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Introducing the Latest Gaming Desktops by Acer Nitro - The Nitro 85
Join us as we explore the latest Acer Nitro desktop lineup, breaking down all three Acer Nitro 85 configurations, comparing their CPU and GPU combinations, and helping you figure out which one deserves a spot on your desk. Building on the foundations laid by the best budget gaming desktop and mid tier budget gaming desktop systems in the Nitro family, the Acer Nitro 85 steps in as the new performance leader of the pack. All three models share the same modern platform with DDR5 memory, PCIe 4.0 storage, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, while the CPU and GPU combinations give each machine its own personality and strengths.
And that is where things start to get interesting. One Acer Nitro 85 pairs the gaming-favorite Ryzen 7 7800X3D with NVIDIA graphics for a proven gaming combination, another combines the Ryzen 9 with the Radeon RX 9070 XT to push hard on value and raw gaming performance, while the Intel-powered variant shows how far Intel has come as it continues closing the gap in gaming performance. All three are serious gaming desktops, but they target slightly different users, and the differences go far beyond simply choosing a CPU brand or graphics card. Let’s jump right in!
1. Acer Nitro 85 Gaming Desktop – N85-100-UR38
If gaming comes first and everything else comes second, the Acer Nitro 85 Gaming Desktop – N85-100-UR38 is arguably the play-to slay flagship of the lineup. It pairs the highly respected AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070, combining one of the strongest gaming CPUs of recent years with NVIDIA’s mature software ecosystem. The result is a desktop aimed squarely at players chasing high frame rates, competitive gaming performance, and long gaming sessions without compromise.
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D earned its reputation thanks to AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology, helping it become a favorite among gamers and benchmark charts alike. Pairing it with the RTX 5070 also opens the door to NVIDIA features such as DLSS, ray tracing, creator tools, and the broader RTX software ecosystem. For gamers who value plug-and-play features and broad game support, this combination remains extremely attractive.
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D has already earned a rock-solid reputation among gamers, while the RTX 5070 brings a familiar ecosystem with mature drivers, broad game support, and features that many players already know and use. It may not push the raw value argument as hard as the RX 9070 XT system, but it delivers a balanced combination of gaming performance, software support, and long-term confidence that will appeal to most serious players.
* Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D (up to 5.0 GHz)
* Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070, 12 GB GDDR7
* Memory: 16 GB DDR5
* Storage: 1 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
* Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 2.5Gb Ethernet
* Price: $2,199.99
Pros: Outstanding gaming CPU, mature NVIDIA software support, strong ray tracing and DLSS ecosystem.
Cons: The RTX 5070 gives up some raw value and VRAM compared with the RX 9070 XT configuration elsewhere in the lineup.
2. Acer Nitro 85 Gaming Desktop – N85-100-UR37
If the UR38 is the gaming specialist, then the Acer Nitro 85 Gaming Desktop – N85-100-UR37 is the value heavyweight of the family. At the same $2,199.99 price point, Acer swaps the RTX card for an AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT and upgrades the processor to the Ryzen 9 9900X, creating a desktop that pushes hard on raw performance and multicore muscle.
The star of the show here is the RX 9070 XT, arguably the best value GPU floating around this year. AMD’s latest card has been making serious waves thanks to its performance-per-dollar proposition, with many gamers viewing it as one of the strongest value GPUs currently available. It also brings 16 GB of VRAM, giving it an advantage over the RTX 5070 configuration when it comes to memory capacity. Combined with the 12-core Ryzen 9, this Acer Nitro desktop starts looking attractive not only for gaming but also for heavier workloads, streaming, multitasking, and creator tasks.
The RX 9070 XT is not just a value play either. In raw gaming performance it can punch noticeably above the RTX 5070, while also bringing a larger 16 GB VRAM buffer to the table. That combination of higher gaming output and extra memory capacity is a big reason why many players now view it as one of the strongest value graphics cards available.
That said, there is a tradeoff. While the RX 9070 XT delivers impressive gaming performance, NVIDIA still retains an edge in software support, ray tracing maturity, and features such as DLSS. Gamers who value those extras may still prefer the RTX route, even if AMD wins the raw performance and value conversation.
* Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 9900X (up to 5.6 GHz)
* Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT, 16 GB GDDR6
* Memory: 16 GB DDR5
* Storage: 1 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
* Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 2.5Gb Ethernet
* Price: $2,199.99
Pros: Excellent value-per-performance, 16 GB VRAM, stronger multicore CPU, impressive gaming output.
