Key Takeaways
- Go straight to Lioncrest Watchtower instead of checking every marked location
- If something feels incomplete, check your inventory and read the item you picked up
- Don’t overthink the digging part, it only works when you’re standing at the right angle
Some quests in Crimson Desert feel straightforward until you actually start them, and Crimson Desert Traces of Intruder is exactly that kind of mission. The objective sounds simple, but the game barely gives you direction, which is why so many players end up wandering between locations without real progress.
If you’ve been stuck trying to “examine the traces,” here’s the clean and fastest way to finish it without wasting time.
Where to Go First in Crimson Desert Traces of Intruder
Image via YouTube/GuidingLight.
Once the quest begins in Hernand under the House Serkis faction, you’ll notice multiple possible locations tied to the objective. This is where the confusion starts. The game makes it seem like you need to explore everything, but that’s not true.
You should ignore the distractions and head straight to Lioncrest Watchtower. This is the only location that reliably completes the objective. Torchlight Beacon and other areas exist, but they are either optional or backup paths if something doesn’t trigger correctly.
How to Complete the Quest at Lioncrest Watchtower
Image via YouTube/WoW Quests.
Once you reach Lioncrest:
- Burn the vines at the entrance using Blinding Flash
- Head inside and go upstairs
- Look up and find the hole in the roof
- Jump and use Force Palm mid-air to reach the top
On the roof, move toward the north corner. You’ll find your first trace in the form of a note.
Now don’t rush out.
There’s a second trace:
- Break the nearby box
- Pick up the hidden item
- Examine it properly
If you miss this step, the quest won’t progress. Once both traces are collected and checked, the cutscene triggers and you’re done.
If this route doesn’t work for any reason, go to Torchlight Beacon:
- Climb from the outside using wooden debris
- Reach the top and find a chest
- Pick up the map inside
Then open your inventory and read it. That counts as the second trace and completes the objective for Traces of Intruder Crimson Desert.
What to Keep in Mind While Completing the Traces of Intruder Crimson Desert
Image via YouTube/WoW Quests.
The biggest reason Crimson Desert Traces of Intruder feels confusing is because the game hides a key mechanic. Not every trace is something you just pick up from the ground.
Some require interaction after collecting.
For example, when you find a dirt mound:
- Digging only works when you stand at the correct angle
- Once it works, you’ll receive an item
But here’s the catch.
You must open your inventory and read that item. If you don’t, the game doesn’t count it as progress. This is exactly why many players think Traces of Intruder Crimson Desert is bugged.
The same logic applies to the map from Torchlight Beacon. You can have it in your inventory, but until you read it, nothing happens.
The confusion comes down to three things:
- Multiple locations with no clear direction
- Easy-to-miss items placed in tight spots
- Hidden requirement to interact with items after picking them up
Once you understand this, the quest becomes straightforward. Go to Lioncrest, collect both traces, and make sure you actually examine them.
Do that, and the quest is over in minutes instead of dragging on.
Torchlight Beacon: Alternative Way to Progress
Image via YouTube/WoW Quests.
If the quest doesn’t complete at Lioncrest Watchtower for any reason, you can try Torchlight Beacon as a backup. This method works, but it’s slightly less direct.
Instead of going inside the tower, climb from the outside using the wooden debris on the right side. This route is faster and avoids unnecessary navigation. Once you reach the top, look around carefully to find a small chest.
Inside the chest, you’ll find a map, which counts as your first trace. But just like the shovel method, the second trace isn’t something you pick up from the environment. You need to open your inventory and read the map. Only then will the objective complete.
This is why many players think the quest is bugged when it’s actually just an interaction step they missed.
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FAQs
What is the correct location for Crimson Desert Traces of Intruder?
Lioncrest Watchtower is the correct location where you can find and examine both required traces.
Why is the quest not completing after collecting items?
You likely haven’t examined the item in your inventory. Reading notes or maps is necessary for progress.
Is the shovel required for this quest?
No, the shovel is not required. It’s an optional method tied to hidden trace spots.
Can I complete Traces of Intruder Crimson Desert at Torchlight Beacon?
Yes, but it’s better used as a backup if the main Lioncrest route doesn’t work.
What is the fastest way to finish the quest?
Go directly to Lioncrest Watchtower, collect both clues on the roof, and examine them.
