The vast world of Crimson Desert is a realm of endless discovery, where players transition from grueling foot travels to faster methods of navigation. Yet, among all the ways to traverse the continent, nothing matches the sheer scale and awe of taking to the skies on the back of a dragon.
This legendary creature, known as Blackstar, represents the pinnacle of mobility in the game. It allows players to bypass natural obstacles and cross massive distances in just a few minutes, though such power is not granted to everyone from the start.
Conditions for obtaining the dragon
Access to Blackstar is strictly tied to the narrative progression of the main story. Players cannot find this creature through exploration or side activities; it is a scripted reward that awaits during the eleventh chapter of the campaign.
Specifically, the dragon becomes available during the mission titled “Whisper of the Wind.” Because it is a core plot point, it is impossible to miss, but it is also impossible to obtain earlier than intended. For most players, reaching this milestone requires dozens of hours of gameplay focused on the primary objectives.
The developers have placed this encounter so deep into the journey because flight fundamentally alters the experience of the game. Once you can soar over the world, the challenges of ground – based exploration are significantly diminished.
Fortunately, there are no grueling trials or complex puzzles required to claim your prize. The dragon is granted automatically during a cinematic sequence within the mission.
Mechanics of aerial control
Once Blackstar is part of your arsenal, he can be summoned directly through the standard transport selection menu. However, he is not a permanent fixture on the battlefield.
After being called, the dragon remains active for a limited duration. Once this time expires, the creature vanishes, necessitating a cooldown period before he can be summoned into the sky again.
While in the air, players have access to a specific suite of tactical abilities:
- Devastating fire attacks that consume the creature’s stamina
- Aerial maneuvers and dodges to evade incoming strikes
- The ability to initiate a landing at any chosen location
- Speed boosts achieved through steep diving maneuvers
Interestingly, the dragon’s stamina can regenerate even while maintaining altitude, which helps skilled riders extend their time in the clouds.
Strategic limitations of flight
Despite the freedom Blackstar provides, the game imposes strict limits to ensure players do not abandon the ground entirely. The dragon is designed as a specialized tool rather than a constant companion.
The inevitable disappearance of the dragon after use prevents players from trivializing the game’s balance. Without these restrictions, the excitement of discovering hidden locations or the danger of enemy camps would vanish, as players could simply strike everything from the safety of the stratosphere.
Ultimately, the dragon in Crimson Desert serves as a powerful tactical asset. It offers a fresh perspective on the world but demands that players use its strength wisely and sparingly.