Cons: NVIDIA still leads in software ecosystem features, DLSS support, and creator-focused tools.
3. Acer Nitro 85 Gaming Desktop – N85-600-UR35
Three is the magic number and the Acer Nitro 85 Gaming Desktop – N85-600-UR35, is the Intel-powered entry of the Nitro family and also the most affordable configuration at $1,999.99. Acer pairs the Intel Core Ultra 7 265F with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070, creating a machine that balances gaming performance, modern platform features, and a lower price tag.
AMD may have dominated much of the gaming CPU conversation recently, especially with its X3D chips, but Intel has been steadily closing the gap. The 20-core Core Ultra 7 265F gives this system plenty of horsepower for gaming while also offering strong multitasking potential. Combined with the RTX 5070 and NVIDIA’s software stack, this desktop feels like a well-rounded option for players who want gaming performance while keeping one foot in productivity, content creation, or streaming.
The biggest advantage here is value. You still get the same Nitro 85 platform, identical connectivity, DDR5 memory, Wi-Fi 7, PCIe 4.0 storage, and the RTX ecosystem, all while saving $200 compared with the AMD flagship configurations. For many buyers, that alone may make this the sweet spot.
* Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 265F (up to 5.3 GHz)
* Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070, 12 GB GDDR7
* Memory: 16 GB DDR5
* Storage: 1 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
* Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 2.5Gb Ethernet
* Price: $1,999.99
Pros: Lowest price in the lineup, modern Intel platform, strong balance between gaming and productivity, RTX ecosystem benefits.
Cons: Gaming enthusiasts chasing maximum FPS may still gravitate toward the Ryzen 7 7800X3D model.
AMD vs NVIDIA: Which Nitro 85 Configuration Should You Choose?
The Acer Nitro 85 lineup provides players with three distinct approaches to gaming performance, each opening a world of gaming possibilities. AMD has been on a remarkable run in gaming over the last few years, especially with chips such as the Ryzen 7 7800X3D becoming favorites among enthusiasts and benchmark charts alike. The Ryzen-powered Acer Nitro 85 models lean into that momentum, delivering gaming-first performance while also offering strong value.
On the graphics side, the Radeon RX 9070 XT deserves special attention. AMD’s latest card has built a strong reputation for performance-per-dollar and many gamers now view it as one of the strongest value graphics cards currently available, with far better performance than the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070. The combination of the Ryzen 9 9900X and RX 9070 XT in the UR37 configuration makes a compelling case for buyers who prioritize raw gaming performance and value.
Still, NVIDIA holds other important advantages. Features such as DLSS, ray tracing support, creator tools, and the broader RTX software ecosystem remain major selling points, particularly for gamers who stream, create content, or want access to NVIDIA’s mature feature stack. That is where the RTX 5070 systems continue to shine. In short, the UR38 is the gaming specialist, the UR37 is the value powerhouse, and the UR35 acts as the balanced entry point into the Nitro 85 family.
Acer Nitro 85: the choice is yours
All three desktops in the Acer Nitro 85 family share the same modern foundation with DDR5 memory, PCIe 4.0 storage, Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, and room to grow, but the CPU and GPU combinations push each machine in a different direction.
If gaming comes first, the Acer Nitro 85 Gaming Desktop – N85-100-UR38 remains a compelling pick thanks to the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and RTX pairing. If you are chasing value and raw gaming performance, the Acer Nitro 85 Gaming Desktop – N85-100-UR37 makes a very strong argument with its Ryzen 9 and RX 9070 XT combination. Meanwhile, the Acer Nitro 85 Gaming Desktop – N85-600-UR35 lowers the entry price while still delivering the RTX ecosystem and modern Intel hardware.
Let’s not forget: the extended Acer Nitro family now covers a surprisingly wide range of players too. If the Nitro 85 sits at the performance end of the spectrum, gamers looking for something more affordable can still explore the best budget gaming desktop in the Nitro 50 range, for other best budget gaming laptops, while the Nitro 60 handles the mid tier budget gaming desktop territory. Together they give the Nitro lineup a desktop for almost every budget and performance target.
Before we say goodbye, let’s get back to the Acer Nitro 85! Despite their differences, all three Acer Nitro desktops should remain highly capable gaming systems for 5+ years, making them solid long-term investments for players planning to keep their rig through multiple gaming generations.
