How to Steal in Crimson Desert

Theft and Consequences; Stealing in Crimson Desert is a crime, but it can be done without any repercussions if you’re smart about it.

The Thief’s Toolkit: Masks; To steal an item, you must be wearing a Mask. Having it equipped unlocks the [STEAL] prompt on interactable objects. You can loot Masks from fallen bandits or purchase them at Black Market shops.

Risk and Durability; Masks are fragile and will wear down when used. More importantly, if you get caught by the authorities, any Masks in your inventory will be confiscated.

A successful theft; The key to a clean getaway is ensuring no NPCs spot you in the act. If you are seen, your only hope is to flee the crime scene immediately before the guards can close in. Put your mask on, grab the loot, and wait for the Crime meter to hit zero before showing your face again.

Lockpicking and Entry; Most locked doors require Keys to open. These are consumed upon use but are essential for locked doors. Using a key is completely legal and won't alert the authorities.

How to bypass guards; While trying to enter through a guarded front door is considered a crime, climbing through windows is treated as perfectly natural. Even if you do it right under a guard's watchful eye, they won’t bat an eye.

Climbing through windows; Look for windows marked with the [OPEN] icon. You don’t need any keys or special tools to open them, just interact and climb inside.

A botched but profitable heist; Sometimes, getting caught is actually worth it. If an item is valuable enough, the fine at the Guard Station might only be a fraction of its true worth. Ethics aside, it's a profitable trade—just don't make it a habit, or you'll end up with a criminal reputation you don't really want.

Getting caught and the consequences; If you're busted, you’ll be taken to the Guard Station. You'll lose any Masks in your inventory and have to pay a fine. Your Contribution will also take a hit, but the item you stole stays in your inventory.

Finding Treasure Chests; Treasure chests only appear on your mini-map once you've actually spotted them. The best part? Opening these isn't a crime, so you can take the contents without needing a mask or worrying about the law.