Crimson Desert offers deep customization, but the mechanics for changing your look aren’t immediately obvious. Whether you want to re-color your legendary armor or give Kliff a fresh haircut, this guide covers every step of the process.

1. How to Dye Armor and Weapons

Assassin's Creed Valhalla player dyeing armor at dyer menu

The fashion journey begins at the Dyehouse run by Theoric (located Southeast of Hernand). However, simply visiting him isn’t enough.

  • Learning Colors: When you buy, find, or craft a dye, you must “Use” it in your inventory first. This “teaches” Kliff the color, making it available in the customization menu.
  • Specialist Merchants: Not all merchants sell all colors. There are 10 dye specialists across Pywel, easily identified by brightly colored fabrics hanging outside their shops.
  • Major Dye Types:
    • Hernandian & Demenissian (Common)
    • Pailunese & Calphadean (Regional)
    • Pororin (Specialty)

Pro-Tip: To access all discovered dyes in one place, progress through the Greymane faction quests. Once you unlock Oliver at the Howling Hill base, he acts as a universal dye merchant.

2. How to Craft Dye (Cauldron Recipes)

Armored warrior stands by fire in dark forest

Instead of buying dyes, you can craft them using a Cauldron (Note: Cooking pots won’t work). You can find a cauldron in Hernand, North of the Rock-Paper-Scissors minigame.

Exclusive Dye Recipes:

If you don’t have a recipe, use the “Improvise” function. A general rule of thumb is 10 Flowers + a mix of Insects.

ColorIngredients Required
Bright Red10 Peony, 3 Rhinoceros Beetle, 3 Longhorn Beetle
Rich Purple15 Lavender, 5 Blue Lavender, 2 Longhorn Beetle, 1 Stag Beetle
Dark Yellow10 Dunbaria, 3 Beetle, 1 Longhorn Beetle, 2 Stag Beetle
Deep Red10 Peony, 3 Rhinoceros Beetle, 3 Stag Beetle

Looking for a specific shade? Experimenting with different beetle types usually shifts the “Richness” or “Brightness” of the hue.

3. How to Get More Dyes (The “Criminal” Way)

Dyes are scattered throughout the world, often inside NPC homes. If you want to “borrow” them:

  1. Equip a mask to hide your identity.
  2. Sneak into houses or restricted areas.
  3. Check chests and shelves for dye bottles.

4. Changing Hairstyles and Tattoos

Tattooed man customizing body tattoos in barber menu

Body customization (hair, beards, eyebrows, and tattoos) is tied to your base progression.

  • Unlock the Barber: Follow the Greymane faction questline to upgrade your camp at Howling Hill.
  • NPC: Look for Eric the Barber.
  • Extended Customization: Once Eric is unlocked, you can also customize the appearance of your two secondary characters, ensuring your whole squad looks battle-ready.