Students can stretch the value even further with Acer’s 15% student discount, knocking even more off systems that are already built to last for years. And once you have sorted the desktop, do not forget the display side of the setup. If you need a monitor to match your new rig, check out Acer’s guide to 5 must-buy 4K monitors from Acer in 2026.
FAQs
Which Acer Nitro 85 is best for gaming?
The Acer Nitro 85 Gaming Desktop – N85-100-UR38 is the gaming-focused flagship thanks to its Ryzen 7 7800X3D and RTX 5070 combination, making it a strong choice for players prioritizing high frame rates.
Which Acer Nitro 85 offers the best value?
The Acer Nitro 85 Gaming Desktop – N85-100-UR37 makes a compelling value argument with its Ryzen 9 9900X and Radeon RX 9070 XT pairing, delivering strong raw gaming performance and 16 GB VRAM.
Is the RX 9070 XT better than the RTX 5070?
In raw gaming performance, the RX 9070 XT can outperform the RTX 5070 and also includes more VRAM. However, NVIDIA still holds advantages in areas such as DLSS, ray tracing, and software support.
Is Intel still good for gaming in 2026?
Yes. The Acer Nitro 85 Gaming Desktop – N85-600-UR35 shows how Intel has continued closing the gap, pairing the Core Ultra 7 265F with an RTX 5070 for a balanced gaming and productivity setup.
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Best Acer Monitors Under $100
If you are looking for the best budget monitors under $100, this guide will set you on course with affordable options for work, study, entertainment, and light gaming without breaking the bank. Buying a monitor on a tight budget no longer means settling for tiny screens, washed-out colors, or outdated features. Today’s best budget monitors can still offer Full HD resolution, fast refresh rates, slim designs, and eye-care technology at surprisingly accessible prices.
Whether you need a budget computer monitor for a home office setup, a second screen for productivity, or even a budget friendly gaming monitor for casual play, there are now plenty of choices available. The key is finding the right balance between size, refresh rate, connectivity, and everyday usability.
In this roundup, we’ll look at seven, yes seven Acer budget monitors under $100 and break down what makes each one worth considering, from general-purpose displays to gaming monitors under 100 options that deliver extra speed without the premium price tag. Let’s get stuck into the magnificent seven!
1. Acer Nitro VG0 Gaming Monitor – VG240Y P6BIP
The Acer Nitro VG0 Gaming Monitor – VG240Y P6BIP shows how far budget friendly gaming monitors have come. Priced at just $79.99, it combines a 23.8-inch Full HD display with a fast 144 Hz refresh rate and 1 ms response time, delivering smoother gameplay and faster reactions than typical entry-level office displays.
AMD FreeSync support helps reduce tearing and stutter, making it a solid gaming monitor under $100 for esports titles, everyday gaming, and general entertainment. Beyond gaming, the wide 178° viewing angles make it useful for streaming, study setups, and shared viewing. The budget friendly gaming monitor also includes tilt adjustment and VESA wall-mount support, giving users more flexibility when building a desk setup.
* Screen: 23.8" Full HD (1920 × 1080), 144 Hz
* Response time: 1 ms
* Tech: AMD FreeSync
* Viewing angles: 178° / 178°
* Mounting: VESA 100 × 100, wall mount compatible
* Brightness: 250 nits
* Price: $79.99 (was $129.99)
2. Acer KB2 Essential Monitor – KB242Y G0BI
Not everyone shopping for the best budget monitors needs an all-out gaming display, and the Acer KB2 Essential Monitor – KB242Y G0BI leans more toward everyday versatility. Also priced at just $79.99, it delivers a 23.8-inch Full HD IPS panel with a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate over HDMI, making it a strong option for work, study, web browsing, and general entertainment.
HDMI and VGA connectivity also make it easier to pair with both newer and older systems, helping this high value but low cost monitor earn its place among today’s good budget monitors. Also, note that the IPS panel provides wide 178° viewing angles for clearer shared viewing and more consistent colors.
