How Runs Work in Crimson Moon
A run is the full loop from hub preparation to mission objectives, temporary Boons, loot decisions, return rewards and permanent progression.
Run Loop in 60 Seconds
- Prepare at Sanctus Clypeus, the Church hub.
- Use the War Table and portal to start a mission in Gildenarch.
- Complete objectives, fight enemies and push through Nexus Gates.
- Choose temporary Boons during the run.
- Pick up loot immediately and decide what helps now.
- Return to the hub with retained rewards, then purify gear and upgrade for future runs.
Preparing at the Hub
Every run begins at Sanctus Clypeus, the headquarters of the Church. The hub contains the War Table, Loadout Station, Blacksmith, Merchant and other stations that feed into permanent progression. The dedicated Sanctus Clypeus guide explains what each station is for.
Starting a Run
The War Table is where missions are selected and difficulty is set. Official support material says missions can be completed across six difficulty levels, with higher difficulty bringing higher risk and reward.
Missions and Objectives
A mission is a fresh set of challenges and objectives in Gildenarch. Completing missions can unlock new areas, new missions and new gear. For the broader mission framework, see the Missions hub.
Boons During a Run
Nexus Gates block progress until their condition is met, such as defeating enemies in the area. Passing a Nexus Gate presents a choice between three Boons, and those Boons are temporary upgrades for the current mission.
Loot During Runs
Loot is immediate during a hunt: gear you pick up goes straight onto the character and replaces what occupied that slot. There is no traditional mid-run bag management, so each pickup is a live build decision.
Returning to the Hub
When retained gear returns to Sanctus Clypeus, Gear Purification is what turns discovered equipment into permanent collection options. The Blacksmith then handles separate permanent upgrades.
Temporary vs Permanent Progress
| Layer | Examples | Carryover |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary run power | Boons, buffs and mid-run loot decisions. | Ends with the mission unless retained through the run flow. |
| Permanent collection | Purified gear and unlocked equipment. | Available for future loadouts. |
| Permanent upgrades | Blacksmith upgrades and persistent character growth. | Stays across future runs. |
| Mission rewards | Experience, Souls, Gold and retained loot. | Depends on completion or failure rules. |
When a Run Ends
A run can end through mission completion or failure. Completing a mission grants performance rewards and keeps journey rewards; failing costs some bonus rewards and some unretained loot, while specific retained progress such as experience and secured equipment can carry back.
New players should pair this page with the Beginner Guide before pushing difficulty. The run loop is simple, but the permanent-versus-temporary split is the part that prevents wasted upgrades.
FAQ
Common questions about this topic.
What is a run in Crimson Moon?
A run is a mission attempt: prepare at Sanctus Clypeus, deploy into Gildenarch, complete objectives, gather temporary power and return with retained rewards.
Are Boons permanent?
Boons chosen during a mission are temporary upgrades for that mission. Purified gear and upgrades are the permanent side of progression.
Do I lose loot if a run fails?
Some loot and bonus rewards can be lost on failure. Equipment retained through the run flow can return in purified form, while completed missions award broader rewards.
Where do I choose missions?
At the War Table in Sanctus Clypeus, the Church hub.
Sources & updates
This page documents officially confirmed facts about Crimson Moon. Gameplay details can change with patches; anything not yet confirmed is clearly marked as unverified.
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