TL;DR
- Passage of Malice is an Abyss branch connected to the Spire of Frost in Pailune
- Access it by completing the Frostwarden quest inside the Spire of Frost (light 7 lanterns)
- The puzzle has two mirrored sides — always work in pairs, left and right
- Use Axiom Force to rotate cubes and reposition lasers to hit crystal nodes
- Reward: Abyss Artifact + access to an Abyss Gate leading to the next puzzle
What Is the Passage of Malice in Crimson Desert?
The Passage of Malice is an Abyss puzzle found in the Pailune region of Crimson Desert. It’s part of the Abyss branch that connects to the Spire of Frost.
To reach it, you first need to complete The Frostwarden side quest inside the Spire of Frost — which means lighting all seven stone lanterns inside the tower. Once all seven are lit, an Abyss Gate opens at the top of the Spire and leads directly into the Passage of Malice.
The Spire of Frost is located at the southeastern tip of Pailune. Travel east from Beighen village. Be warned — the area inflicts cold damage and is guarded by flying Antumbra wizards. Equip ice resistance gear or food before going in. See our ice resistance and frost protection guide to prepare properly.
For everything else in the game, visit the Crimson Desert hub page.
Skills Needed Before You Start
- Axiom Force — used to move lasers, rotate cubes, and carry items
- Force Palm — used to slot the battery and activate the final dial
If you’re new to Axiom Force, read our guide on how to use Axiom Force in Crimson Desert before attempting this.
Understanding the Puzzle Layout
Before diving into steps, here’s the key thing to understand: the Passage of Malice has two mirrored sides — left and right — with a locked gate between them.
Each side has rotatable cubes and suspended laser nodes. The goal is to align both sides symmetrically so the lasers hit the crystal nodes and open the door forward. Always think in pairs. What you do on the left affects what needs to happen on the right.
Step One — Opening the Puzzle Room
1. As you enter the Passage of Malice, look to the left wall. You’ll see a laser mounted there.
2. Use Axiom Force (L3 / RS / Left Click) to grab it and move it to the center, pointing it at the yellow crystal on the right wall.
3. The floor opens up. Drop down into the main puzzle room below.
How to Solve the Passage of Malice Puzzle
Once inside, you’ll see yellow circles on the left and right walls. These are your control points. Use Axiom Force on them to rotate the cubes. Switch between left and right with R2/L2 (RT/LT on Xbox, Mouse Scroll on PC). Use the D-Pad to fine-tune rotation.
Follow these steps in order:
1. Connect to the left side with Axiom Force.
2. Move L2 once to the left to continue the laser track.
3. Move L3 twice to the left to continue the track further.
4. Reposition the left laser to L3 so it shoots the crystal on the right side.
5. Connect to the right side with Axiom Force.
6. Move R3 twice to the right to continue the track on the right side.
7. Switch back and connect to the left side again.
8. Move L2 twice to the right to expose the yellow crystal.
9. Move the right laser from R4 to R2 so it hits the crystal on the left side.
10. Connect to the right side one more time.
11. Move R3 back toward the crystal so the laser from L3 can shoot it. This completes both sides.
12. The door forward is now open.
Completing the Passage of Malice
13. Enter the room beyond the door. Inside you’ll find a battery. Use Axiom Force to pull it into position, then hit it with Force Palm to lock it in place.
14. Climb up to the circular dial above. Use Force Palm to activate it.
This powers on the teleporter. Step on it to be carried up to the top of the Passage of Malice where you’ll find an Abyss Artifact.
From here, an Abyss Gate connects to the next puzzle. If you want to keep going, check out our Tomb of Perdition Puzzle Solution for what comes next.
What Do You Get for Completing This Puzzle?
- Abyss Artifact — goes directly into your skill tree to unlock new abilities or boost stats like health, stamina, and spirit
- Abyss Gate access — connects you to the next Abyss puzzle in this branch
If you want to understand how to spend your Abyss Artifacts efficiently, check out our guide on best skills to level up first in Crimson Desert.
Troubleshooting — Passage of Malice Not Working?
- Laser won’t move — confirm you’re using Axiom Force, not Force Palm. They look similar but do different things.
- Door won’t open — one of the crystal nodes isn’t being hit. Retrace from Step 1 and confirm each laser is pointing at the right target before moving on.
- Fell off the puzzle room — climb back up from the entry point. The cubes reset only if you fast travel away and return.
- Need to reset — fast travel to any Abyss Nexus and come back. The puzzle resets fully on re-entry.
More Abyss Puzzle Guides
- Desert Fragment Puzzle Solution
- Tomb of Perdition Puzzle Solution
- Vault of Vengeance Abyss Puzzle Guide
- Precipice of Truth Abyss Puzzle Solution
- Root’s End Abyss Puzzle Solution
- Secret Garden Abyss Puzzle Solution
- Loop of Life Abyss Puzzle Solution
- Frostbitten Paradise Abyss Puzzle Solution
- Sanctorum of Darkness Abyss Puzzle Solution
- Ether Rest Abyss Puzzle Solution
- Abyss Without Balance Puzzle Solution
- Desert Border Maze Puzzle Solution
More Crimson Desert Guides
- How to Get Skill Points in Crimson Desert
- Best Skills to Level Up First
- How to Reinforce Equipment
- How to Get Better Equipment
- How to Fast Travel in Crimson Desert
- How to Open Sealed Abyss Artifacts
- How to Get Abyss Cells
- Keyboard & Mouse vs Controller
- Crimson Desert HUD Explained
