Before your first Run, choose the gear and Angel you already have, then select a Mission at the War Table. During the Mission, explore side paths and carry useful drops through a Nexus Gate: this secures them even if a later fight goes wrong. You do not need to choose a character class.
- One Mission is only part of a full Run.
- Your starting Loadout stays locked between its Missions.
- Equip or Store gear, then cross a Nexus Gate to keep a purified version for later.
Before Your First Hunt
- Visit the Loadout Station in Sanctus Clypeus and inspect every equipped slot.
- Choose a weapon setup and, from the Angels you have unlocked, a form that supports the same combat plan.
- From character level 3, take a Bounty from Gallant before leaving. These quests reward you for defeating enemies you may already need to fight; they are not available on your first visit.
- Use the War Table to choose the next Ward and Mission.
Every Nephilim begins without a traditional class, so feel free to experiment early. A new weapon or Boon may give you a reason to change your plan during the Hunt.
Explore Before the Boss
Wards contain more than the main Mission route. Official guides show hidden chests, equipment, Lore Scrolls, secrets, regular enemies, elite encounters, and mini-bosses. Exploring these side paths can strengthen your current build and expand your options for later Hunts.
- Check side paths before advancing through a locked gate.
- Compare a drop by its Boons and how well it fits your build, not by rarity alone.
- Store promising gear in the Bag when you do not want to equip it immediately.
- Return Lore Scrolls to Mereda to unlock more Boons for later Hunts.
Death, Loot, and Purification
A Life Pool gives you multiple chances during a Mission. When it is empty, the Mission ends. There is no corpse marker and no return trip for loot left behind.
You keep collected XP, character levels, permanent unlocks, Lore Scrolls, some Souls, and Gear secured by passing through a Nexus Gate. You lose bonus completion rewards, part of your Souls, unsecured equipment, and Consumables found during the Mission.
Secured equipment returns in a weaker, purified form and joins the Armory. You can equip it at the Loadout Station before a future Hunt.
Your Hub Routine
| Stop | What to do |
|---|---|
| Gallant | From level 3, take Bounty Quests before the next Hunt. |
| Mereda | Return Lore Scrolls, unlock Boons, and review Blessings. |
| Lotte | Stock up on Trinkets, Throwables, and Consumables. |
| Gajov | Craft and upgrade weapons at the Blacksmith. |
| Loadout Station | Before a new Run, choose available Armory gear and an unlocked Angel. The station stays locked between Missions in the same Run. |
Not every service is available on the first visit. The level unlock table shows when the Blacksmith, Bounties and extra Bag slots become available.
Build, Co-op, and Difficulty
Once the base loop feels comfortable, make sure each part of the build supports the same plan. Match your Gear effects, Weapon Art, temporary Nexus Gate Boons, and chosen Angel. In co-op, combine effects that help each other instead of giving both players the same role.
Completing a full Run unlocks the next difficulty. It rewards more XP and higher-Quality Gear. Move up when you can clear the current tier consistently with your permanent Loadout.
When you have suitable drops, the first-clear Frost setup gives you a concrete equipment plan and alternatives for missing pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I choose a class in Crimson Moon?
No. Crimson Moon uses a classless build system defined by Gear, Weapon Arts, Boons, and an Angel.
What do I lose when a Run fails?
You lose bonus rewards, some Souls, unsecured loot, and found Consumables. Collected XP, permanent unlocks, Lore Scrolls, and Gear secured through Nexus Gates remain.
Should beginners play solo or co-op?
All content supports solo play. Co-op lets two players combine complementary builds and use cross-platform matchmaking, but it is not required for progression.
Sources and Evidence
Official sources explain the rules. Third-party gameplay reports are identified by author and describe the version or session shown; they are not our own tests.
- Crimson Moon official website
- Official Beginner's Guide to Crimson Moon
- Crimson Moon Support: Failing a Mission
- Crimson Moon Support: Inventory and Loadouts
- Crimson Moon Support: Armory and Purified Gear
- Official Crimson Moon Wiki: Level Unlocks
- Official Crimson Moon Wiki: How Runs Work
- Official clarification: Runs, Loadouts and Gear (September 2)