Your map turned red, guards are on your case, and you have no idea how to fix it. Here’s the short answer: head to the nearest church, speak to Alfred, buy a Writ of Absolution, and you’re free.
Here’s everything you need to know.
How to Clear Your Bounty
Go to the Church of Hernand — it’s on the eastern side of the City of Hernand, near Hillside Manor and the Castle. Walk through the front doors and immediately turn left. You’ll find Alfred, the priest who runs the Confessional.
Caption: “Alfred at the Church of Hernand — turn left as soon as you walk in.”
Speak to Alfred and select “Buy Writ of Absolution”. You’ll see a list of every active bounty you have across all regions. Pick the ones you want to clear, pay the silver, and the guards will stand down immediately.
Caption: “The Writ of Absolution menu shows all your active bounties — you can clear one region or all at once.”
Good to Know
- You can pay off bounties from any region at any church. Got a bounty in Demeniss but you’re in Hernand? Pay it off right there at Alfred’s. No need to travel back.
- The church doors lock if guards are actively chasing you. Get out of the search radius first, let the heat die down, then walk in.
- Bounties stack and can get expensive. The more crimes committed and witnessed, the higher the bill. Pay it off early before it climbs.
- Later region churches may be locked behind story progress. If you can’t get into a church, push the main quest to liberate that region — or just pay from Hernand.
What If You Get Arrested?
If guards catch you, you’ll serve jail time and your bounty is cleared automatically — no silver spent. But if your bounty is higher than what you have in your wallet, you’ll go into debt. Every coin you earn afterward automatically goes toward paying it off until it’s cleared. The game doesn’t warn you before this happens.
Tip: When guards arrest you, they take your silver. If you’re sitting on coin you don’t want to lose, convert it to Gold Bars or spend it on items first — those stay in your inventory. → New to Gold Bars? See: How to Get Your First Gold Bar in Hernand
Trying to Avoid Getting a Bounty?
Bounties only trigger if a witness spots you during a crime. Steal somewhere isolated, wait out the timer, and you walk away clean. You’ll still lose Contribution, but no bounty. → Full breakdown: How to Use a Theft Mask in Crimson Desert