Secret Places

1. What a Secret Place Is

One object under two names. PowerPyx: on the map they are called Abyss Cressets, in the Challenge menu the same 60 are the Secret Places, and the challenge is simply to reach each one, usually somewhere awkward to get to. Game8 says the same in its own terms: the Secret Places challenges are completed by finding hidden Abyss Cressets. Each one pays an Abyss Artifact, the skill point that buys skills and core stats in the skill tree (both sources), and, per PowerPyx, unlocks a fast-travel point on the spot.

Finding all 60 is the Pilgrim of Wonders trophy, and they also count as Exploration Challenges towards Expert Explorer (PowerPyx; the Achievements page has both). The Abyss Restoration puzzles that share the Exploration heading are a different challenge with a different reward structure; they have their own page and tracker. Game8's Cresset page also notes that Abyss Artifacts come from Sealed Abyss Artifacts, but its list of those describes key items that unlock the weapon Mastery challenges (Sword of Trials and the like), so they are another collectible again and are not tracked here.

2. Cressets, Nexuses and Fast Travel

The FAQ has the verified summary: two kinds of point, both hidden inside the white "?" search areas on the map; Abyss Nexus plates unlock when you stand on the disc for a few seconds, Abyss Cressets need a small puzzle first, the sword's Guiding Light makes them glow blue when in sight, and you cannot fast travel while mounted. What the two Game8 pages on the points add, read for this page:

• Finding them. Both kinds start hidden. As you explore, areas labelled Mysterious Energy appear on your map, and Game8 says those are where a Nexus or a Cresset is likely to be (its Secret Places list says the label appears when you are nearby). PowerPyx points at the "?" search areas instead and adds that they can hold other things too, and that the Lantern (L1 / LB / Ctrl) highlights a Cresset as well as Guiding Light does.
• Unlocking a Nexus. Stand on its central circle until it glows blue (Game8).
• Unlocking a Cresset. Approach the small pillar and its prompt says "Take": taking the Artifact activates the Cresset for later use. Sometimes a puzzle nearby has to be solved before it will activate (Game8). PowerPyx gives no puzzle step at all and describes the challenge as reaching the Cresset, and neither list says which of the 60 need one, so the cards below do not either.
• The third kind of point. Every restored Abyss island is a fast-travel point in the sky (PowerPyx), which the Abyss Challenges page covers.

The Regional Maps page describes the same two mechanics from PowerPyx's secrets guide; nothing there contradicts this.

3. The 60 by Region

Game8 tags each Secret Place with a region; PowerPyx groups its route by region as well, in what it calls the order they are closest together. They file two of the 60 differently, so the counts below do not match, and the cards keep Game8's tag with PowerPyx's noted on the two cards concerned.

Both sources number the 60 identically, and PowerPyx says that numbering is the in-game Challenge menu's, which is why the cards below keep it: read the list against the journal and the gaps are the ones you are missing.

4. All 60, in the Journal's Order

One card per Secret Place, numbered as the journal numbers them, with Game8's region and location note first and PowerPyx's landmark after it. Where the two spell a name differently the card says so and keeps Game8's. Ticks are saved in this browser and, if you are signed in, in your account with the rest of the Crimson Desert guide.