Crafting Recipe

Midnight Black Dye Recipe

dyeCrafting

Midnight Black Dye Recipe is a Dye Station recipe for crafting Midnight Black Dye. Requires Squid Ink, Charcoal, and Mordant. Produces a deep matte black for the darkest armor and clothing colorways.

Midnight Black Dye is among the most sought-after cosmetic crafting products in Crimson Desert, favored by players who want their characters to project an intimidating silhouette against the game's varied landscapes. The combination of Squid Ink and Charcoal produces a matte finish that absorbs light rather than reflecting it, creating an effect that is visually distinct from the shinier metallic blacks found on some base armor sets. The Squid Ink ingredient is harvested from coastal fishing zones, giving players a reason to explore the shoreline areas that purely combat-focused adventurers might otherwise overlook.

The Midnight Black Dye Recipe yields a deep, absorbing black coloring favored by assassins, shadow operatives, and players who appreciate dark aesthetic customization. The recipe requires ingredients gathered from nighttime-only resource nodes, encouraging players to explore Pywel's dangerous nocturnal landscape to collect the necessary materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Requires 3 Shadow Essence, 2 Charcoal, and 1 Alchemical Binder. Shadow Essence drops from Abyss creatures at night.

At any Dye Workshop station. Recipe is a rare drop from Antumbra Order rewards or found in Abyss dungeon chests.

Colors equipment a deep pure black. One of the rarest dyes, highly valued for intimidating or stealthy-looking armor sets.

Details

CategoryDyeCrafting

Output Item

Midnight Black Dye

Ingredients

Item

Quantity

Created At

2026-03-17T19:53:00.094Z

Updated At

2026-04-01T19:29:36.861Z

Name

Squid Ink

Category

craftingMaterial

Rarity

common

Is Confirmed

Yes

Source

https://crimsondesertwiki.net/articles/crafting-guide-alchemy-dye-crafting-and-all-recipes https://game8.co/games/Crimson-Desert/archives/586897 https://crimsondesert.wiki.fextralife.com/Items

Confidence

medium

Data Last Verified

2026-04-01T00:00:00.000Z

Noindex

Population Status

verified

Agent Notes

Dye ingredient for Midnight Black Dye.

Last Edited By

agent

Auto Link Strings

None

Description

Root

Type: root
Children: Type Version Direction Format Indent Children
paragraph 1 ltr 0
Type Text Version
text Squid Ink is a dark, viscous fluid harvested from squid-type sea creatures found in Crimson Desert's coastal fishing zones, particularly along the shorelines accessible through the Fish Market district and the coastal approaches to Kweiden. The ink naturally contains dense, light-absorbing pigments that make it an essential component in dark dye recipes, particularly Midnight Black Dye, where its deep non-reflective properties are critical. Beyond dyeing, Squid Ink also serves as a writing medium in the game's optional letter-crafting and cartography side systems. 1
paragraph 1 ltr 0
Type Text Version
text Obtaining Squid Ink typically involves the Fishing minigame, squid can be caught in open-water fishing zones during specific times of day, dropping ink as a secondary byproduct of processing the catch. The Fish Market district in Hernand's city is the primary vendor location for Squid Ink if players prefer to purchase rather than gather directly. Experienced players who enjoy fishing content note that squid catches are most frequent during the game's evening and night cycles, when squid behavioral AI drives them to shallower, more accessible waters. 1
paragraph 1 ltr 0
Type Text Version
text In the crafting system's hierarchy, Squid Ink is classified as a refined biological material, not quite raw and not quite processed. Its versatility across multiple crafting categories (dyes, consumables, quest items) makes it worth gathering in bulk whenever the opportunity presents itself. Some quest chains in the Fish Market storyline specifically require Squid Ink deliveries to NPC fishers and merchants, making it useful to maintain a standing supply. The Squid Ink entry in Macduff's journal includes lore notes about traditional ink-making practices that predate Hernand's founding. 1
paragraph 1 ltr 0
Type Text Version
text Players who combine fishing trips with Squid Ink collection can build a substantial reserve without dedicating separate farming sessions to the material. The coastal waters south of the Fish Market are the most productive Squid Ink gathering zone, where a single evening fishing session during optimal tidal conditions can yield enough ink for multiple batches of Midnight Black Dye. Squid Ink also serves as a trade currency with the Fish Market's black-market merchants, who accept it in exchange for smuggled goods and restricted crafting blueprints not available through legitimate vendors. 1
paragraph 1 ltr 0
Type Text Version
text Squid Ink is an uncommon crafting material obtained through fishing or purchased from coastal merchants. It is the signature ingredient in Midnight Black Dye, producing a deep, rich black that is one of the most popular cosmetic choices among players. Since Squid Ink requires access to fishing spots or coastal towns, plan your gathering trips around seaside areas and consider stockpiling whenever you visit these locations. 1
Direction: ltr
Format
Indent: 0
Version: 1

