What to know
- Alden the Provisioner is one of the most important early vendors in Crimson Desert.
- He is located very close to your starting camp in the first city.
- You can purchase all core gathering and utility tools from him.
- His inventory includes tools for mining, logging, digging, and more.
After stepping into the first major city in Crimson Desert, one of the earliest things you’ll want to do is secure proper tools. Alden the Provisioner becomes your go-to vendor for everything related to resource gathering and basic utility, making him essential for early progression.
Location of Alden the Provisioner in Hernand
Alden the Provisioner is conveniently located near your main camp area in the starting city, making him easy to access early in your journey. As you explore the city hub, look for merchant stalls or NPCs positioned close to your base camp, as Alden operates in that immediate vicinity.

You don’t need to venture deep into the city or unlock special areas. This placement ensures you can quickly return to him whenever you need better tools or replacements.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Vendor Name | Alden the Provisioner |
| Location | Near starting camp in first city |
| Purpose | Tool and utility vendor |
| Key Items | Gathering tools, utility items |
| Importance | Essential for early progression |
All tools sold by Alden and their costs
Alden’s inventory covers every core activity you’ll engage with early on, including mining, logging, digging, and even niche tasks like cleaning or farming prep.

| Tool Name | Cost | Stock |
|---|---|---|
| Small Bag | 50 | 1 |
| Fishing Rod | 15 | 5 |
| Shovel | 26 | 2 |
| Mallet | 26 | 2 |
| Pickaxe | 31 | 2 |
| Logging Axe | 29 | 2 |
| Broom | 58 | 2 |
| Rake | 25 | 2 |
Each of these tools unlocks a specific gameplay function, and buying them early significantly improves your efficiency while exploring.
How to prioritize which tools to buy first
When you first meet Alden, you may not have enough currency to buy everything. Focusing on high-impact tools first will make your progression smoother and faster.
Why the pickaxe and logging axe matter most
The Pickaxe and Logging Axe should be your top priority, as they allow you to gather ore and wood, which are foundational crafting materials. Without them, you’ll miss out on key upgrades and crafting opportunities.

Why the shovel and fishing rod come next
Once you’ve secured basic gathering tools, the Shovel opens up digging spots and hidden resources, while the Fishing Rod provides a steady source of food or trade items. These tools expand your gameplay options significantly.

Utility tools you can buy later
Items like the Broom and Rake are more situational, often tied to specific interactions or side activities. They’re useful but not urgent, so you can safely purchase them later once you have surplus currency.

How to fully utilize Alden’s tools in gameplay
Step 1
Visit Alden early after reaching the first city and check his full inventory. This ensures you understand what tools are available right away.

Step 2
Purchase the Pickaxe and Logging Axe first to unlock resource gathering. These tools directly impact your ability to progress.
Step 3
Use the Pickaxe on ore nodes and the Logging Axe on trees to gather materials. This will help you start crafting and upgrading gear.

Step 4
Return to Alden periodically to buy additional tools like the Shovel and Fishing Rod. Expanding your toolkit increases your versatility.
Step 5
Invest in utility tools like the Rake or Broom when needed for specific quests or interactions. These tools often tie into side content.

Making the most of Alden’s shop early on
Alden isn’t just another vendor—he effectively unlocks the game’s core systems. Without his tools, you’re limited in how you interact with the world, which can slow down both exploration and progression.
Because of his location near your camp, he becomes a frequent stop throughout your early gameplay, especially as you gather resources and need upgrades.
You’ll want to revisit Alden multiple times as your needs evolve. Early purchases focus on survival and gathering, but later visits help you complete your toolkit.
Managing your currency wisely and prioritizing essential tools ensures you don’t get stuck lacking key abilities.