Crimson Desert is the new massive open-world fantasy game from Black Desert developer Pearl Abyss. This time around, however, we’re looking at a single-player action-adventure title with RPG elements. Here’s everything we know about it ahead of its launch.
Crimson Desert Release Date
After several delays and teases, Pearl Abyss, who’s self-publishing the game, has confirmed a release date, and you won’t have to wait much longer to embark on your Pywel adventure.
- Crimson Desert release date: March 19, 2026
Crimson Desert Gameplay
Crimson Desert is looking like one of the biggest and most layered open-world games we’ve seen in recent times, though it remains to be seen if there will be any actual complexity to it.
First and foremost, it’s described as an action-adventure open-world title which throws us into the giant continent of Pywel, which is filled with “mystery, fantasy, and tons to discover.” From towns to sprawling plains to floating ruins, it’s clearly inspired by heavy hitters like The Witcher 3, Dragon’s Dogma, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and many others. This isn’t a bad thing… as long as it can deliver on all the promises!
There are three playable characters: Kliff, Damiane, and Oongka. Each of them favours different playstyles and is fully customisable, from their equipment to skills to cosmetics. A diversity of weapons, tools, and magic powers will be at our disposal, and things will only get zanier as we uncover secrets across Pywel.
Outside of the freeform combat, the continent can be freely explored on foot or mounts (land and flying). Climbing is also an option, and it’s looking like some of the tools will add crazier movement options that make good use of the game’s open-world structure.
Moreover, there’s a heavy emphasis on life sim elements too, with all sorts of breezy secondary tasks and activities adding more depth and life to a world that’s really trying to be as absorbing as the genre’s best. Will Pearl Abyss succeed? It won’t be long until we find out!
Crimson Desert Story
Crimson Desert follows the Greymane Kliff as he embarks on adventure across the continent of Pywel, a land full of mysteries, wonder, and brutality.
The group of warriors known as Greymanes are ambushed by the Black Bears, their sworn enemies. Kliff is left for dead, but after recovering, he’s determined to rebuild the faction and find the survivors. As revealed by later previews, Kliff will also be joined by two more playable characters: Damiane and Oongka.
“But on a journey where alliances are forged, dangers abound, and mysterious factions are uncovered, Kliff will come to realize that an unprecedented threat and a destiny greater than he imagined await him.”
Crimson Desert Price and Platforms
- Crimson Desert will release on PC (Steam & Epic Games), Mac, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
It’s getting three different editions that will be available both physically and digitally. Of course, only the physical copies are getting extra physical goodies. Here’s what each one contains plus the price tag of their digital versions, as retail price tags might vary:
Standard Edition - $70:
- Crimson Desert (Full Game)
- [Pre-order Exclusive Bonus] Khaled Shield
- [PS5 Exclusive Bonus] Grotevant Plate Set
Deluxe Edition - $80:
- Deluxe Edition Limited SteelBook & Crimson Desert (Full Game)
- [Pre-order Exclusive Bonus] Khaled Shield
- [PS5 Exclusive Bonus] Grotevant Plate Set
- Kairos Plate Set
- Balgran Shield
- Exclaire Horse Tack Set
- Letter from the Developer
- Greymane Brooch Pin
- 3 Character Photo Cards
- 3 Patches
- Map of Pywel
Collector’s Edition (only physical) - $280:
- Collector’s Edition Limited SteelBook & Crimson Desert (Full Game)
- [Pre-order Exclusive Bonus] Khaled Shield
- [PS5 Exclusive Bonus] Grotevant Plate Set
- Kairos Plate Set
- Balgran Shield
- Exclaire Horse Tack Set
- Tormented Soul Bow / Derictus Spear / Sielos Longsword
- Shroud Lantern
- Hyperion Horse Tack Set
- Exclusive Diorama
- Fabric Map of Pywel
- Letter from the Developer
- Greymane Brooch Pin
- 3 Character Photo Cards
- 3 Patches
Crimson Desert Trailers
We highly recommending heading over to Crimson Desert’s official YouTube channel for in-depth development videos and substantial gameplay overviews. If you want to focus only on the trailers, however, we’ve got you covered right here:
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