What to know
- Hwando is an early-game two-handed katana with strong base attack and crit scaling
- Located inside Lioncrest Manor in the Hernandian Territory
- Requires basic exploration, climbing, and a key found inside the manor
- You also obtain a bonus consumable: Refined Palmar Pill x1
If you are looking to upgrade your weapon early in Crimson Desert, the Hwando is one of the best hidden finds you can grab without heavy combat requirements. It offers a noticeable damage boost and introduces you to faster, precision-based combat compared to heavier weapons.
Crimson Desert Hwando katana details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Weapon Type | Two-Handed Sword (Katana) |
| Name | Hwando |
| Attack | 19 |
| Critical Rate | Level 1 |
| Location | Lioncrest Manor, Hernandian Territory |
| Additional Loot | Refined Palmar Pill x1 |
| Sell Value | 15.39 |
| Best For | Early-game melee builds |
Location of Hwando katana in Crimson Desert
The Hwando is hidden inside Lioncrest Manor, a multi-level structure that rewards players who explore vertically rather than just moving through doors. You will need to rely on climbing and observation rather than combat to reach it efficiently.

The manor is located within the Hernandian Territory, and once you arrive, you will notice that traditional entry points are not always the best route. Windows and elevated access points are key to navigating this area.
How to get the Hwando katana in Crimson Desert
Step 1
Locate Lioncrest Manor in the Hernandian Territory and approach the structure from the outside. Look for climbable surfaces rather than the main entrance.

Step 2
Climb up to a window leading into the first floor and enter through it. This bypasses locked or restricted entry paths.

Step 3
Once inside, head toward the opposite end of the room and locate a table. You will find a key placed there—this is essential for accessing the weapon.

Step 4
Exit the manor and return to the ground level outside. This repositioning is necessary for accessing another section of the building.

Step 5
Move to the adjacent building connected to or near the manor and climb into its first floor through another window.

Step 6
Find the locked door inside this section and use the key you picked up earlier.

Step 7
Open the chest behind the locked door to obtain the Hwando katana along with Refined Palmar Pill x1.

Rewards from the Lioncrest Manor chest
| Reward | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hwando Katana | 1 | Two-handed early-game katana |
| Refined Palmar Pill | 1 | Consumable for recovery/boost |
Why the Hwando is worth getting early
The Hwando stands out because it offers a balance between speed and power, making it ideal for players transitioning into more skill-based combat. Unlike heavier weapons, you will notice quicker attack animations and smoother combos, which can significantly improve your survivability in early encounters.

Its critical rate scaling at Level 1 also makes it a strong foundation for builds focused on precision and burst damage. If you prefer a more aggressive playstyle, this weapon fits naturally into your progression.
Hwando stats explained in simple terms
The base attack of 19 is quite strong for early-game progression, giving you a noticeable edge over basic starter weapons. While it may not seem extremely high, its effectiveness comes from how fast you can chain attacks together.

The critical rate at Level 1 means you already have access to increased damage potential without needing heavy upgrades. This makes it a reliable weapon even before investing in refinement systems.
Tips to make this run smoother
Always approach the manor with vertical exploration in mind rather than direct entry. If you find yourself stuck, look for windows, ledges, and climbable surfaces instead of doors.
Make sure you grab the key before leaving the interior section, as missing it will force you to repeat the entire route.
Clearing nearby enemies beforehand can make navigation less stressful, though the route itself is more puzzle-oriented than combat-heavy.