Axiom Force is one of Crimson Desert’s few Multi-purpose skills. This guide covers all of its uses, from Combat to Puzzle-solving, to traversing difficult terrain and exploration.
How to unlock Axiom Force
Axiom Force is unlocked during the Polar Opposite Quest at the end of Chapter I. Upon approaching the Axiom Archive, you’ll be given the skill to solve the puzzle and access the Axiom Archive.
Much like Blinding Flash, one of our other multi-purpose skills, Axiom Force does not require Spirit or Stamina to use its basic functions.
However, this is offset by its upgrades applying additional costs.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Base Spirit / Stamina Cost: | 0 per use |
| Cooldown: | Varies by distance |
| Cast Time: | Varies by distance |
| Winch / Ambush Cost: | 10 Spirit per use |
| Aerial Maneuver / Swing: | 100 Stamina per use |
Axiom Force Controls
Below are the default controls for the Axiom Force Skill, as listed in our Crimson Desert Controls Guide.
| Action | PC | Playstation | Xbox |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axiom Force | Tab | L3 | LS (Press) |
| Rotate Vertically | Mousewheel Up/Down (while holding an object) | D-Pad Up/Down | D-Pad Up/Down |
| Rotate Horizontally | Ctrl + Mousewheel Up/Down (while holding an object) | D-Pad Left/Right | D-Pad Left/Right |
| Pull / Push | LMB / RMB | L2 / R2 | LT / RT |
| Precise Control (PC Only) | Hold Q or Mouse 5 and rotate | N/A | N/A |
| Seal in Kuku Pot | Tab, while holding a sealable object | △, while holding a sealable object | Y, while holding a sealable object |
| Force Current | Tab, then MMB | L3, then R3 | LS (Press), then RS |
| Aerial Maneuver | Tab, then double tap Space | L3, then Double Tap ☐ | LS (Press), then Double Tap X |
| Aerial Swing | Tab, then Space + MMB | L3, then ☐ + R3 | LS (Press), then X + RS (Press) |
| Winch | Tab, while targeting an enemy | L3, while targeting an enemy | LS (press), while targeting an enemy |
| Ambush | Tab, then LMB before connecting with an enemy | L3, then R1 before connecting with an enemy | LS (Press), then RB before connecting with an enemy |
Using Axiom Force in Combat
Without any of the additional options for Axiom Force, it isn’t a great option in combat. You can still manipulate some objects and use them as a shield in a way, but there are very few non-Abyss objects that will allow us to do so, leaving it mostly ineffective.
Winch and Ambush are both strong for melee combat for their gap closing capabilities.
Winch will allow you to pull an enemy in and temporarily knock them down. Which prevents any blocking or retaliation. Should it do enough damage to kill the target, it can serve as a solid option for a stealth kill, as it separates the target from any nearby allies.
Ambush works similarly, except it pulls you to the target and provides a shorter disruption. If done on an unsuspecting enemy, you can even chain it into performing an Assassinate.
You can also use the mobility options to quickly get above the enemy, allowing for better positioning for ranged weapons, or comboing into skills like Body Slam or Aerial Force Palm.
Using Axiom Force outside of Combat
Outside of Combat, Axiom Force has two main uses: Puzzle Solving and Mobility.
Using Axiom Force for Puzzles
Axiom Force is used very often for puzzles, particularly puzzles and challenges in the Abyss. This is largely due to its ability to manipulate and reposition objects. Most commonly, this will be moving Power Sources to their respective sockets.
There are cases where you will have to manipulate chunks of debris as well, creating bridges or platforms to cross gaps. This is less common, but it is used fairly often to reach hidden treasure chests or other objects
Axiom Force is also used for another common puzzle type involving rotating plates on either the floor or the walls. These use Axiom Force to simply rotate the discs rather than anything too intricate.
Using Axiom Force for Mobility
Of the two mobility options offered by Axiom Force, Aerial Maneuver is by far the most useful. Combined with Aerial Force Palm, you can very quickly scale cliffs with minimal Stamina and Spirit Cost.
You can also use Aerial Maneuver to recover from falling to Pywel when getting knocked off a platform or missing a jump during an Abyss Puzzle.
Aerial Swing still has its uses, primarily for vaulting over obstacles like Castle Walls or barricades that would be too slow or dangerous to make a slow climb on. Just be wary that you don’t land on any sharp points.
If you are just now starting just now, we have other Essential guides that will help you out. We have a wonderful collection of beginner tips and tricks that you should definitely learn as soon as possible.
Learning how to manage your Inventory in Crimson Desert is key. Don’t let the tons of loot confuse and distract you from an otherwise amazing experience.
