Crimson Desert Hound's Claws: How to Get This Sword

In Crimson Desert, the Hound's Claws sword is a unique two-handed weapon, the strongest for a mid-game playthrough. It features 17 attack, movement speed at level 0, critical rate at level 3, and is equipped with 5 Abyssal Equipment slots, including the iconic Hound's Claws skill that unleashes crowd control attacks in a circular AoE. Its sell price is 16.98 silver coins. It outclasses several early-game weapons, such as the Survivor's Solitude, thanks to its several unique stats.

Prerequisites required to unlock the quest

Don't set off on this adventure without first checking the following unlock conditions:

• Progress through the story up to to activate House Serkis's faction quests.
• Improve your reputation with House Serkis to at least 10/13.
• Also activate the Hernand Parish of the Order of Solumen faction quests in the Hernand region.
• To liberate the city of Senia, you must complete the quest "Find the Relic" or an equivalent one.
• Check your quest log: if "Where the Sky Meets the Earth" is already available, skip all these steps.

Important note

Fort Sylvartar is accessible from the start, but the sword only comes into play after this quest chain. Without it, there's no boss, and therefore no drop.

The quest chain

The quest chain is the main quest leading to the Hound's Claws sword, within the Hernand Parish of the Order of Solumen faction. The steps should be followed in this order:

1. unlock William in Hernand: you need to complete 3 preliminary House Serkis quests, including the quest "The Broken Path", to unlock William.
2. the missing family seal: complete it, then do the follow-up associated quests such as Trace of an Intruder.
3. The Heart of Anvil Hill: Go there to retrieve 2 clues. Liberate Fort Anvil to 0% occupation. Against the Fort Commander: isolate the guards, as you need to attack him in melee, since his "Shotgun Axe" is deadly at range.
4. Where the Sky Meets the Earth: Head southeast towards Senia, north of Fort Sylvartar. Climb up to the church using the road path (staying away from bats and toxic mushrooms), then help the priest.
5. Reliquary of Saint Senia: Enter Fort Sylvartar, where a mini-boss awaits you before the elevator; retrieve the Reliquary for the priest.

The quest "The Rabid Mastiff of Sylvartar" activates at the same time. This quest overlaps with "Reliquary of Saint Senia" on the map.

Fort Sylvartar location and the fight against Hemon Beindel

Fort Sylvartar is located west of Glenbright Manor, in Hernand; it's a fortress built on a hill, situated to the north of the Senia kingdom. Prepare for an area full of enemies: bandits, guards, and traps. Take the time to liberate it progressively if you haven't already done so.

Hemon Beindel (or Hermon Beindel) is the final Boss of the Fort Sylvartar arena, and he'll give you the Hound's Claws sword when you defeat him.

Combat preparation and strategies

• Recommended level: Mid-Chapter 4, having a good two-handed weapon and parry skills.
• Equipment: Maximize your damage and attack speed.
• Companions: Use Macalania, or another one, to keep him moving (general game knowledge).
• Consumables: Health potions, damage buffs; don't rely too much on ranged combat.

Make your way through the fort and clear the waves of enemies to reach the arena. Hemon Beindel attacks aggressively and moves quickly: roll to the side and counterattack. You can parry his combos and follow up with the Hound's Claws if you already have them.

Avoid his AoE zones by being as mobile as possible. As he loses health, he becomes even faster. Use powerful skills to stagger him relentlessly.