Crimson Desert guide: Ancient Ruins pillar puzzle in the Witchwoods

There are some ancient ruins southwest of Hernand, almost directly north of Phoniel Ranch. When you arrive, you’ll see a ghostly image of someone plunging a sword into an ancient device.

Before you get stabby, though, you need to clear the vines. There are spiky vines coiled around a mechanism in the center of the ruins, and there are vines around the pillars. Aim at the lit brazier nearby to set your arrow aflame and shoot both sets of vines to burn them away.

To activate the mechanism, you need to use the Stab ability — hold Y/Triangle and press RB/R1. You can plunge your sword into all four slots in the main mechanism, and each slot controls the height of different sets of pillars.

As you’ll notice when you play around with it, the pillar on the far left can’t be moved. Your goal is to line up each pillar with that unmovable pillar.

The best way to achieve this is to try to start with the two stabs that allow you to control three pillars. Move both sets of three up slightly, a little nudge at a time, alternating between them.

Focus on small movements, switching between the slots often so you’re moving the pillars together. Eventually you’ll find yourself almost lined up, and the game will give it to you if you just slightly shuffle them a little at this stage.

This will complete the challenge “Abyss Cresset of the Witchwoods” and reward you an Artifact to spend.