How to beat Tenebrum in Crimson Desert

The Tenebrum boss in Crimson Desert is one of the strangest enemies in the game. Although it’s possible to defeat them with just three hits, there’s but one attack type that works. On top of that, this ghostly boss is extremely evasive, so you’ll have to find the perfect window of opportunity for an attack.

Here’s how to beat the Tenebrum boss in Crimson Desert.

How to defeat the Tenebrum boss in Crimson Desert

The Tenebrum boss is located at the Scholastone Institute in southwest Hernand. You will encounter them at the end of the “Gate to the Otherworld” quest in Chapter 4, directly after you’ve completed the Scholastone Institute puzzle. Be ready for a fight as soon as you’ve broken the “unstable core” with Axiom Force.

To defeat Tenebrum, you must hit them with Force Palm. See the dark whirlwind below Tenebrum’s shade? Use your gliding ability to ride upward, get close to Tenebrum, and press the Force Palm button (right analog stick or middle mouse button).

Image: Pearl Abyss via Polygon

Although three hits with Force Palm should be enough to kill Tenebrum, it’s easier said than done, as they’re quite fast. Locking onto the boss may help a bit, but it won’t make you aim in the right direction automatically.

The best strategy is therefore to wait behind a pillar until Tenebrum moves to the center of the arena, where they’ll remain in place for a few seconds before unleashing an attack. If you’re quick, you can hit Tenebrum while they’re stationary. Don’t try to hit Tenebrum twice, as there won’t be enough time; just return to the safety of the pillars and wait for Tenebrum to return to the center again.

Graphic: Marloes Valentina Stella/Polygon | Source image: Pearl Abyss via Polygon

Once Tenebrum is down, you can enter the Spire of the Stars and continue the Scholastone Institute questline.

Just starting out in Crimson Desert? We have guides to help you learn the basics and refresh your memory on how some of its systems work. The world of Pywel is huge, so you might have a hard time deciding where to go first, but you can make your journey a little easier with the help of our interactive map. Along the way, make sure to learn a few life skills like fishing, logging, cooking, and mining, all of which can help you make money.

We also have walkthroughs for puzzles in the Abyss like the Root’s End and Precipice of Truth, as well as ancient ruins like the Dragon’s Stone Chamber.