Adventurers, welcome to the world of Black Desert!

 

Before you jump into Black Desert, please read the instructions below so that you can have an easier time with the guides provided!

1. Scan QR codes with your phone or capable device.

2. With the guidebook up on your phone, play the game and refer to the Guide Book when you need it! 

The basic tips listed below are important basics that you’re going to need to know, that will serve as the foundations of your characters’ growth.

We hope that this guide helps you get to grips with the game and help you to have many wonderful adventures through the world of Black Desert.

 

 

 

 

Start your adventures on the New Olvia – Novice Server!

150% Combat EXP, 50% Skill EXP 24 Hours a Day

 

The New Olvia Novice server is a dedicated server designed to make it easier for new and returning adventurers to settle down into the world of Black Desert. Don’t worry, you can freely switch servers after creating a character, so don’t feel pinned to one particular server.

To access the New OIvia - Novice server, the following conditions must be met.

• Total level of all characters within a family is 150 or less
• A New Adventurer who has had their first access to Black Desert within the past 30 days (720 hours).
• Returning Adventurers who have not played the game, or accessed the Central Market through the Black Desert+ app in the last 30 days (720 hours).
  
  

Shall we look at the basic game screen?

1: Character Level

2: Health Bar

3: WP, SP, EP, MP Bar: Each character uses their own version of the bar to perform skills.

4: Mini-map: The mini-map will allow you to see where you currently are, and display the name of the area that you are currently in.

5: Skill Cooldown Times: After using skills, there are often cooldown times until the skill is available again. Use skills strategically rather than overusing them! Every character has powerful combos to discover.
6: (Important TIP!) Ring Menu: Black Desert requires many functions to be accessible, such as the inventory, world map, skill windows, item use, quest lists etc. The Ring Menu is a convenient UI hub that brings all those functions into a quick and easy to use form.

Wait! What’s the Ring Menu?

The ring menu is displayed centrally in the lower third of the screen. These act as shortcuts that can be applied immediately by pressing the D-pad. You can customize them to best suit your needs any time! 

Too few shortcuts?

If you place multiple menus/skills/items on one directional key, a radial menu will open up in the middle of the screen. Push the right stick to the menu you want to use

 

Shall we practice first?

Press and hold ↑ on the D-Pad to open the ring menu, then use the right joystick to select the inventory icon (looks like a bag, right on the ring menu). Let go of the right stick and ta-da, you have used the ring menu!

 

Learn more about your inventory

Normal Inventory

There are a few different inventories in Black Desert, and the most commonly used would be the regular inventory! This starts with 16 slots, but can be expanded through in-game quests up to a certain point. Your regular inventory can go up to 192 slots at most. 

Pearl Inventory

Items purchased from the Pearl Shop, such as Costumes, are stored in the Pearl Inventory. Unlike the regular inventory, the Pearl Inventory has no slot or weight restrictions.

Mount Inventory

The number of slots on a mounts inventory space varies depending on the type of mount used. Donkeys, Horses, Elephants, Wagons and Boats all have differing amounts of slots and weights.

Unlike your characters inventory, you cannot expand a mounts inventory.

Mounts can be stored in local stables, giving you access to multiple mount inventories.

Combinable Items (Automatic Inventory Storing)

If your Inventory is full of items, it can be hard to organize, and that is where the automatic sorting of your inventory comes into play. This function is usually activated automatically, but can be turned on and off using the left analogue stick. Turning off the auto-arrange feature will allow you to move items around freely.

Items that require combining (such as the Ancient Relic Shard) can be combined once the auto arrange feature has been turned off. Placing these items in a particular shape will allow you to combine the items into a different item that can be used.

 

… How do I open chat?

To chat, make sure to hit the ‘view button’ on Xbox or the Touchpad button on PlayStation!

1. You can change the chat type by pressing ← or → on the d-pad after opening the chat window.

2. You can also whisper to other users by finding their name in the chat window and hitting RT/R2 to reply.

 

Where can I find items purchased from the Pearl Shop/store?

Looking for the items that came with your purchase? Perhaps you grabbed some Pearls from your platform’s store? These items are often sent to your mailbox in order for you to collect when you please. Open up the main menu, scroll to Reward and then Mail! From here, you can find items that are normally sent to your mail such as Pearls or items from the platform store.

Remember that Pearl Shop items find their own way into your Pearl Inventory, as discussed earlier in this notice.

 

What are coupons? How do I use them?

Coupons are usually found as a code that you can use on the official website and will give items to help you on your journey. Various events are held in the world of Black Desert, and some of these come hand in hand with coupons.

Note: To use coupons, you must link your in-game account to a website account.

