One of the most visually striking and mechanically specific quests in the early to mid-game of Crimson Desert is “The Black Bears and the Red Smoke.” Given by the Odeck Tribe, this mission tasks players with investigating and shutting down three mysterious cauldrons spewing thick, crimson mist across the region.
While fighting off the hostile Black Bear clan is standard fare, actually destroying the source of the red smoke has left many players scratching their heads. This comprehensive walkthrough covers exactly how to survive the onslaught and pierce the pots to clear the mist.
Quest Objectives
- Locate the three red smoke signals scattered across the Odeck Tribe’s territory.
- Defeat the surrounding Black Bear forces guarding each cauldron.
- Repel the mini-boss, Tarandus the Ashen.
- Destroy/drain the three metal smoke cauldrons.
Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Step 1: Track down the Smoke Sources
Look at the horizon or check your map for massive plumes of dark red smoke rising into the sky. There are three distinct locations you must visit. Approach the first location cautiously, as it is heavily guarded by Odeck Black Bear warriors.
Step 2: Clear the Guards & Repel Tarandus
Before you can interact with the smoke source, you must eliminate external threats.
- Prioritize Adds: Take out the smaller Black Bear archers and melee grunts first so they don’t interrupt your heavier animations.
- The Mini-Boss: At these locations, a formidable mini-boss named Tarandus the Ashen will confront you. You do not need to completely kill him at the first few sites; focus on wearing down his health bar until he retreats. Use perfectly timed dodges and parries to counter his heavy, sweeping strikes.
Step 3: Destroy the Red Smoke Source (The Cauldron)
Once the immediate area is clear, approach the large, ornate metal pot radiating the red mist. Standard light attacks will bounce off, doing zero damage. To destroy it, follow these precise steps:
- Equip a Sword: Ensure Kliff has his standard sword drawn.
- Execute a Heavy Lunge/Stab: You must perform a deep, penetrating heavy thrust.
On PC: Hold Shift + Right-Click (or your bound heavy lunge/pierce input).
On Controller: Use your designated Heavy/Lunge modifier + Attack button. - Trigger the Drainage: Your sword will pierce directly into the side of the metal cauldron. A unique animation will trigger, causing the red smoke to drain out rapidly and the pot to deactivate.
Step 4: Repeat for the Remaining Sites
Mount up and travel to the remaining two red smoke plumes. The combat loop will be similar, but the enemy density may increase. Clear the encampments, execute the heavy stab on the cauldrons, and completely rid the region of the Odeck corruption.
