Puzzles are instrumental in Crimson Desert, with these challenges completing sidequests and also rewarding players with rare items. They are typically found in Ancient Ruins, and you have to investigate clues before you can complete the puzzles. This changes things drastically as you don’t need to defeat any enemies, and must only follow clues. The Steel Mountains Ruins eight bell puzzle is one such challenge that can be found easily, but you need to be aware of your surroundings to figure out how to complete it.
Up to 12% off on LootBar Game Key.
Instant Delivery for Non-Stop Gaming.
Trusted 4.9/5 on Trustpilot, 10/10 among Players.
Official Partnership Route, Safe and reliable
What is the eight bell puzzle?
The eight bell puzzle is an investigation-focused challenge in the game, which is significantly different from others in Crimson Desert.
The puzzle’s mechanics:
Here are the mechanics of the puzzle:
Eight bells need to be rung in a specific order
You can find clues on notes stuck to a board
Incorrect sequences will force you to start over
The puzzle rewards you for trial and error, and also for finding clues
You can’t fight your way through, unlike other challenges
Completing the puzzle earns you rewards
Rewards
This specific challenge only earns you one reward:
1x Abyss Artifact: This item is essential in progressing your skills in the game
Why are Ancient Ruins important?
There are several Ancient Ruins in Crimson Desert, and there are multiple reasons why they are important.
Each Ancient Ruin has a specific challenge you can complete
Completing the challenge rewards you with an Abyss Artifact and usually other items as well
Abyss Artifacts are important for progressing skills
Each challenge either tasks you with defeating enemies or finding clues to solve puzzles
The challenges are hard to complete because you don’t get instructions
What are Mysterious Energy markers?
Ancient Ruins and other secret sites aren’t marked on your maps, but they are hinted at through the Mysterious Energy marker. Here’s all the information about the Mysterious Energy markers:
The marker is a question mark
It indicates the presence of Abyss Nexuses, Abyss Cressets, Ancient Ruins, or other special locations
You need to locate the entrance because the marker only leads to the area, and not to an access point
Once you reach the location, you can initiate the challenge
Look for clues after reaching the area to find out what challenge is available
Runes are typically found near the entrances of the secret locations
How to find Steel Mountains Ruins
The ruin is easy to find, as it's located between the Steel Mountains and Deepwoods, with a Mysterious Energy site marker on your map. The exact location isn’t hidden inside a cave or another structure, and you will find the entrance at the northern foot of a small mountain. Once you arrive at the location, you will find a locked ancient door, several bells, and notes stuck on a board. If you are ready to find the location and complete the puzzle, you can get Crimson Desert from LootBar!
How to solve the Steel Mountains Ruins eight bell puzzle
Solving the puzzle is a multi-stage process, as you first need to find clues for what order the bells need to be rung in.
Locate the clues
This is an easy task, especially if you are used to observing the areas you are in.
Head to the location of the puzzle
Find the notes stuck on the board
Examine the exact sequence the bells must be struck in
Choose your tool
You have two options for the tool you can use to strike the bells:
Mallet: This is the puzzle’s designated tool, which you will find near the ruins
Bow and arrow: You should already have this weapon, and it can also be used to strike the bells
Why choose the mallet:
More reliable
The designated tool
It will likely hit the bells more consistently
Why choose the bow:
More precision if you are having issues hitting the bells correctly
Useful if you don't want to use the mallet
Ring the bells
If you look at the bells from left to right, you must strike them in the following order:
1 > 2 > 3 > 4 > 5 > 6 > 4 > 3 > 2 > 1
Also, make sure:
You strike the bells properly
Some hits may not register if they aren’t centered
Reward
Completing the puzzle will unlock the door, allowing you to enter and claim your reward.
Tips to complete the eight bell puzzle
Use these tips if you are having trouble completing the puzzle:
Use a bow instead of the mallet: This reportedly works better for some players
Study the note board properly: A single wrong bell will require you to exit the area and return to retry the puzzle
Make sure to hit the bells correctly: Stand close and hit the correct bell with precision
Trial and error: If you don’t want to use the clues, try to strike random bells and see how long it takes for you to complete the puzzle
Conclusion
Abyss Artifacts are instrumental in progressing your skills, and you can find them in Ancient Ruins. They don’t come easily, as you must complete the challenge that the specific ruins have. This could be as simple as taking down a few opponents or sometimes observing your environment for clues to solve a puzzle. The eight bell puzzle is one of the latter, and can easily be solved by following this guide. If you want to solve it but don’t have the game, get the Crimson Desert Steam key from LootBar.