How to link an account:

1. Create an account on the console.playblackdesert.com website.

2. In-game, go to Start>Character>My Info.

3. Press the △/Y button to select ‘Link Account’.

4. Enter the Email Address and password that you used to sign up to the official Website.

Then head to the official website, and at the top of the page navigate to Shop>Coupons. 


Then enter the 16 characters of the coupon code, select where you’re sending the item to and the items will be sent to your mail!

Please bear in mind the following when using the coupon!

* Coupons must be registered before the expiration date, and successfully redeemed coupon items can be found in your mail or your web storage.

* Coupons can only be redeemed once per family.

* If you enter a coupon code incorrectly 10 times in a row, your account will be restricted from using coupons for 1 hour.

* You can enter the coupons on the official website in the [Shop] -> [Coupons] section.

* You can check the Web Storage on the official website to see which items you received via Coupons.

* To use the coupon, your account must be linked to your in-game account.

 

 

Other players’ enhancements keep showing!

Head to the Main Menu> Settings > General Settings and select the Notification option. From here you can turn off all manner of notifications.

 

My character is trapped and cannot move!

If your character finds themselves in an unfortunate situation where they can’t get out from, go to the Main Menu > Character > Escape. This will put you in a nearby safe spot where you will be able to move again.

 

Camera Movement

To adjust your camera, hold R3 firmly down for 3 seconds, which will open up the Camera UI.

How do I customize the Ring Menu? There is so much I still don’t know!

 It can be difficult trying to absorb everything at once, so try to get comfortable first.

Once you’re used to the basics of the game, and how the game flows, please visit the Adventurers Guide to learn even more about Black Desert.

 

FAQ for New Adventurers!

 

Here is an FAQ for you to quickly find answers to various questions you might have while adventuring through the Black Desert world.

Though it looks intimidating, adventuring in Black Desert is painless!

 

Also don’t forget that you can ask questions in-game through chatting to your fellow Adventurers. Check out the Lunar Halo Inn (Menu > Community > Chat Group), join a guild or just ask in Server chat if you’re looking for a guiding hand.

Season Server

 

Q. How do I exchange my Naru gear for Tuvala gear?

On season characters, you can exchange Naru Gear (Weapon, Sub, Armor, Helmet, Gloves, Shoes) into an equivalent item of Tuvala gear. To do this, you will need to reach PEN(V) Naru, and within the enhancement window, you will be presented with the option to convert Naru into Tuvala. If you skip this option, you can exchange these items through your inventory.

 

Q. What should I do on a Season Server?

After creating a season character, try to follow the season pass objectives and the main quest line in order to grow your character.

Once you reach level 56, you can complete your classes Awakening/Succession quest line and experience a new way to play.

For your equipment, make sure to enhance your Naru Gear to PEN (V), then convert it into Tuvala Gear and continue to enhance that. Naru requires Beginner Black Stones, and Tuvala requires Time-filled Black stones, but check out the enhancing section of this FAQ for more guidance on enhancing.

 

Q. What happens to a Season Character after Season? Is it deleted? 

At the end of a season, all season characters are converted into regular characters. This will allow them to equip and use normal gear, such as boss weapons, boss armors and more. You can also get great boosts to your character through the Boss Exchange coupon (turns one item of Tuvala into Boss Gear), PEN(V) Capotia Accessories that can be picked up through season rewards and more!

 

Q. Can I delete a Season Character and make one again? Will this give me the Season Pass rewards once more? 

You are free to delete a Season Character and create another at any point.
However season pass rewards that have already been claimed cannot be received again, so make your decision wisely!

 

Q. What is the ‘Simplified Quest Line’? 

For those who have already completed the Main Quest Line at least once on another character, the simplified quest line offers a stream lined experience for Season Characters.

Taking on the simplified questline will remove access to the Balenos, Serendia, Calpheon and Mediah quest lines, and the rewards will be distributed based on reaching certain level requirements.

Once you have completed [Special Growth] Fughar’s Memorandum Chapter 11, it will count as you having completing the Mediah quest line, allowing you to proceed with the Valencia main quest line.

 

Q. I used Fughar’s Timepiece, but I still can’t graduate.

Fughar’s Timepiece is used if you want to carry on your season on another class. However season characters that use the Fughar’s Timepiece will be converted to regular characters, denying them access to the Season Servers.

Using Fughar’s Timepiece does not mean that season server graduation is approaching, and we ask that you wait for further announcements on the end of the Season and Graduation.

 

Q. I received a great item, but it says I can’t equip it. Are there any other items that can be equipped besides Naru and Tuvala? 

Season Characters can only wear gear that displays the Season symbol. This gear is mostly non-marketable gear such as Naru, Tuvala, main quest accessories, Asula accessories etc.

This means that items such as boss gear (Kzarka weapon, Dim Tree Spirit Armor, Crescent Ring etc) cannot be equipped by a Season Character. Remember to look for the season symbol on the top left corner of items for items that can be equipped.

