The Crimson Desert skill tree is one of the game's central mechanics. Thanks to post-embargo information, we now know its structure for Kliff Macduff in detail. Here's the complete guide.
Tree Structure: 3 Branches, 3 Colors
Kliff's skill tree is divided into **three main branches**, each associated with a color and a gauge:
Stamina Branch (Blue) — 16 Points
The blue section covers everything related to **physical combat** and stamina consumption:
- **Wrestling techniques**: tackles, kicks, grapples - **Weapon combat**: circular attacks, heavy combos - **Quick swap**: rapid weapon switching mid-combat - **Archery techniques**: precision shots, rapid fire
This is the branch to **prioritize early on**. Stamina is used for parrying, dodging, taming mounts, and sprinting. Investing here early gives you a solid foundation for all situations.
Spirit Branch (Green) — 14 Points
The green section focuses on **spirit** and covers varied skills:
- **Parries and dodges**: counters, perfect parries - **Propulsion techniques**: shocks, double jump, aerial techniques - **Exploration skills**: tools useful for puzzles and environment
The spirit gauge (symbolized by a small leaf with different sections on the HUD) regenerates on **kills**, **perfect dodges**, and **perfect parries**. A small green halo passes over Kliff to confirm regeneration.
Health Branch (Red) — 18 Points
The red section is tied to **enchantments and special powers**:
- **Element switching in combat**: fire, electricity, etc. - **Electricity waves**: ranged elemental attacks - **Axium Bracelet**: move objects, useful for puzzles - **Air floating**: advanced aerial mobility
How to Unlock Skills?
Each skill point costs **one artifact**. Artifacts are found in the world, as quest rewards, or in specific locations. There are **48 total points** to spend (16 + 14 + 18).
The Observation Mechanic
There's another way to learn skills: **observation**. On the map, a filter highlights zones where you can observe and learn new techniques, marked by question marks.
Interestingly, if you observe a skill you've **already acquired** through the tree, it apparently **refunds the artifact** spent. A mechanic to confirm at launch, but potentially very useful for optimizing progression.
Shared Skills Between Characters
Other characters' trees (Damiane, Oongka) are **somewhat less extensive** than Kliff's. The reason: many skills are **shared between characters**.
Specifically, unlocking a skill for Kliff also unlocks the **variant** for another character. Example:
- Kliff's **double kick** (blue branch) unlocks Damiane's **spinning kick** - These are **variants** with different animations and distinct usage
This means investing in Kliff indirectly benefits the whole team.
Which Branch to Prioritize?
Our recommendation for early game:
1. **Stamina (Blue)** first: parries consume stamina, mounts require stamina to tame, and stamina is the most used resource in combat 2. **Spirit (Green)** next: propulsion techniques and double jump ease exploration 3. **Health (Red)** later: enchantments become powerful in mid/late game
Notes on Tree Organization
The sections aren't as compartmentalized as expected. There's plenty of variety in each branch, and some skills seem misplaced — especially in the green and red categories which mix combat, exploration, and puzzles. That said, the **starting nodes** in each branch are essential for increasing your base gauges.
To put these skills to the test, check our [boss guide](/blog/boss-guide-staglord-stoneback-crab-reed-devil-white-horn) or our [combat guide](/blog/crimson-desert-combat-system-lock-stamina-parry-spirit).