* Display: 23.8" Full HD (1920 × 1080), IPS, up to 120 Hz (HDMI) / 75 Hz (VGA)
* Response time: 1 ms
* Tech: IPS panel technology Viewing angles: 178° / 178°
* Mounting: VESA 100 × 100, wall mount compatible
* Connectivity: HDMI 1.4, VGA
* Brightness: 250 nits
* Price: $79.99 (was $129.99)
3. Acer K2 Essential Monitor – K202Q BI
If desk space is limited or you simply need an inexpensive second screen, the Acer K2 Essential Monitor – K202Q BI keeps things compact and affordable. At $79.99, this 19.5-inch display offers an HD+ resolution and 75 Hz refresh rate, making it suitable for everyday office work, browsing, email, and study setups where a smaller footprint is preferred.
Compact size also makes this entry-level monitor a practical option for secondary workstations, reception areas, or home offices. The TN panel keeps costs down while still providing responsive performance for everyday use, and features such as tilt adjustment, VESA mounting support, and HDMI plus VGA connectivity add flexibility for older and newer systems alike.
* Display: 19.5" HD+ (1600 × 900), TN, 75 Hz
* Response time: 5 ms
* Tech: Twisted Nematic (TN), 6 Axis Color Adjustment
* Viewing angles: 90° / 65°
* Mounting: VESA 100 × 100, wall mount compatible
* Connectivity: HDMI, VGA
* Brightness: 200 nits
* Price: $79.99
4. Acer SB3 Essential Monitor – SB243Y G0BI
For ten dollars more than some of the $79 options in this roundup, the Acer SB3 Essential Monitor – SB243Y G0BI adds a little extra polish while still staying comfortably under the $100 mark. At $89.99, it combines a 23.8-inch Full HD IPS display with a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate over HDMI, giving users a balanced option for work, study, streaming, and everyday entertainment.
HDMI and VGA inputs also keep compatibility broad, helping this affordable monitor fit into home offices, study areas, and multi-display workstations. A surprisingly wide-view IPS panel helps maintain consistent image quality across different angles, while tilt adjustment and VESA support provide extra setup options.
* Display: 23.8" Full HD (1920 × 1080), IPS, up to 120 Hz (HDMI) / 75 Hz (VGA)
* Response time: 1 ms
* Tech: In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology
* Viewing angles: 178° / 178°
* Mounting: VESA 100 × 100, wall mount compatible
* Connectivity: HDMI 1.4, VGA
* Brightness: 250 nits
* Price: $89.99 (was $129.99)
5. Acer Nitro KG1 Gaming Monitor – KG241Y M3BIIP
Perched at the top end of today’s roundup sits the Acer Nitro KG1 Gaming Monitor – KG241Y M3BIIP, squeezing an impressive amount of gaming hardware into a $99.99 package. The headline feature is the 180 Hz refresh rate, paired with a 23.8-inch Full HD IPS panel, AMD FreeSync Premium support, and HDR10, giving competitive players a surprisingly capable setup for under $100.
Beyond plain speed, the IPS panel delivers wide viewing angles, while built-in speakers, VESA mounting support, and HDMI 2.0 plus DisplayPort connectivity add extra versatility. Features such as ComfyView and flicker reduction also help make staring at this entry level gaming monitor more comfortable during longer sessions.
* Display: 23.8" Full HD (1920 × 1080), IPS, 180 Hz
* Response time: 1 ms
* Tech: AMD FreeSync Premium, HDR10, IPS technology
* Viewing angles: 178° / 178°
* Mounting: VESA 100 × 100, wall mount compatible
* Connectivity: HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort
* Brightness: 250 nits
* Price: $99.99 (was $149.99)
6. Acer KB2 Essential Monitor – KB272 G0BI
If screen size matters more than gaming extras, the Acer KB2 Essential Monitor – KB272 G0BI delivers maximum screen real estate for minimum moolah. At $99.99, it stretches up to a spacious 27-inch Full HD IPS panel while still delivering a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate over HDMI, making it well suited for multitasking, streaming, study sessions, and everyday productivity.
The larger panel is backed by solid 178° viewing angles, adjustable tilt support, and VESA mounting compatibility for a range of desk layouts. HDMI and VGA connectivity also help keep older systems in play, making this budget friendly home office monitor a practical option for users wanting extra screen space without crossing the $100 line.
