Turns out, Kliff has a harder time getting past a dress code than most dungeon bosses. In Crimson Desert, Pearl Abyssintroduced an unexpectedly realistic barrier in Chapter 1 , the sentries stationed at Hernand Castle refuse entry unless you meet their wardrobe requirements. Combat prowess means nothing here.
This catches many players by surprise, particularly when pursuing the "Mystical Key" objective during Chapter 1's "The First Encounter." You reach the castle entrance, and the sentries send you away. The solution isn't hidden behind a riddle or enemy encounter , you just need different clothes.
The outfit that opens the gates
Three methods exist for bypassing the sentries, though one proves considerably simpler than the others. The Hernandian Attire comes as a no-cost reward from a side objective nearby, and there's a good chance it's already tucked away in your inventory unnoticed.
Before visiting the tailor and spending currency, examine your inventory. If you finished the "Actions Speak Louder than Words" objective earlier in Chapter 1, the attire is already yours. You can put it on directly at the gate and proceed inside.
Where the Hernandian Attire actually comes from
The "Actions Speak Louder than Words" objective requires Kliff to assist struggling villagers throughout the region. One task directs you to Murkroot Ranch, positioned south of Hernand. A couple there is arguing over a clogged chimney.
Talk to the woman, Lauren, who describes the situation. Kliff volunteers to fix it. Use the crates beside the house to climb onto the roof, position yourself on the chimney, and use the broom Lauren provides to clear the blockage. The grateful couple hands over the Hernandian Attire as thanks. Nothing complicated about it.
It's a brief, straightforward objective that many players rush past while following the main storyline , which explains why the castle gate confusion happens so frequently.
Hernandian Attire in inventory
If you already sold it
Sold or discarded the Hernandian Attire by mistake? It's not uncommon. The fallback is the Hernandian Banquet Cloak, available from the tailor in Hernand's town center, positioned beside the blacksmith. It runs 7.86 silver, which feels expensive in the early game but becomes reasonable after completing faction objectives or selling bandit drops.
Theft is technically a third route, but it demands a mask that most players lack at this stage. The tailor represents the more straightforward solution if you need an alternative.
Once you're past the sentries, the "Abyss Without Balance" objective becomes available, transitioning into Crimson Desert's first Abyss puzzle. That's where Chapter 1's core content begins , the dress code check is just the game testing whether you've been exploring thoroughly.
For players just getting started with Crimson Desert, the global release details Pearl Abyss shared provide helpful background on the studio's vision for this open-world action RPG. And if you want to stay current with everything happening in the game, browse more guides as the community continues mapping out Pywel's many secrets. Make sure to check out more:
