In Xenoblade Chronicles 2, exploration and discovery are essential aspects of gameplay, and one intriguing location that often draws attention is the Crimson Derrick. This place holds significance both as a point of interest and as a hub tied to various gameplay mechanics and quests. Located in the Kingdom of Mor Ardain, the Crimson Derrick is a standout landmark that combines industrial aesthetics with thematic storytelling. For players aiming to explore every nook and cranny of Alrest, understanding the purpose, location, and uses of the Crimson Derrick is key to a more complete experience.
Where to Find the Crimson Derrick
The Crimson Derrick is situated in Mor Ardain, one of the major Titans in Xenoblade Chronicles 2. Specifically, it is located within the Lower Level of the Old Factory zone. This area becomes accessible as part of the story progression during Chapter 5, when Rex and his party infiltrate the empire’s old industrial facilities. The name ‘Crimson Derrick’ refers to a large red oil rig-like structure that plays a role in both the plot and world-building of Mor Ardain’s militarized and industrial society.
Reaching the Location
To reach the Crimson Derrick, players must follow the main questline until they are directed to investigate the Old Factory. As the story unfolds, you will be asked to disable various security systems and sneak through heavily guarded zones. Eventually, you will reach a landmark known as Crimson Derrick, which also becomes a fast travel point once discovered. This makes it easier to revisit for side quests, collection points, and monster hunts.
Visual and Environmental Design
The environment of the Crimson Derrick reflects Mor Ardain’s reliance on steam power, oil production, and heavy machinery. Large pipelines, mechanical lifts, and red-painted metallic surfaces dominate the area, creating a stark contrast to the natural environments found elsewhere in Alrest. Steam vents and industrial lighting add to the immersive feel of a functioning, if somewhat decaying, facility.
While not as majestic or lush as areas like Gormott or Leftheria, the Crimson Derrick contributes to the visual diversity of Xenoblade Chronicles 2, showcasing a different side of the world one shaped by industry, conquest, and power.
Gameplay Significance of the Crimson Derrick
Story Progression
The Crimson Derrick is tied directly to the main narrative during the infiltration of Mor Ardain’s Old Factory. During this mission, players must fight through waves of guards, solve mechanical puzzles, and access secured terminals. The area plays host to important cutscenes that further the story, including interactions with key characters such as Mòrag and Niall.
Side Quests and NPCs
Once the story events in the area are completed, players may return to the Crimson Derrick to complete several side quests. These quests often involve helping NPCs with factory-related issues, such as restoring power, clearing out monsters, or gathering industrial materials.
- Quest: The Old Worker’s Worry Involves repairing a malfunctioning lift system using specific collectible parts.
- Quest: Pressure Control Trouble Requires defeating monsters that have infested the lower derrick chambers.
- Quest: Oil and Honor A more combat-heavy side quest where players defend the rig from attacking mercenaries.
These quests give more depth to the area, turning it into more than just a temporary waypoint. Completing them also rewards experience, gold, and unique accessories useful for character builds.
Collection Points and Salvaging
The Crimson Derrick contains several collection points where players can gather mechanical parts, fuel-based materials, and other components used in crafting and quests. These materials often tie into Merc Missions or the development of the town economy back in Mor Ardain’s capital, Alba Cavanich.
Though you cannot perform salvaging dives directly at the Derrick, the parts found here are often necessary for crafting salvage gear, which can improve the quality of items retrieved from other locations.
Unique Monsters Near the Crimson Derrick
Like many locations in Xenoblade Chronicles 2, the Crimson Derrick has its share of tough enemies and optional mini-bosses. These monsters are usually mechanical or machine-enhanced, fitting the industrial theme.
Notable Unique Monsters
- Hacktivist Dronox (Lv. 45): A rogue AI-driven drone that guards one of the derrick’s upper platforms.
- Geargrind Armaddon (Lv. 48): A hybrid machine-beast found in the lower engine corridors, difficult to access without proper field skills.
- Rustweld Megatank (Lv. 50): A large, tank-like unique monster that appears only at night near the Derrick’s outer walkway.
Defeating these enemies can grant rare cores, weapon mods, and accessory drops. They also count toward unique monster completion goals for players aiming to unlock powerful Blade abilities.
Field Skills and Blade Requirements
Navigating the Crimson Derrick sometimes requires specific Field Skills, especially for unlocking doors or activating lifts. Players should ensure their active Blades provide the following:
- Mechanics: At least level 3 to interact with factory consoles.
- Focus: To decipher terminals tied to story quests.
- Superstrength: Needed to move heavy objects or open stuck gates.
Make sure to switch in Blades with appropriate field skills before entering the area. Some puzzles can only be solved if you meet multiple skill thresholds, requiring rotation between party members and their Blades.
Lore and Worldbuilding
The Crimson Derrick isn’t just a functional area it also serves as a narrative tool. Through in-game texts, NPC dialogue, and environmental clues, it becomes clear that the Derrick was once a major oil extraction site crucial to Mor Ardain’s military operations. However, its current state hints at a decline in efficiency and a broader theme of industrial overreach and environmental damage contrasting the more spiritual or natural motifs seen in other regions.
Its existence also supports Xenoblade Chronicles 2’s overarching themes of resource dependency and technological legacy. The fact that players must interact with this deteriorating infrastructure adds a layer of realism to the world’s socio-political struggles between Titans like Mor Ardain and Uraya.
Why Players Should Revisit the Crimson Derrick
Even after the main story events move you away from Mor Ardain, the Crimson Derrick remains a worthwhile location for several reasons:
- Farming industrial crafting materials
- Completing side quests for rewards and lore
- Defeating high-level unique monsters for loot
- Revisiting for Affinity Chart development and Merc Missions
Its convenient fast travel point also makes it easy to drop in and out while grinding for rare drops or testing different party setups.
The Crimson Derrick is a memorable and mechanically rich location in Xenoblade Chronicles 2. Blending story importance, exploration opportunities, and combat challenges, it exemplifies how Monolith Soft builds layers of gameplay into even seemingly minor zones. For those who want to experience everything Alrest has to offer, a thorough visit to the Crimson Derrick is more than worthwhile. Whether you’re chasing side quests, fighting unique monsters, or diving deeper into Mor Ardain’s industrial culture, this location offers a satisfying mix of story and gameplay that enhances your journey across the Titans.