* Display: 27" Full HD (1920 × 1080), IPS, up to 120 Hz (HDMI) / 75 Hz (VGA)
* Response time: 1 ms VRB
* Tech: In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology
* Viewing angles: 178° / 178°
* Mounting: VESA 100 × 100, wall mount compatible
* Connectivity: HDMI 1.4, VGA
* Brightness: 250 nits
* Price: $99.99 (was $149.99)
7. Acer Nitro KG1 Gaming Monitor – KG251Q M3BIIP
Freshly reduced from $169.99, the Acer Nitro KG1 Gaming Monitor – KG251Q M3BIIP can be all yours for a mere $99.99. For under 100 bucks, you get a 24.5-inch Full HD IPS panel running at 180 Hz, along with HDR10 support and gaming-focused features that push it closer to higher-tier displays.
Built-in speakers, DisplayPort and HDMI 2.0 connectivity, plus the fast refresh rate make this affordable gaming monitor a natural step up for players wanting more than entry-level hardware. Admittedly, it is not quite under the line, but it shows what a small budget increase can deliver.
* Display: 24.5" Full HD (1920 × 1080), IPS, 180 Hz
* Response time: 1 ms VRB
* Tech: HDR10, In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology
* Viewing angles: 178° / 178°
* Mounting: VESA 100 × 100, wall mount compatible
* Connectivity: HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort
* Brightness: 250 nits
* Price: $99.99 (was $169.99)
Final thoughts
Finding a good monitor no longer means emptying your wallet. As this roundup shows, today’s best budget monitors can still pack in IPS panels, high refresh rates, gaming features, and larger screens while staying around the $100 mark, with several options dropping all the way to $79.99. At these prices, you might even want to sort yourself out with a pair of displays and finally escape the single-monitor struggle.
Students can push the value even further with the Acer Student Discount program, taking prices that are already bargain territory and dragging them into almost criminally cheap territory with 15% discounts all round. If none of these budget displays quite hit the mark, or you want something with more gaming firepower, higher refresh rates, and extra features, check out other budget friendly gaming monitors under $250.
FAQs
Are budget monitors good for gaming?
Yes. Several monitors in this roundup offer refresh rates of 120 Hz, 144 Hz, and even 180 Hz, making them suitable for esports titles, casual gaming, and everyday play. Features such as AMD FreeSync and HDR support also appear on some models.
What is the best monitor under $100?
That depends on your needs. The Acer Nitro models focus more on gaming performance, while the Acer KB and Acer SB series are better suited to work, study, and general use.
Can you get a gaming monitor under $100?
Yes. Gaming monitors under $100 are now more common, with some Acer models offering high refresh rates, fast response times, and gaming features while staying close to the $80 to $100 range.
Is a 75 Hz monitor good enough?
For office work, study, streaming, and general use, yes. A 75 Hz display already feels smoother than traditional 60 Hz screens and works well for most everyday users.
Are IPS monitors better than TN monitors?
IPS panels usually offer wider viewing angles and better color consistency, while TN panels are often more affordable and can still work well for basic tasks and budget setups.
Can students get extra discounts on Acer monitors?
Yes. Eligible students can use the Acer Student Discount program, which may reduce prices even further. For example, a $79.99 monitor could drop to around $68 with a 15% discount.
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How to Ride a Dragon in Crimson Desert
The Blackstar dragon is one of the most exciting mounts in Crimson Desert. It lets you fly across Pywel, attack enemies from the air, and clear enemy camps with fire-based attacks. But you do not unlock it early, and the game does not simply hand it to you after the first encounter.
To get the Blackstar dragon mount in Crimson Desert, you must first meet and cleanse Blackstar during Chapter 9, then progress to Chapter 11 and complete the Golden Star boss sequence. After that, return to the Nest of Valor to unlock Blackstar as a permanent summonable mount.
This guide explains every step, including the Stamina requirement, the Chapter 9 riding sequence, the Chapter 11 boss fight, and how Blackstar works once unlocked.
Quick answer: how to unlock the dragon mount in Crimson Desert
You unlock the Blackstar dragon mount near the end of Chapter 11.
Here is the basic process:
* Progress through the main story until Chapter 9.
* Complete the Shattered Stars quest chain in Urdavah.
* Make sure your Stamina is at least Level 5.
* Ride and cleanse Blackstar during the Chapter 9 sequence.
* Continue the story until Chapter 11.
* Defeat the Golden Star boss during the Foreboding Shadow quest chain.
* Return to the Nest of Valor.
* Blackstar becomes your permanent dragon mount.
