The Polar Opposites puzzle requires you to move objects with the new ability Axiom Force in order to enter the Axiom Archive.
Quest Structure and Rewards
Polar Opposites is part of the Traces questline from Chapter I. It begins immediately after entering the Alchemist’s Chamber using the Mystical Key.
- Chapter: I. The First Encounter
- Main Quest: Traces
- Required Abilities: Axiom Force
- Rewards: Abyss Artifact
Video Walkthrough
The video walkthrough will lead you through both parts of this quest with visual and audio instructions how to find the door and access the Axiom Archive.
Finding the right door
Before getting to the Axiom Archive, you must enter the hall in Hernand’s Castle where there’s a guard protecting a door. For them to let you in, you have to wear the “nice” attire you got from the earlier quest. Immediately go to the door closest to the entrance. Open the chest inside for a Faded Abyss Artifact, which allows you to reset Abyss Artifact invested into Atributes.
An Abyss Gate appears on the wall. It will transport you to a location many meters above in the sky.
Activate Abyss Nexus
You need to reach the Axiom Archive, but before that, there are a few things that you must do.
The first one is stepping on the platform that is a few steps ahead of your initial location. Doing this unlocks the Abyss Nexus. Basically, quick travel locations that become available on your map after you activate them once.
Go toward the building
Continue walking to the massive building ahead of you. As you come close, a strange talking white crow will give you the Axiom Force ability, which lets you throw some type of long arm/hand to grab and move objects.
Find a way into the building
Walk a few steps ahead from the position in which you ended after the small cinematic. Use Axiom Force (by pressing TAB / L3 / LS) on the right disk and turn it three times clockwise or once anti-clockwise. A beam of blue light will come from the pipeline into the second disk.
Our Crimson Desert Controls guide will give you extra details and suggestions for how to set up your custom keybinds if you play with keyboard and mouse. Or you can just use the commands list to remind you what’s what.
Repeat the process with the second disk. From the same starting position as the first disk, three times clockwise or once anti-clockwise.
The goal is to align the power lanes and connect the two pipes. When done correctly, it will open the gates of the massive building. If you aren’t sure if they’re lined up properly, Using your Lantern can reveal the pathways to double-check them.
Take the Abyss Artifact (Reward)
Before entering, look for the Abyss Artifact that is laying around on a small platform. You don’t need to solve a puzzle to get it and it will save you the hassle of returning here to get it because you missed the first time.
This isn’t the reward for completing the quest, just something you can find in the middle of it.
Enter the building
Upon entering the building, you will meet with an important character. To avoid spoilers, I won’t mention any details about the conversation you have with said character. Once you exit the building, you must cross the skybridge gate to reach the hart of the Abyss.
Go through the skybridge gate
Next, cross the skybridge gate and use Axiom Force to operate the alignment device. Pull it to either side until it glows with a blue light.
This can be turned past the point it will activate. So when it glows, and you hear the audio cue, stop turning, or it will just turn forever.
Once it’s in the right position, the skybridge will be restored to take you to the final part of the questline where you’ll solve the main puzzle at the Abyss Without Balance and complete Chapter I.
Tip: I suggest that you avoid running before jumping or Kliff might cover too much distance and end up falling off. If this happens, you’ll go back to the beginning.
