A focused route for obtaining a Criterion Cipher from eligible event-site boss escalations, separate from running the Cipher-gated solo trial.
PC / Global Tranquility live service; Omega and Alpha access can differ
WHERE & HOW TO FARM
Where to farm
Crimson Gauntlet and Order of St. Tetrimon Base combat sites during Crimson Harvest.
This route targets the Criterion Cipher used to enter a Criterion of Fitness site. During Crimson Harvest, the Cipher can come from a boss escalation associated with a Crimson Gauntlet or Tetrimon Base. That gives pilots a concrete objective: find eligible event combat sites, clear them, check for the escalation, and collect the Cipher if it appears. An escalation is not guaranteed on every clear, so treat this as a chance-based acquisition route rather than a fixed-rate farm. It differs from the solo trial itself: this guide ends when you have the entry item or decide the search is no longer worthwhile. The event is scheduled through November 3, 2026; use the live event interface to confirm availability before undocking.
A combat ship that meets the chosen site’s displayed gate and threat requirements.
Access to Crimson Harvest sites while the event is active.
Cargo space for site loot and any Cipher recovered.
A safe route plan suited to the region and system security.
Open the Agency event panel and confirm that Crimson Gauntlet or Tetrimon Base sites are currently available.
Choose one of those site types that fits your ship and route; do not travel to a higher-risk site by default.
Travel to the system and check local and directional scan before warping to the anomaly or signature.
Enter only if your hull meets the gate and your fit can handle the site’s displayed threat.
Clear the combat waves, then inspect the completion state for a boss escalation or Cipher opportunity.
If an escalation appears, follow its in-game instructions and collect the Criterion Cipher if awarded.
Secure the Cipher and other loot; decide whether to run another eligible site based on your remaining time and risk.
Farming tips
Check the event panel after a clear so you do not mistake a completed site for an escalation.
Keep the Cipher safe and plan its use separately; it is an entry item for the Criterion of Fitness trial.
Repeat, collect and use
Repeat eligible Gauntlet or Base clears while the event is active and you still want a Cipher. Escalations are chance-based, and the event is time-limited.
Common mistakes
Expecting every boss clear to produce an escalation: continue only while the chance and risk suit your plan.
Confusing the Cipher hunt with the solo trial: secure the item first, then decide whether to use it.
Ignoring the acceleration gate: confirm hull eligibility before traveling to the site.
When to stop or switch
Stop once you have the Cipher you wanted, the event closes, or further site clears no longer justify their travel and ship risk.
