The Unknown Cave recollection is a memory fragment found in a small cave in the Hills of No Return area of Hernand. Unlike some memory fragments that serve as clues to puzzles or treasure, this recollection appears to be purely narrative—it depicts two armored inquisitors searching for something matching General Bastier's description, but the memory itself does not lead to any discoverable treasure or interactive puzzle.
Quick answer: The Unknown Cave recollection is categorized as a Recollection rather than a Clue. It contains only lore dialogue and does not unlock a treasure or puzzle solution.
Unknown Cave Location
The cave entrance is located in the Hills of No Return region of Hernand, near Hook Rapids. The exact spot can be difficult to pinpoint on the map because the area features numerous cliffs and rocky outcroppings. Look for a small cave opening carved into the mountainside—it is easy to miss if you are not actively searching the cliff faces.
Inside the cave, you will find a plain candle on the ground near a glowing circular symbol on the wall. Interact with the candle to turn it off, which triggers the memory fragment playback.
Viewing the Unknown Cave Recollection
To view memory fragments in Crimson Desert, you must first obtain the Visione helmet during the Memory Fragment main quest in Chapter 2 (Golden Greed). This helmet allows you to access and replay memory fragments you discover throughout the world.
Step 1: Equip the Visione helmet if it is not already equipped. On PC, press F2 to open the headgear tab and select the Visione.
Step 2: Hold the headgear button (F2 on PC or the Options button on console) to open the memory menu. Select the Hernand region, then expand the Recollections section.
Step 3: Choose Unknown Cave from the list and play the memory. The sequence shows two ghostly figures in armor discussing their search for something in the cave.
Memory Dialogue and Content
When you play the Unknown Cave recollection, the environment takes on a blue, ethereal appearance. Two unidentified figures appear and speak the following dialogue:
- "This place matches General Bastier's description."
- "Must be something here."
- "Yeah, a place just like this."
- "Haah... I already searched the inside."
- "Let's just check it a little more."
- "It's got to be here!"
- "Fine, fine. But let's start with somewhere else."
The memory description in your journal reads: "A fragment containing the memory of an inquisitor in search of something."
No Hidden Treasure or Puzzle Solution
Many players initially assume the Unknown Cave recollection functions as a clue to a hidden treasure or puzzle, especially because the memory is titled "Hidden Treasure" in some contexts and the dialogue explicitly mentions searching for something. However, no treasure, puzzle, or interactive element has been found in or near the cave.
Players have attempted multiple approaches to uncover a hidden reward, including using a shovel to dig in the area, manipulating the candles inside the cave, and using a lamp to test for light-based puzzles. None of these methods produce any result.
One player discovered a locked gate covered in vines by climbing directly up from the cave entrance and turning left. Purchasing a key and opening the gate reveals only an empty cell carved into the mountain with no items or further interactions.
The memory fragment is categorized in the journal as a Recollection rather than a Clue. Recollections appear to serve a purely narrative or lore function, while Clues typically point to actionable puzzles or treasure locations. The Unknown Cave recollection falls into the former category.
Related Memory Fragments and Treasure Maps
Crimson Desert includes multiple types of memory fragments and collectibles. Some memory fragments do function as clues to treasure locations. For example, Hidden Treasure Map Piece 7 can be found near the miniature castle in Hernand and appears on the minimap after passing by the area multiple times. This map piece is distinct from the Unknown Cave recollection and leads to an actual treasure location.
If you are searching for actionable treasure clues, focus on memory fragments categorized as Clues in your journal rather than Recollections. Clues typically provide specific hints about locations, landmarks, or puzzle mechanics that lead to discoverable rewards.
The Unknown Cave recollection is a narrative memory fragment with no associated puzzle or treasure. It provides a glimpse into the activities of inquisitors searching for something in Hernand but does not offer any gameplay reward beyond the lore itself. If you encounter this memory while exploring, you can safely move on after viewing it—there is no hidden solution to discover.