 

Q. I want to earn skill points quickly, what should I do? 

Skill points are generally earned through fighting monsters. You can check out which specific areas are exceptionally good for Skill EXP by going to the Menu > Adventure > Monster Zone Info. Any spot that has the `#Skill EXP’ tag offers a high amount of skill EXP compared to comparable zones.

You can also use scrolls that will help you increase the amount of skill EXP that you can earn. For example you can get the 300% Combat and Skill EXP scroll from the Season Pass, or if you have yet to purchase them, there are 530% Combat and Skill EXP scrolls available from the Loyalty Store in the Pearl Shop > Loyalties then scroll down to find the 530% scrolls for just 1 silver.

 

Q. I’m currently stuck at level 49! How do I reach level 50? 

Once you reach level 49, in order to continue leveling, you will need to complete the ‘[To Level 50!] Go Beyond Your Own Limits’ quest available from the Black Spirit. Once the quest is completed, you will be able to breach level 50 and continue raising your level.

Q. Where should I go to kill monsters? 

Take a look at the Monster Zone Info menu. To open it, head to Menu → Adventure → Monster Zone Info. Here you will be able to find information regarding different spots, including the recommended attack and defensive power required in the spot, as well as which items are available.

General FAQ

 

Q. This is my first time playing Black Desert and I don’t know what to do.

If you are a new player, we strongly recommend creating a Season Character.

If you do create a season character, the Season Pass provides a structured list of objectives for you to follow to find your footing.

 

Q. How do Servers work in BDO?

The Black Desert world is unified, meaning you can switch between servers with no penalties freely.

 

There are a few servers that do have requirements to enter (Olvia for new/returning players, season servers), but characters that can access these servers are also free to move to other servers. You can do so at the server select screen before you choose a character or through your menu when you are in the world of Black Desert. 

 

Q. What’s the difference between a party and a platoon? How do I join one? 

Party: Parties allow you to create groups up to 5 other Adventurers.
Platoon: Platoons allow you to group up with up to 20 other Adventurers.

※ You can find listings for parties in the Menu - Community - Find Party/Platoon menu.

 

Advantages of a Party/Platoon

1. For example, on the season server there is a weekly quest that requires a large amount of monsters to be defeated in order to reach the objective. If you are in a party or platoon, monsters specified in the quest will be counted regardless of who kills them within your party, so you’ll be able to complete these quests even quicker.

2. You can easily find the location of party and platoon members from the world map and the minimap.

 

Differences between Party and Platoons.
1. In parties, you will be sharing EXP earned from defeating monsters with other Adventurers in your party that are in range.
This is not the case for Platoons, as EXP is not shared while in a platoon.

2. For Seasons, Rift Echo’s can be completed in a party and rewards will be shared between all members of the party. With Platoons, you will not receive rewards from this party content.

 

Q. What is the Item Collection Increase Gauge? / How do I use it?

Using an ‘Item Collection Increase Scroll’ (obtained through events, season pass, pearl shop etc) will automatically open up the Item Collection Increase Gauge allowing you to activate effects that increase item drop amount as well as your item drop chance.

Depending on the level on the Item Collection Increase Gauge that you activate, you will get varying different effects for your item drop amount (the amount of vendor loot you obtain), while the item drop rate effect (for treasure items, accessories etc) will remain at +100%.

 

Effects from each level

Level 1 gauge: Item Drop Rate +100%, Item drop amount +50%

Level 2 gauge: Item Drop Rate +100%, Item drop amount +100%

* Level 2 gauge will deduct two seconds of accumulated time for every 1 second of time that passes.

 

Q. I got to the desert, but I can’t see the map. Where am I?

If you are a season character who arrived to the desert in Black Desert, you will probably have earned a sealed compass (120 min) from the Season Pass.

In the desert, your current location is difficult to map out and therefore is not marked on the world map or minimap. One method of navigating the desert is to aim yourself in the rough direction while in an area where you can see your location, and then try to maintain that course until you reach your destination.

Using a sealed compass will allow you to find your location on the world map while in the desert. Sealed compass’ can also be created by combining three ‘Part for Explorer’s Compass` in a [-] shape within your. This compass will have the same effect as the sealed compass.

* Tip: To combine items in your inventory, turn off the Auto-sort function in your inventory, then drag the items in the desired shape and then press on the item with a ‘+’ symbol on it.

 

Sealed Compass (120 min)

• Allows you to figure out your location on the World Map and Minimap for 120 minutes in areas where your location is normally hidden such as the Great Ocean and Desert.

 

Q. I got Heatstroke/Hypothermia in the desert. How can I cure this?

The desert is a dangerous place. You can get desert sicknesses during the night (hypothermia) or during the day (heatstroke). These diseases are a continuous tick, and if you health reaches 0, your character will die.

