How to Switch Characters in Crimson Desert: Playing as Kliff, Damiane, and Oongka

Three fantasy game characters are shown side by side. The first is a woman with long brown hair, the second is a bearded man with tribal face paint, and the third is a blue-skinned orc with tusks. All wear detailed medieval-style clothing, exuding a tone of adventure.
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By Alexandria LopezStaff Writer

Three fantasy game characters are shown side by side. The first is a woman with long brown hair, the second is a bearded man with tribal face paint, and the third is a blue-skinned orc with tusks. All wear detailed medieval-style clothing, exuding a tone of adventure.
  • Primary Subject: Crimson Desert
  • Key Update: While Kliff remains the central figure, players can actively swap to Damiane and Oongka via the radial menu once they join the Greymane party.
  • Status: Confirmed
  • Last Verified: April 6, 2026
  • Quick Answer: Open the radial menu using F1 (PC/Xbox) or Up D-Pad (PS5), hover over your chosen character, and release to swap instantly.

Did you know you can play as three different characters in Crimson Desert?

For most of the game, especially during the storyline, you'll play as Crimson Desert's main protagonist, Kliff. However, he isn't the only character you can control. As you progress, you'll unlock two more playable characters: Damiane and Oongka. You'll get them at different points in the game, and they can then be used after being unlocked.

But how exactly do you change who you are in the world of Pywel?

Switching Characters in Crimson Desert

To switch characters in Crimson Desert, open the radial menu and hover over the character you want.

Video game character selection screen showing "Damiane" with stats like Health, Stamina, and Attack. Circular wheel displays character image and name. Dark background.
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Credit: Pearl Abyss

If you're on PC, select F1 on your keyboard to open the radial menu. After hovering over the character you want to switch to, release the F1 button. On PS5 and Xbox, press the Up arrow on the directional pad, hover over the character, then release the Up button.

READ MORE: How to Find and Unlock Every Witch in Crimson Desert to Master Abyss Gears

The first character you unlock will be Kliff, as he is the main protagonist and the one you play from the start. The second character you'll unlock is Damiane. She will be available from Chapter 3: Homestead.

Oongka becomes available from Chapter 7, which is halfway through the game's main storyline.

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