Gallery

None

Icon

Created At

2026-04-01T18:22:23.216Z

Updated At

2026-04-01T18:22:23.216Z

Alt

Squid Ink - Crimson Desert

Depicts

Squid Ink icon

Image Category

icon

Fallback Thumbnail

Source Url

https://github.com/NattKh/CRIMSON-DESERT-SAVE-EDITOR

Retrieved At

2026-04-01T18:22:23.211Z

Url

/api/media/file/items-69b9b11ce39cb843237e91cb-1775067743211.png

Filename

items-69b9b11ce39cb843237e91cb-1775067743211.png

Mime Type

image/png

Filesize

46111

Width

256

Height

256

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69cd625f8b2b134a77b85ed2

Faq

Question	Answer
How do I get Squid Ink in Crimson Desert?	Squid Ink is obtained by fishing for squid in deep water areas or purchasing from coastal Fish Market vendors. It is a specialty aquatic material.
What is Squid Ink used for?	Squid Ink is primarily used in dye crafting to create dark-colored dyes. It may also be used in certain alchemy recipes as a unique reagent.
Where can I find Squid Ink?	Fish for squid at deep ocean or harbor fishing spots. Coastal vendors at the Fish Market also sell it, though availability may be limited.

69b9b11ce39cb843237e91cb

Created At

2026-03-17T19:53:00.277Z

Updated At

2026-04-01T19:29:36.687Z

Name

Charcoal

Category

craftingMaterial

Rarity

common

Is Confirmed

Yes

Source

https://crimsondesertwiki.net/articles/crafting-guide-alchemy-dye-crafting-and-all-recipes https://game8.co/games/Crimson-Desert/archives/586897 https://crimsondesert.wiki.fextralife.com/Crafting+Guide

Confidence

medium

Data Last Verified

2026-04-01T00:00:00.000Z

Noindex

Population Status

verified

Agent Notes

Dye ingredient for Midnight Black Dye.

