Waterfalls in Crimson Desert are not just visual details—they hide some of the best early-game rewards. Many players walk past them without realizing that powerful gear, artifacts, and rare items are hidden behind these rushing streams.
The trick is simple, but the game never clearly explains it. If you know what to look for and which skill to use, you can access secret caves and boost your progression much faster.

This guide shows exactly how to get behind waterfalls, what to look for, and why these hidden areas are worth your time.
How to Get Behind Waterfalls in Crimson Desert
Getting through a waterfall is not about brute force—it’s about using the correct ability.
To enter a waterfall:
- Stand close to the waterfall without taking damage
- Aim straight at the water
- Perform a Stab attack
- Your character will phase through the waterfall into a hidden cave
This works consistently across most waterfalls in the game.
Controls for Stab Ability
You can perform the stab move using these controls:
- PC: Shift + Right Click
- PlayStation: R1 + Triangle
- Xbox: RB + Y
Make sure you face the waterfall directly before activating the attack.
Where to Find Hidden Waterfall Entrances
Not every waterfall has a secret cave. You need to identify the right ones.

Look for these signs:
- Small stacked stones or rock pillars near the waterfall
- A ledge or platform near the water flow
- Entry points sometimes located halfway up the waterfall, not just at the base
These visual clues confirm that a hidden cave exists behind the waterfall.
How to Unlock the Stab Skill
If you cannot pass through waterfalls yet, you likely don’t have the required skill.
To unlock it:
- Open your skill tree
- Go to the Blue (Combat/Stamina) section
- Unlock the Stab ability
- Use an Artifact if required
In some cases, the skill unlocks naturally through story progression or boss encounters.
What Rewards You Get Behind Waterfalls
Waterfall caves are always worth exploring, especially early in the game.
You can find:
- Rare weapons and armor
- Valuable artifacts
- Palmar Pills (revive or heal items)
- Crafting materials and resources
- Unique gear pieces not found elsewhere
Many caves guarantee at least one strong item, making them one of the best early-game loot sources.
Best Strategy to Farm Waterfall Loot
To maximize your rewards quickly, focus on exploration instead of combat and move along rivers and waterfalls rather than roaming randomly.
Follow water streams across the map and check every waterfall that has stone markers, as these usually indicate hidden caves. Unlock the Stab ability as early as possible so you can access these locations without delay. Revisit previously explored areas after progressing, since some paths and entrances become accessible later.
With over 40 hidden waterfall caves in the game, a systematic exploration approach will consistently give you better long-term rewards.
Important Tips You Should Know
Before you start farming waterfall caves, keep these tips in mind:
- Some entrances are mid-height, not at ground level
- You must face the waterfall directly while attacking
- Without Stab, entry is impossible
- You can exit using the same attack method
- Early-game players benefit the most from these locations
These small details make the difference between missing loot and finding powerful gear early.
Focus on exploration early, and these hidden locations will carry your character through tougher fights without heavy grinding. Play Now!
