Digimon Liberator is a fully immersive VR game set in a virtual space called Lacuna.
Formed from a complex fusion of mapping data from the real world, it is a cyber world with unique scenery that blends the known with the unknown.
It has seven distinct areas, which collectively form an island network of cities.

Today, let's explore one of them: Obsidian Desert, the Dusty Demonic Realm.

None of Lacuna's areas lack for character, but this one has a strange contrast that sets it apart.
In the region's center is a darkly lustrous steel city of industry, yet around the perimeter is an assortment of ancient-seeming ruins and pyramids.
Although it seems implausible, the city is heavily industrialized despite there being nothing except desert all around.

When traveling through the desert, you'll likely stumble across ruins sporadically, and in some of these, you'll find secret passages leading to other areas.
It can be a good idea to seek these out, especially when you hit a wall exploring other areas, since some passages take you to locations not accessible any other way.

Head into the central city and you'll see automated factories ceaselessly churning out parts for NPCs and carrying out maintenance.
A little unsettlingly, the exact details of the operations here—for instance at the facility producing components for familiar Cyborg and Machine Digimon—are shrouded in mystery.
Although the bleakness may not be everyone's cup of tea, the area's aesthetic attracts certain players, and some are said to adore it so much that they're rarely away for long.

Given the desolate and lonely atmosphere, it's unsurprising that NPCs are a rare sight here.
There are currently only a few stationed for players to battle, and virtually all of them are tough as nails, serving as a pure test of the player's skills.
A rookie taking them on would be in for a trouncing, so it's wiser to wait until you reach an advanced level—and even then, thorough preparation of a suitable deck and strategy is recommended.

Obviously, the Obsidian Desert's role in the game is not that of a mere dull wasteland.

There are two major reasons why it's worth paying a visit.

The first is the secret shop that's believed to be somewhere in the city.
It's run by the Junkyard Scavenger—a peculiar NPC who goes around with a paper bag covering his face, shouldering a basket that holds his assorted wares.
His shop sells rare ability items and other goods you'll scarcely encounter in other shops or during quests.
It also turns out he's surprisingly personable, but don't mistake that for generosity—to get what you seek, you'll have to stump up colossal amounts of Bit, or occasionally something of equal value.
And to raise the bar even higher, he doesn't set up shop in one fixed place, instead regularly relocating to spots not shown on the D-Storage map.
It goes without saying, few other merchants are anywhere near this elusive.

So, if you can't rely on your map or even your memory, what do you do? For those set on finding the Junkyard Scavenger, there's unfortunately nothing else for it but to persistently scour the maze of alleyways.
Even if you succeed, there's no guarantee he'll be in the same place tomorrow.
On the other hand, if you gain his trust, he'll consider you a favorite customer and offer you special perks.
...At least, that's what some claim—and insistently enough that many players are drawn to the area.

Aside from the secret shop, Obsidian Desert's main attraction is its side quests.
Below is a brief introduction to one of the major ones: "Obsidian Truth."

It begins with a chance encounter with the mysterious Perla.
While making your way through the industrial city's mazy alleyways, you crossed paths with this rag-wearing NPC, whose frightened look grew even tenser upon spotting you, a rare human traveler.
After Perla flees, you are driven by curiosity to give chase.

The path you end up taking seems as if it's serving as a tour of the city, gradually tending toward its center.

Along the way, inside the factories, you'll find records indicating that the region was once green, fertile, and home to many.

What could have caused it to degrade into this desolate land of steel and sand?
It appears the answers to your questions may lie elsewhere...

The D-Storage map is disabled as soon as you encounter Perla and start the side quest, forcing you to rely on your intuition as you navigate the labyrinth-like industrial city in pursuit.
Having a good understanding of the area's structure will make a big difference.
You'll pass through more central, ordinarily inaccessible areas, as Perla repeatedly gets away from you.

The Obsidian Desert boasts a number of similar side quests that provide background lore related to the Main Scenario and the entire game.
Compared to only playing the Main Scenario, you may find that these give you special insights into the world of Digimon Liberator and its story.
And it's for this reason that the Obsidian Desert has a unique role in the game.

With its sense of decay and foreboding atmosphere, the city may not be so enticing for newcomer players to visit.
On the other hand, veterans should feel well catered to, given the complex map and vast amount of hidden content.
Ultimately, it's a place of vital importance in the world of Lacuna and Digimon Liberator, strewn with secrets to find and characters to meet.

We can't promise your adventure there will be easygoing, but for those who are prepared, it's one well worth undertaking.