Combat Anomalies
Crimson Harvest Criterion Cipher escalation hunt
A focused route for obtaining a Criterion Cipher from eligible event-site boss escalations, separate from running the…
WHERE & HOW TO FARM
Crimson Harvest Criterion Cipher escalation hunt
Crimson Gauntlet and Order of St. Tetrimon Base combat sites during Crimson Harvest.
Before you go
- 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.
Farming steps
- 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.
- 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.
Sources & fact checks
What you can get here
Open a guide to find other locations and see what the item is used for.