Here’s a complete guide to tracking traces at Torchlight Beacon for the Traces of Intruder quest in Crimson Desert (updated as of late March 2026). This is an early-game House Serkis faction quest in the Hernand region. The quest requires you to investigate three possible locations for intruder clues, but only one is the correct path that advances the story efficiently.
Quest Overview
- Quest Name: Traces of Intruder
- Objectives (all marked as x2 traces each):
- Track the traces near Torchlight Beacon (x2)
- Track the trail in Everfrost (x2)
- Track the traces at Lioncrest Watchtower (x2)
- Correct Location: Most guides recommend heading straight to Lioncrest Watchtower (west of Hernand) as the actual story-relevant spot. The other two (including Torchlight Beacon) are optional or red herrings in many playthroughs.
If the quest doesn’t progress after Lioncrest, you may need to check Torchlight Beacon as a backup.
How to Track Traces at Torchlight Beacon (Step-by-Step)
Torchlight Beacon is a tall tower structure, usually in a coastal or elevated area near Hernand (check your map for the beacon icon or search area marker).
- Reach the Beacon: Travel to the marked area on your map (near Hernand outskirts). The tower is climbable.
- Climb to the Top:
- The fastest route is usually from the right side, using wooden debris, scaffolding, or broken structures as platforms.
- Use your grappling hook, double jump, or Axiom Force abilities (like Force Palm for extra height) if needed to scale the tower.
- Find the First Trace:
- At the top of the tower, look for a hidden chest.
- Open the chest to obtain a map or note (this counts as one trace).
- Find/Complete the Second Trace:
- Open your inventory, select the map/note you just found, and inspect/examine it (press the inspect button — Square/X on controller or Space on keyboard).
- Reading or interacting with the item in your inventory completes the second trace.
Once both traces at Torchlight Beacon are done, the objective should update (if it’s the path the game wants). Clear any minor enemies around the area if they spawn.
Tips for Climbing:
- Look for interactive ledges or wooden planks.
- If stuck, try approaching from different angles or using Blinding Flash/lantern for better visibility at night.
Recommended Path (Save Time)
Many players report that Lioncrest Watchtower (just west of Hernand) is the intended main location:
- Burn vines blocking the entrance with Blinding Flash (L1+R1 then L1 again, or equivalent).
- Go upstairs, look for a roof gap, use triple jump + Force Palm to climb out.
- Pick up the “Clue from Lioncrest Watchtower” note in the north corner.
After collecting evidence from the correct spot, the quest continues with finding a person who knows about the clues.
General Tracking Tips
- “Tracking traces” usually involves finding physical clues (notes, chests, maps, footprints) and then inspecting them in your inventory.
- Use your lantern or Blinding Flash skill to highlight interactive objects or hidden items in dark/low-visibility areas.
- The quest is forgiving — you can visit all three locations if needed, but focusing on Lioncrest first avoids wasted time.
If you’re stuck on climbing, visibility, or the next step (“Find a person who might know about the clues”), check nearby NPCs in Hernand or watchtower keepers.
This quest ties into House Serkis faction story and unlocks more exploration rewards. If you need the full quest walkthrough, Lioncrest details, Everfrost trail, or help with other early Hernand quests (like Palmar Pill or alchemy from your previous questions), let me know your current progress! Safe travels in Pywel. 🔦🗡️
