Learn how to cleanse the Sanctum of Expiation in Crimson Desert, how to solve the secret puzzle, and deal with the Antumbra Order forces guarding it.
Where to find the Sanctum of Expiation
You can find the Sanctum of Expiation northwest of the Kingshield Mountains and east of Drakesfall Gorge, in Demeniss.
Important: You will only be able to solve the Sanctum of Expiation puzzle after meeting Areciel, the Witch of Strength.
The Sanctum is part of The Witch of Strength questline, which includes two more Sanctums you need to find and cleanse:
- Sanctum of Expiation (this one)
- Sanctum of Renunciation
- Sanctum of Revelation
Dealing with the Antumbra Order
You have to liberate the Sanctum first. Each Sanctum is guarded by forces of the Antumbra Order. The Antumbra Order is a group of religious zealots who believe that darkness can bring true balance to Pywel. Their way of worshipping is by offering human sacrifices.
Most of the enemies in the Sanctums fight with traditional melee weapons. However, a few of them fly and cast shadows that deal considerable damage. Having to deal with them while being overrun by the sword and axe wielders is not fun, but luckily for you, there is an easy way to get rid of them.
To kill these flying enemies, simply use Blinding Flash to reflect the light against them. There is no death animation; they just disappear.
Arrows or Aerial Force Palm can work as well, but I don’t recommend this slower and less efficient method because the NPCs are very fast.
How to Cleanse the Sanctum of Expiation
Defeating all the Antumbra enemies in the area will trigger an animation. When it finishes, jump down and find the entrance covered in vines. Burn them with Blinding Flash and enter the building. The first core is close to the roof on the left side of the room.
Head north of your current position. You’ll see a tall and broken structure. The second core is behind a wall that is not accesible to you.
All you have to do is use Axiom Force to grab it and seal it inside your Kuku Pot.
Get out of this area and look for the discreet entrance on the lower level. After getting close to it, you’ll notice it’s blocked by thorns. Burn them, crouch, and look for the hidden treasure chest.
This chest contains the Frostcursed Plate Cloak, part of the Frostcursed Plate armor set.
All you have to do now is return to the generators and place both cores in their respective places and wait for the cinematic to begin.
Second (Secret) Puzzle
There is a hidden puzzle in this Sanctum. See the blue crystal at the front of the Sanctum? You have to use the Blinding Flash to redirect light directly into it. The circle with the little gems will start to rotate.
Make sure to focus the light only when a gem is passing through the circle at the top. A metallic sound will trigger when you do it correctly. I’d describe it as something metallic being hit with a sword.
Try to get used to the timing. That will make it easier for you. The piece that comes out of the Sanctum is the actual reward, not another part of the puzzle. Seal it away on your Kuku Pot.
If you have a custom keybind for Blinding Flash on a single button, this may prevent you from completing this puzzle and timing here is key.
Rewards
As a reward for cleansing the Sanctum of Expiation, you will receive the Kuku Lighting-Resistant Armor blueprint.
The Core of Expiation is the reward for completing the hidden puzzle. This item is used to craft some cool Kuku Pot items.