Last Edited By

agent

Auto Link Strings

None

Description

Root

Type: root
Children: Type Version Direction Format Indent Children
paragraph 1 ltr 0
Type Text Version
text Charcoal is a processed fuel and crafting material in Crimson Desert produced by burning wood in low-oxygen conditions (replicating real-world charcoal production). Charcoal serves a dual role in the game: as a fuel source for Marni's Masterium furnace-based crafting processes that require sustained heat, and as a pigment component in certain dark dye and ink-based crafting recipes. Its relatively simple production method makes it one of the more accessible mid-tier materials, as players can produce it themselves using wood gathered throughout forested biomes. 1
paragraph 1 ltr 0
Type Text Version
text Wood for Charcoal production comes primarily from the Redfox Forest and Deepfog Basin regions, where tree-harvesting activity yields logs that can be processed at kiln stations found in most settlement areas. The Greymane Camp has particularly convenient kiln access for players farming in the northern biome regions. Charcoal is also available in modest quantities from vendor merchants in Hernand and Kweiden for players who want to skip the production step. Each batch of Charcoal produced at a kiln yields multiple units, making bulk production efficient for players stocking up before extended crafting sessions. 1
paragraph 1 ltr 0
Type Text Version
text In the context of Crimson Desert's world, Charcoal's widespread use reflects the game's pre-industrial technology level, smithing, alchemical heating, and cooking operations all depend on reliable fuel supply. Several faction questlines, particularly those involving the blacksmiths of Hernand Castle and the forge-workers of Roothold, require Charcoal deliveries as part of their supply chain objectives. Players who complete these supply quests regularly unlock discount pricing with associated vendors, making subsequent Charcoal purchases more economical. 1
paragraph 1 ltr 0
Type Text Version
text Charcoal's role in the Midnight Black Dye recipe makes it a surprisingly important material for cosmetic-focused players, as the carbonized pigment contributes the dense base layer of darkness that Squid Ink and Crow Wings build upon. Players who maintain a logging routine at the Redfox Forest and process their wood into Charcoal at the Greymane Camp kiln can build a self-sustaining fuel and pigment supply chain that supports both their crafting station operations and their dye production simultaneously, making Charcoal one of the most versatile utility materials in the game. 1
paragraph 1 ltr 0
Type Text Version
text Charcoal serves as a darkening agent in dye crafting, most notably as an ingredient in Midnight Black Dye when combined with Squid Ink and Mordant. It can be produced by burning wood at camp or purchased from crafting merchants in larger settlements. Beyond dye recipes, Charcoal also appears in certain Blacksmith refinement formulas, so maintaining a reserve is wise for players who want to stay prepared for both cosmetic and combat upgrades. 1
Direction: ltr
Format
Indent: 0
Version: 1

Gallery

None

Icon

Created At

2026-04-01T18:22:22.952Z

Updated At

2026-04-01T18:22:22.952Z

Alt

Charcoal - Crimson Desert

Depicts

Charcoal icon

Image Category

icon

Fallback Thumbnail

Source Url

https://github.com/NattKh/CRIMSON-DESERT-SAVE-EDITOR

Retrieved At

2026-04-01T18:22:22.944Z

Url

/api/media/file/items-69b9b11ce39cb843237e91cf-1775067742944.png

Filename

items-69b9b11ce39cb843237e91cf-1775067742944.png

Mime Type

image/png

Filesize

57977

Width

256

Height

256

Focal X

Focal Y

Sizes

Thumbnail: —
Square: —
Small: —
Medium: —
Large: —
Xlarge: —
Og: —

69cd625e8b2b134a77b85ec2

Faq

Question	Answer
How do I get Charcoal in Crimson Desert?	Charcoal is produced by burning wood at a furnace or campfire. It can also be purchased from general goods vendors in most settlements.
What is Charcoal used for?	Charcoal is used in blacksmithing as fuel, in alchemy as a reagent, and in dye-making. It is a versatile crafting material needed for many recipes.
Where can I find Charcoal?	Process wood at any furnace or purchase from material vendors. It is one of the most common and inexpensive crafting materials available.

69b9b11ce39cb843237e91cf

Created At

2026-03-17T19:52:18.556Z

Updated At

2026-04-01T19:29:38.665Z

Name

Mordant

Category

craftingMaterial

Rarity

common

Is Confirmed

Yes

Source

Confidence

medium

Data Last Verified

2026-04-01T00:00:00.000Z

Noindex

Population Status

verified

Agent Notes

Dye fixative. Used in Crimson Dye, Midnight Black Dye, and Royal Gold Dye recipes.

