place the first shape at the topmost position, the second shape at the second notch, the third shape at the bottommost position, and the fourth shape at the third notch. With the correct order, the elevator in the center will automatically begin to work and bring you up.
5.6	Go to the Top of the Spire
5.6	Take the elevator all the way up and run up the stairs. At the top, enter the Abyss Gate.

6.1	Investigate the Abyss
6.1	In the Abyss, make sure to step on the first Abyss Nexus right up ahead. If ever you fall, you can fast travel back here easily.
6.2	Find the One Responsible for the Rift
6.2	Turn to the right of the Abyss Nexus and find the conductor slot on the large pillar for the Axiom Force. Connect the force on it and lift the pillar up.
6.3
6.3	Lifting the pillar moves the camera to an aerial view of the path. The controls for this puzzle are on the bottom right of the screen. You must use L2/R2 or LT/RT to select a pillar, then press X/A to raise it. Select and activate the central pillar first, to move the platforms you are standing on towards it.
6.4
6.4	Continue moving the platforms by selecting and operating on the pillar nearest to it. Carefully walk along the pillar to find the Axiom Force slot for the next ones, and move all the way to the end.
6.5
6.5	Climb to the top of the pillar using the climbable walls. Once at the top, jump to the island and follow the steps up.
6.6
6.6	At the top of the stairs, approach the pressure platform and use Force Palm on it to trigger a cutscene.

Obsession and Madness Puzzle Solution

7.1	Speak with Grundir
7.1	After the cutscene, you'll be back in Scholastone and speaking to Grundir. You will be free to go afterward.
7.2	Return to Howling Hill
7.2	Head back to Hernand and to camp, then enter your tent to finish the quest. This transitions immediately to Chapter 5, starting with the Uninvited Guest questline. ▶ Uninvited Guest

Forbidden Knowledge Rewards

・Scholastone Uniform x1
・Abyss Artifact x1
・Honey Tea x10