How to equip, obtain and use Abyss Gears in Crimson Desert

Published March 24, 2026, 5:03 PM EDT

Jake Fillery is an Evergreen Editor for GameRant, writing lists, guides, and reviews since 2022. With thousands of engaging articles and guides, Jake loves conversations about all things gaming and pop culture.

If you've killed a boss or opened a Sealed Abyss artifact, chances are you've managed to get your hands on an Abyss Gear. These items should never be sold and are always valued as higher level rewards can be filled with weapons and armor to increase the power and potential of your build.

Below we explain everything you need to know about Abyss Gears. From how to use them, how to craft and upgrade them, and of course where you can get them. This system may seem complicated, but we will simplify the process so you know exactly what you are doing.

the location of all the witches in the crimson desert

All witch locations in crimson desert

Offer to help strangers around Pywel to meet all five witches in the Crimson Desert.

How to use Abyss Gears in Crimson Desert (and what they do)

Abyss Gears can increase your stats (like Attack and Defense) and grant unique abilities.
Some Abyss Gears can only be equipped with armor, while others can only be equipped with weapons (this is indicated when you read the item description).
When you have the Abyss Gear, you can head to the Witch and select “Create Socket” to purchase a slot for any device you wish to use.
When you have a free slot, select “Insert Abyss Gear”and then select the Abyss Gears you would like to equip.
Don't worry about putting on the wrong Abyss Gear, as you can remove the Abyss Gear at any time and still keep it without penalty.

How to upgrade Abyss Gears in Crimson Desert

If you have duplicate Abyss Gears (for example x2 Destruction Lv 1), then you can head to any witch and select “Craft Abyss Gear”.
Under the “Craft Abyss Gear” option, you can press R2/RT enter “Synthesis”.
Synthesis allows you to combine duplicate Abyss Gears into a higher level (for example x2 destruction of Lv 1 becomes x1 destruction of Lv 2).
Some Abyss Gears cannot be upgraded, and others may require a plan. These plans are normally bought from witches in the “Buy” section.
Upgrading Abyss Gears is essential to make sure you don't waste slots (for example) on x3 Destruction Lv 1 when you could instead have x1 Destruction Lv 3 which does the same thing.

How to get and craft Abyss Gears in Crimson Desert

Abyss Gears can be obtained from unique gear found in the open worldeither by exploring, completing missions or killing bosses.
When you get a new piece of armor or weapon, look through your inventory to see if it has any Abyss Gears.
If he has Abyss Gear, take him to the witch and choose “Extract Abyss Gear”.
You can choose a piece of equipment from your Equipped Gear or Inventory and remove the Abyss Gear, placing it in your inventory for later use without charge or penalty.
With any witch you can too select “Craft Abyss Gear” to craft your own Abyss Gears.
Materials are always specified, but the only constant is Abyss Cells.
You can only create Abyss Gears if you know the plan, but you can always do it try “Special Synthesis” and combine two random Abyss Gears in your inventory for a gacha roll.