Spoiler warning: This guide includes story details from Chapter 9 and Chapter 11.
When do you first meet Blackstar?
You first encounter Blackstar during Chapter 9 as part of the Shattered Stars quest chain. This section takes you to Urdavah, where you find the wounded dragon and remove a spear from its body during a story cutscene.
At this point, Blackstar is not your mount yet. The scene only introduces the dragon and sets up the next part of the unlock process. After the cutscene, you will need to return to Urdavah and complete a riding sequence to cleanse Blackstar.
Before you start: level your Stamina to Level 5
Do not start the Blackstar riding sequence unless your Stamina is at least Level 5.
This is the most important requirement in the entire process. During the Chapter 9 sequence, you must perform an Aerial Maneuver after grappling onto Blackstar. That move costs 200 Stamina, so you will not be able to complete the objective if your Stamina is too low.
If the sequence feels impossible, check your Stamina first. In most cases, the issue is not your timing. It is that your character does not have enough Stamina to perform the required action.
How to ride and cleanse Blackstar in Chapter 9
After the first Blackstar cutscene, return to Urdavah. When you are close enough, open the pause menu and look for the “Wait” option. Selecting it moves you to the battlements, where Blackstar will fly toward you.
Here is what to do:
* Wait for Blackstar to approach the battlements.
* Jump and glide as the dragon passes below you.
* Use Axiom Force to grapple onto Blackstar’s back.
* Immediately press the jump button to perform the Aerial Maneuver.
* Hold the “Resist” prompt whenever Blackstar dives, twists, or rolls.
* When prompted, activate Focus.
* Charge Force Palm.
* Aim at the glowing mark on Blackstar’s back and release the attack.
If done correctly, this purifies Blackstar. The dragon will fly away afterward, but you still have more story to complete before it becomes your permanent mount.
Why can’t I complete the Blackstar riding sequence?
If you are stuck during the Chapter 9 dragon sequence, check these common issues.
Your Stamina may be too low. You need Stamina Level 5 because the Aerial Maneuver costs 200 Stamina.
You may be grappling too late. Jump and glide before Blackstar is directly below you so you have enough time to target its back.
You may not be pressing jump after grappling. Latching on is not enough. You need to trigger the Aerial Maneuver immediately.
You may be missing the Resist prompt. Hold the prompt when Blackstar dives or rolls. If you ignore it, you may lose your grip.
You may be releasing Force Palm too early. Wait until the attack is charged and the glowing target appears on Blackstar’s back.
How to unlock Blackstar permanently in Chapter 11
Blackstar becomes a permanent mount during Chapter 11, not Chapter 9.
Continue the main story until you reach the Foreboding Shadow quest chain. This sends you to Delesyia, where you eventually fight Golden Star, a mechanical dragon boss.
Golden Star uses heavy attacks such as flame tornadoes and explosive barrages, so keep moving and avoid staying directly in front of it for too long. When the boss becomes immobile, throw spears to deal major damage. This is one of the fastest ways to push the fight forward.
Once you reduce Golden Star’s health enough, Blackstar appears and helps finish the encounter. After the battle, return to the Nest of Valor, the location connected to your earlier Chapter 9 sequence. Blackstar will be waiting there. From that point on, it becomes your permanent dragon mount.
Can you use Blackstar anywhere?
Blackstar can be summoned while exploring Pywel, but there are limits. You cannot freely use it in every location, and it cannot be summoned inside the Abyss realm.
The dragon is extremely powerful, so the game limits both how long and how often you can use it. Blackstar can only be used for 15 minutes at a time, and after that, it has a 60-minute cooldown before you can summon it again.
Because of this, Blackstar is best treated as a high-impact mount for long-distance travel, enemy camps, and large outdoor fights rather than something you rely on every few minutes.
Blackstar dragon abilities and controls
Once unlocked, Blackstar gives you both flight and combat options.
Blackstar can:
* Fly across the open world
* Shoot fireballs
* Lock onto targets for multiple fireball attacks
* Use fire breath at close range
* Perform mid-air evasive rolls
* Clear enemy camps quickly
The lock-on fireball attack may not always behave consistently, so fire breath and direct fireball attacks are often more reliable when fighting groups of enemies.
Blackstar is powerful, but its use is limited. Each summon lasts up to 15 minutes, followed by a 60-minute real-time cooldown. Save it for major travel routes, large outdoor fights, or clearing enemy camps when you want to make the most of its short active window.