You can use items to temporarily cure the illnesses your character suffers from. You can use Purified Water to cure heatstroke, and Star Anise Tea to cure hypothermia, both of which can be crafted or purchased from the central market.

 

Q. What are Contribution Points/ Energy?

Contribution: Contribution is mainly used when investing in houses and nodes. You can also rent special equipment such as life skill gear, matchlocks and flutes. In general, you earn contribution experience through questing and certain exchanges.

For more information, please refer to the Contribution Guide!

Energy: Energy is used to interact with NPCs, and certain life skill contents like gathering, fishing and mining. You can obtain max energy increases by increasing your Knowledge in-game.

Learn more about energy from the  Energy and Knowledge Guide.

 

Q. Items I need have been locked in my inventory and I can’t use them! 

Various buffs can offer temporary inventory spaces. If this buff runs out, then the items may appear to be locked in your inventory. In order to access them, turn off auto-sort and move them into an empty inventory space.

 

Q. Do World Bosses appear on all servers? Are there any conditions for fighting them? 

There are a total of 7 world bosses, and they will appear in their set locations on all servers minus Olvia and Arsha servers.

Anyone who can get to the location of the World Boss spawn can participate.

However it is strongly recommended to take on these behemoth bosses when you have a decent level of defense power and attack power so that you don’t die often, and can deal enough damage to earn rewards.

 

Q. I can’t get knowledge of specific NPCs.

If you have negative amity with an NPC, you will not be able to acquire their knowledge. For example, if you attempt to steal from an NPC, you will lose amity with the NPC. Try gaining positive amity by using the greeting function with them.

Certain NPCs also require other knowledge in order to obtain their knowledge or use their functions. For example, the O’dyllita region will not allow you to obtain knowledge of certain NPCs unless you have completed the main quest line, and gained the queen’s blessing.

 

Q. There are too many notifications in the chat, can I change what is displayed?

Go to Menu - Settings - Interface Settings to toggle which notifications you want to see active!

Enhancing

Q. How do I increase my enhancement chance? Why do I need enhancement chance stacks? How can I build a stack?

Enhancement Chance affects the probability of succeeding when enhancing. Increasing the number of Enhancement Chance stacks will raise the probability of enhancing your item.

You can increase the enhancement chance by failing enhancements, or using items such as Advice of Valks and Valks’ Cry.

 

Q. I have too many Beginner Black Stones remaining. Are there other places to use them or should I just sell them?

Only the beginning gear, Naru, can utilize the Beginner Black Stones. These Beginner Black Stones are used to increase the enhancement levels of Naru Gear to PEN (V).

If all your Naru gear has been increased to PEN (V), you can sell any remaining Beginner Black Stones to vendor NPCs across Black Desert. If you need more Beginner Black Stones, you can use heating on normal Black Stones to create them.

Q. Enhancing: While enhancing, my maximum durability reached 0, how do I recover it? While out killing monsters, my gear reached 0 durability, how do I repair it?

If you have been hard at work laying waste to your enemies, you will need to repair your gear.

You can search for the nearest Blacksmith from your current location by using either the Find NPC function in the menu OR by going to your world map, pressing down on your directional pad, then use R1/RB to scroll to the Blacksmith!

 

Failing enhancement attempts will consume maximum durability.

In this case, you will need to head to a Blacksmith, and use either memory fragments or copies of the item to restore the maximum durability.

If you are enhancing Tuvala gear and this happens to you, you can restore the maximum durability of Tuvala Gear using Tuvala Ore.

 

Mounts

Q. Where can I get a horse?

Horses can be purchased at the Horse Market (available through stables), or be captured and tamed in the wild, then registered at a stable.

 

Q. My horse died, is there anything I can do? 

If a horse is killed by monsters, or falling from a great height, you can recover the horse at the nearest Stablemaster NPC.

If there are no items on the horse, recovering the horse will bring it straight to your current stable.

If there are any items on the horse, then it will be moved to the nearest stable to the point that it died.

Q. I left my horse in Velia, and I’m currently really far away. Should I walk back to Velia to pick it up?

As long as the horse was left out of a stable, you can simply go to your nearest stable and select “Remote Recovery” which will bring the horse to your current location. Make sure to use the recover option on that horse though, because using remote recover will set the horses HP to a very low state.

Quests

Q. How far do I have to follow the main quest? 

You are free to stop proceeding through the main quest whenever you wish, but there are certain items that will greatly aid you in your travels.

 

Q. I can’t accept a quest from the NPC.

Make sure that you activate all quests on the quest window. Certain types of quests are hidden by default, so if you are looking for a specific quest, check this window!

 

Q. When do daily/weekly quests reset? 

Daily resets occur everyday at 12:00 AM UTC and weekly resets occur every Thursday 12:00 AM UTC.