Last Edited By

agent

Auto Link Strings

None

Description

Root

Type: root
Children: Type Version Direction Format Indent Children
paragraph 1 ltr 0
Type Text Version
text Mordant is a chemical fixative used in Crimson Desert's dye crafting system to bind pigments permanently to armor and clothing materials. Without Mordant, even the most vibrant dyes would fade or wash out from equipment over time, making it a mandatory ingredient in virtually every dye recipe crafted at Marni's Masterium. The substance itself is derived through a precise alchemical reduction process involving mineral compounds, specifically processed through the Copper Sulfate reduction method taught by Marni's workshop apprentices. 1
paragraph 1 ltr 0
Type Text Version
text In the crafting hierarchy, Mordant is classified as a processed material rather than a raw harvest, players cannot simply gather it from the environment but must craft it or purchase it. Most players who engage with cosmetic customization find Mordant to be the limiting reagent in their dye production, as the other ingredients are generally more plentiful. Managing Mordant supply becomes a minor but consistent challenge for players pursuing extensive cosmetic customization across multiple equipment pieces simultaneously. 1
paragraph 1 ltr 0
Type Text Version
text Mordant's importance extends beyond purely cosmetic applications. Several advanced crafting recipes in Marni's Masterium use Mordant as a binding agent for enchantment-adjacent processes, essentially fixing magical properties into gear much as it fixes color into fabric. This dual utility makes stockpiling Mordant from early in the game a wise investment. Mordant is sold in limited quantities by the alchemist vendor at Marni's Masterium and can also be found as loot in workshop-type dungeons and craft-focused faction buildings. 1
paragraph 1 ltr 0
Type Text Version
text Players who want to maintain a healthy Mordant supply should establish a production routine that converts Copper Sulfate into Mordant at regular intervals, rather than waiting until they need dye and discovering they lack the fixative. The most efficient Mordant production method combines purchased Copper Sulfate from Kweiden's alchemist merchants with self-mined copper ore processed at Roothold's chemical reduction stations, yielding enough Mordant for several dye batches per crafting session. Completing the Marni's Masterium apprentice questline also unlocks a bulk Mordant recipe that produces larger quantities per crafting action. 1
paragraph 1 ltr 0
Type Text Version
text Mordant is the universal fixing agent required in every dye recipe in Crimson Desert, binding pigment ingredients to fabric permanently. Without Mordant, no dye can be crafted at the Dye Station, making it arguably the most essential crafting material for cosmetic customization. It can be purchased from general crafting merchants or gathered from certain mineral deposits. Always maintain a healthy stockpile, as running out of Mordant mid-crafting session is a common frustration for completionists. 1
Direction: ltr
Format
Indent: 0
Version: 1

Gallery

None

Icon

Created At

2026-04-01T18:22:38.864Z

Updated At

2026-04-01T18:22:38.864Z

Alt

Mordant - Crimson Desert

Depicts

Mordant icon

Image Category

icon

Fallback Thumbnail

Source Url

https://github.com/NattKh/CRIMSON-DESERT-SAVE-EDITOR

Retrieved At

2026-04-01T18:22:38.858Z

Url

/api/media/file/items-69b9b0f2e39cb843237e9183-1775067758858.png

Filename

items-69b9b0f2e39cb843237e9183-1775067758858.png

Mime Type

image/png

Filesize

51976

Width

256

Height

256

Focal X

Focal Y

Sizes

Thumbnail: —
Square: —
Small: —
Medium: —
Large: —
Xlarge: —
Og: —

69cd626e8b2b134a77b85f82

Faq

Question	Answer
How do I get Mordant in Crimson Desert?	Mordant is a crafting reagent purchased from alchemy and dye vendors in settlements. It is a standard supply item stocked at most crafting shops.
What is Mordant used for in Crimson Desert?	Mordant is a fixative agent essential for all dye crafting recipes. Without it, dyes cannot properly bond to equipment materials.
Where can I buy Mordant?	Purchase from alchemy vendors, dye crafters, and general material shops in any major settlement. It is inexpensive and widely available.

69b9b0f2e39cb843237e9183

Crafting StationDyeStation

Is ConfirmedYes

NoindexNo

Guides & Articles

Quick Facts

Type: Crafting Recipe
Confidence: Medium
Verified: Apr 1, 2026

Sources

https://game8.co/games/Crimson-Desert/archives/587737 https://game8.co/games/Crimson-Desert/archives/587643 https://crimsondesert.wiki.fextralife.com/Crimson+Desert+Wiki