Crimson Desert has a ton of mechanics to play around with, and naturally, that also includes the ability to steal and even pickpocket. The only catch is that it takes some work to commit such criminal deeds.
Thankfully, it’s still pretty easy to become a master thief and pilfer lots of valuables. Here’s how to steal and pickpocket in Crimson Desert.
How to Steal in Crimson Desert
The interact option to steal items becomes available when you’re wearing a mask. Once you’ve equipped a mask through the radial menu, the once greyed-out Steal option will now be selectable when hovering over items with L1/LB pressed on a controller or CTRL on PC.
That means obtaining a mask is the first step. A mask can sometimes be found after searching the dead body of a bandit. Alternatively, it can be purchased from the Back Alley Shop southeast of Hernand Castle for a measly 10 copper.
Keep in mind that stealing, just like any other criminal behavior, will highlight the surrounding area with a red circle. You might be issued a fine if any guards find you in this circle when the timer runs out. If you’re behind closed doors and nobody sees you though, feel free to go nuts.
How to Pickpocket in Crimson Desert
Similar to Stealing, Pickpocketing is an interact option which only appears while you have a mask equipped. Furthermore, it’s a bit more involved than how it’s presented in other games. You need to physically walk against an NPC until they stumble, which will briefly make the Pickpocket option available to select.
Remember that this can deduct from your contribution level and highlight the crime scene with a red circle. Since pickpocketing an NPC is likely more public than stealing items, prepare to run if any guards are nearby.
You can also see a preview of what an NPC is carrying by focusing on them with your lantern equipped. They won’t be thrilled about you blinding them with a lantern, but checking their waist while doing so can reveal if they’re holding anything noteworthy. Pro tip: Nobles sometimes carry gold bars!
Although stealing and pickpocketing aren’t the most noble of acts, you’ll be missing out on a lot of gear and high-value items by sticking to the good side of the law. You’re going to need all the funds you can get to upgrade the Greymane camp anyway.
Crimson Desert is available now on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
