Secret Places

1. What a Secret Place Is

One object under two names. 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. Each one pays an Abyss Artifact, the skill point that buys skills and core stats in the skill tree, and 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 (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. Abyss Artifacts also come from Sealed Abyss Artifacts, but those are 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 else is known about the points:

• Finding them. Both kinds start hidden. As you explore, areas labelled Mysterious Energy appear on your map when you are nearby, and those are where a Nexus or a Cresset is likely to be. The "?" search areas can hold them too, as well as other things, and 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.
• 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; no 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, which the Abyss Challenges page covers.

The Regional Maps page describes the same two mechanics; nothing there contradicts this.

3. The 60 by Region

Game8 and PowerPyx both tag each Secret Place with a region but file two of the 60 differently, so the counts below do not match; the cards keep Game8's tag with PowerPyx's noted on the two cards concerned.

The 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 its region and location, and a second landmark where there is one. Ticks are saved in this browser and, if you are signed in, in your account with the rest of the Crimson Desert guide.