In Crimson Desert, the main quest “Gateway to the Otherworld” is one of the quest sections in which several game mechanics are required in direct succession. These include the switch puzzle in the lower area, the activation of the experiment via batteries and the subsequent battle. If you are stuck on Octavius’ experiment, you will find the step-by-step process here in a clear order – from the switch panel to the next quest section.
Where does Octavius’ experiment begin in “Gateway to the Otherworld”?
The section starts in Scholastone after you have spoken to the orc Octavius. The quest then takes you to a device in the lower area below the dome. Current walkthroughs describe the same basic process: You go to the switch device, solve the puzzle there and use it to open access to the next interaction point.
If you are standing by the dome and are not sure whether you are in the right place, follow the path down into the underground section. There you will find the panel with the symbol fields, which belongs directly to Octavius’ experiment.
How the switch puzzle works in Octavius’ experiment
In front of you is a square switch device with several symbol fields. If you press one of them, not only does this field change, but also other parts of the board. This is precisely why the puzzle seems confusing at first glance.
It is not crucial for the progress of the quest to derive each reaction of the device individually, but to know the correct input sequence. Current quest guides describe a fixed solution for this section, with which the device is brought into the solved state.
The solution to the switch puzzle
The easiest way to solve the puzzle is to imagine the switch panel as a 3×3 field numbered from 1 to 9. In the picture, the top row corresponds to squares 1 to 3, the middle row to squares 4 to 6 and the bottom row to squares 7 to 9.
A simple documented solution is to press the four corner fields first and then the middle field. With the numbering on the board, this means: 1, 3, 7, 9, 5.
If you have made a mistake, you can start the input again cleanly and go through the sequence again step by step. As soon as the panel has been activated correctly, interact with the mechanism or the handle behind the open entrance once again. This triggers the next quest step and Octavius’ experiment enters the battery phase.
Important to know: Several input sequences seem to work for the switch panel. In addition to the simply documented solution with the four corner fields and the center, another guide also mentions the longer sequence 1, 9, 5, 3, 4, 8, 2, 6, 7. For quick quest progress, the shorter method is usually the easier choice in practice.
What you have to do after the puzzle
After the switch puzzle, go back up to the dome area. There are four floating cubes that serve as batteries for Octavius’ experiment. Your task now is to insert these energy sources into the devices provided on the pillars.
To do this, pick up the cubes with Axiom Force, place them in front of the correct opening and then push them into the holder with Force Palm. This procedure is described in the same way in several current guides.
When all four batteries are inserted, the pillars transmit energy to the central device. This activates the next section of Octavius’ experiment.
The central sphere and the fight against Tenebrum
After inserting the batteries, Octavius’ experiment gets out of control. You must then use Axiom Force to pull the unstable core or central sphere out of the device. Only then does the battle against Tenebrum begin.
This also makes it clear that the switch puzzle is not the end of the quest section. It is the first part of the mechanics, which is immediately followed by the battery phase and then the battle.
So if you only got stuck because of the switch panel, once you have solved the puzzle, the most complicated orientation section is already over and the quest moves on to the next phase.
Why many players get stuck at this point
The section combines several different tasks in quick succession: Orientation in the area, switch puzzles, using batteries and the transition into the boss fight. It is precisely this sequence that makes “Gateway to the Otherworld” confusing at times, even though the individual steps are clearly solvable on their own.
The puzzle in particular seems more complex at first glance because several symbols react at the same time. However, as soon as the input sequence is known, the quest step can be completed in a targeted manner and the process can be continued cleanly.
Octavius’ experiment in a nutshell: The quick solution
If you only need the short version, you can memorize the procedure as follows: Talk to Octavius, go to the lower area to the switch panel and activate the four corner fields first and then the middle field. Using the numbering on the panel, this means: 1, 3, 7, 9, 5. Then use the mechanism, go back upstairs, insert the four batteries into the columns with Axiom Force and activate them with Force Palm. Then pull the unstable core out of the center to start the fight against Tenebrum.
You have now completely covered the relevant quest sequence for Octavius’ experiment and can continue in “Gateway to the Otherworld” without any detours.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions from the community
What is the correct order for the switch puzzle?
A simple documented solution is to press the four corner fields first and then the middle field. With the numbering on the board, this corresponds to 1, 3, 7, 9, 5.
What do I have to do after the switch puzzle?
Then go back to the dome and insert four floating batteries into the matching columns. To do this, use Axiom Force to carry them and Force Palm to insert them.
Is Octavius’ experiment over after the riddle?
No. The puzzle is followed by the batteries, the activation of the central device and then the fight against Tenebrum.
Where can I find the switch device?
The device is located in the lower area below the dome, which you reach after Octavius’ speech.
What happens after the batteries are inserted?
After inserting the four cubes, the central device is activated. You must then pull out the unstable core or the central sphere, after which the battle against Tenebrum begins.
Our conclusion on Octavius’ experiment in Crimson Desert
The switch puzzle in “Gateway to the Otherworld” marks the start of a quest section in Crimson Desert that combines several mechanics. With the correct sequence on the device, the subsequent insertion of the batteries and the removal of the unstable core, the entire sequence of Octavius’ experiment is clearly structured. If you get stuck at this point, the fixed sequence for the switch puzzle is usually sufficient in practice to continue the quest in a targeted manner.
More Crimson Desert Guides
Other important Crimson Desert guides on getting started, farming silver, inventory and progress:
- Beginner’s guide – all the important basics for getting started
- 10 tips for beginners – avoid typical mistakes early on
- Expand inventory – more space for items and resources
- Trophies & Achievements – all Achievements for 100%
- Farm silver & earn money – the best methods
- Mounts & pets – Unlock and use companions