Can you give armor to Blackstar?
Yes. After unlocking Blackstar, you can later craft the Abyssal Dragon Armor, a late-game upgrade that changes Blackstar’s appearance into a more mechanical, armored dragon.
This does not unlock a new dragon mount. It is armor for Blackstar. To get it, you need to progress well into Chapter 11, defeat the Golden Star boss, and then follow the Flight: Wings of Iron quest under the Faction Quests: Hernand - The Witches tab.
The process is not very clearly explained in-game. In short, you need to craft the Small Kuku ATAG first, then use it as part of the recipe for the Abyssal Dragon Armor. Important materials include a Kuku Iron Pot, Abyss Cells, Cogwheels, Small Batteries, Golden Star’s Component, Core: Ore of Resipiscence, and Aeserion’s Scale. The Golden Star’s Component is received after defeating Golden Star in Chapter 11.
Once the armor is crafted, track Flight: Wings of Iron and return to the Nest of Valor. Walk to the marked spot to trigger a cutscene, and Blackstar will receive the Abyssal Dragon Armor.
Are there other flying dragon or wyvern mounts?
For now, Blackstar appears to be the only flying dragon mount available in the current version of Crimson Desert.
Some sources mention other possible flying mounts, including the Abyssal Dragon, Ember Wyvern, Highland Wyvern, and Storm Drake. However, those mounts do not appear to be available as rideable flying dragon or wyvern mounts at this time.
The confusion likely comes from pre-release trailers and promotional footage, which showed the player character riding other dragon-like or wyvern-like creatures. Those scenes suggested that more flying mounts could exist in the full game, but so far, Blackstar is the only confirmed flying dragon mount players can actually unlock and use.
That may change in future updates, DLC, or post-launch content. For now, though, if you want a flying dragon mount in Crimson Desert, Blackstar is the one to get.
Conclusion
The Blackstar dragon mount is not an early-game reward in Crimson Desert. You first meet the dragon in Chapter 9, but the permanent unlock does not happen until Chapter 11. The key requirement is Stamina Level 5, which allows you to complete the riding and cleansing sequence in Urdavah.
Once you defeat Golden Star and return to the Nest of Valor, Blackstar becomes one of the most powerful mounts in the game. It can fly across Pywel, attack enemies from the air, and make exploration feel much faster. Just remember that Blackstar can only be used for 15 minutes at a time and has a 60-minute cooldown after each use.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZxabvs4K1E
If you are exploring Pywel, fighting large enemies, and want a PC that can keep up with modern open-world games, Acer has a full lineup of powerful and affordable gaming laptops. One strong option is the Acer's best selling budget gaming laptop of 2026, the Acer Nitro V 16 AI.
Key specs include:
* Windows 11 Home
* AMD Ryzen™ 7 350 processor, octa-core 2 GHz
* NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5060 with 8 GB dedicated memory
* 16" WUXGA (1920 x 1200) 16:10 IPS display with 180 Hz refresh rate
* 16 GB DDR5 SDRAM
* 1 TB SSD
If you’re looking for a new powerful yet affordable gaming laptop, check out the Acer Nitro V 16 AI today!
FAQ
What chapter do you get the dragon mount in Crimson Desert?
You unlock Blackstar as a permanent dragon mount in Chapter 11 after completing the Golden Star boss sequence and returning to the Nest of Valor.
Do you ride Blackstar before Chapter 11?
Yes. You ride and cleanse Blackstar during Chapter 9, but it does not become your permanent mount at that point.
What Stamina level do you need for Blackstar?
You need Stamina Level 5 or higher. The Chapter 9 riding sequence requires an Aerial Maneuver that costs 200 Stamina.
Where do you unlock Blackstar?
The process starts in Urdavah during Chapter 9. The permanent unlock happens later, after the Chapter 11 Golden Star boss fight, when you return to the Nest of Valor.
Can you summon Blackstar in the Abyss?
No. Blackstar can be used while exploring Pywel, but it cannot be summoned inside the Abyss realm.
Are there other flying dragon or wyvern mounts in Crimson Desert?
No. Blackstar is currently the only rideable flying dragon mount in Crimson Desert. Other names like Abyssal Dragon, Ember Wyvern, Highland Wyvern, and Storm Drake appear online, but they are not available as rideable mounts in the current version.
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