~ Crimson Desert ~

[etb10dmk]

CRIMSON DESERT


An ambitious Action-RPG that I hope will evolve gaming in 2026 to another level, same as other masterpieces accomplished in the past chronologically: TES Skyrim, Witcher III, Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild, Elden Ring, Baldur's Gate III, Expedition 33. A huge world awaits to be explored...

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About This Game:​

A devastating ambush in the deep of night by their sworn enemies the Black Bears leaves members of the Greymanes dead or scattered across the continent. Kliff – having lost his Greymane comrades, his family in all but name – is determined to reunite with the survivors, rebuild the fallen Greymanes, and reclaim what was lost. 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.

Welcome to the open-world of Pywel, a continent filled with mystery, fantasy, and tons to discover. Visit bustling towns and quiet hamlets, venture across vast plains, deserts, and mountains, and explore forgotten ruins, shrines, and other unique landmarks of the continent’s distinct regions. Gather resources, craft, hunt, and partake in the various activities of Pywel to also aid in your journey.

The world is yours to explore as you will and there are many paths for you to uncover; ride various mounts from horses to wolves, even a dragon and machines, scale cliffsides and walls which you can leap from to glide, and go through mystical gates to find yourself in the mysterious realm known as the Abyss.

On the unforgiving battlefields of Crimson Desert, there is no single path to victory.

Acquire weapons like swords, spears, and bows, and wield powerful abilities and elemental enhancements. Take advantage of the wide arsenal available to you and create lethal combinations to unleash even greater power.

With every strike and move, forge your own way in a world where a split second can decide your fate in fast-paced, visceral battles.

From ruthless warriors to fearsome beasts, there are those in Pywel who will seek your downfall. Encounter a diverse array of challenging enemies and bosses in brutal one-on-one duels, large-scale battle clashes, and quick skirmishes, and prevail against the threats that stand in your way.

On the continent of Pywel, the rival factions of Pailune maintained a tense balance. At Kliff's side stood his steadfast Greymane comrades: Oongka, Yann, and Naira.

That fragile peace is shattered with the sudden assault of the Black Bears. The Greymanes fall one by one in the ambush. In a desperate struggle against their fearsome leader Myurdin, Kliff and the few Greymanes who survive are scattered to the winds. Kliff, etching the names of his fallen companions into his heart, vows to rebuild the Greymanes and exact vengeance upon the Black Bears. Along this path, he would meet those who seek to upend the very order of the continent and face a mission unlike any he has ever known.

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Release Date: 19 Mar, 2026
Developer: Pearl Abyss
Publisher: Pearl Abyss
Platforms: PC, PS5, XBOX Series X|S

Steam Store:


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Official Launch Trailer:



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Developer Features Overview:










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[Placebo]

Oh wow it has fishing! That got me hooked

 

[Isslander]

This will either be a masterpiece or a disasterpiece. No inbetween

 

[etb10dmk]

True, this game even before release generated so much hype that in the end feels/looks too good to be true, incorporating everything from past RPGs just in one single game including RDR2 activities and a fast map traversal using different means to explore by ground or by air. Could either be a massive disappointment or "the game" - a magnum opus gaming defining genre (imagine tags in future games like "crimson-like"; I'm exaggerating but how knows what could happen ).

What makes me to be very positive, is that Crimson Desert in the end will be a classic single player experience without microtransactions, made by a south korean development team. Also they were transparent with the gameplay and various parts of content present in the game. The downside of it could be related to the story and lore behind it, that eventually will not be as good as the Witcher (obviously was not inspired by books but created from the ground up) and also the multitude of overwhelming mechanics and a huge sandbox map. Same happened 4 years ago with Elden Ring before its release, and for me was the best game ever made. I love games where you can just play without hand holding like everyone is dumb, instead exploring and experiencing it in a variety of ways...

 

[etb10dmk]

I want to share some hidden podcast review after someone did 50 hours of gameplay. What astonished me the most was the last point. Really?????

This game will be better than Elden Ring???





"A somewhat respected Spanish YouTuber with 700k subs named “Revenant” shared his experience with the review copy of Crimson Desert in a now deleted podcast VOD. Here’s his impressions I managed to get before it was taken down, as well as some leaks from the reviewer Discord of Crimson Desert where Pearl Abyss helps reviewers which he shared:

- it is not a narrative focused game, not an RPG. It’s much better than Black Desert in narrative, but not close to say Witcher 3 or Kingdom Come. It’s mostly about epic moments and battles.

- Combat is INCREDIBLE. He’s never seen such combat on a large scale. Like a character action game (DMC, Ninja Gaiden) set in a massive open world

- Combat has lots of player expression and depth. Different moves depending on positioning/direction. For example grapple command from behind is a suplex, from the side it’s a throw. Attack animations dependent on where you hit.

- The player is not only able to use trees as slingshots, but can also use enemies as slingshots. Presumably with some of the giant creatures we’ve seen in trailers.

- Absolutely no handholding, quite complex mechanics. It’s not a soulslike, but like a souls game you have to get used to the rhythm of its combat. It’s a slow burn and very steep learning curve for the first 8 hours, but when it clicks you’ll love it.

- Crazy verticality even without the sky islands. The world design and mission structure is like RDR2, the mechanics are like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.

- Massive game. 50 hours in and he’s still in the first area.

- Gushes about the music, says it’s “fucking awesome, fucking awesome, fucking awesome”. Compares it to the Witcher 3. Ambient music also incredible and beautiful, slow and ethereal.

- Incredible atmosphere. Epic sense of scale, like Shadow of the Colossus / BOTW. Fantastic music helps elevate it. Nighttime is actually dark, like Dragons Dogma.

- Says game is lacking QOL. Confusing inventory. Quest items stay in inventory after finishing said quests. Limited inventory and no storage methods in your camp, so no storage. Only a bank where you can exchange currencies. They’ve asked Pearl Abyss about it but haven’t received a response.

- When you clear a camp, bodies despawn from the enemies you’ve killed after you wipe the enemies out. Meaning you have to leave an enemy or two alive so you can loot, unless you want to lose it. Or just loot during battle.

- Other minor issues. Says it’s stuff that can be fixed though."

- Overall he thinks the game will get an 80/85 on metacritic from journalists. Only because of the very steep initial learning curve and the lack of QOL. It depends on whether they can overcome the learning curve and look past the QOL, after which wouldn’t be surprised if it got 90+, even a 95. Calls it an unpolished diamond.

- Thinks users will love it. He says it’s his “favorite open world game ever”, even above Elden Ring, RDR2, Witcher 3 BOTW, KCD2 which he’s played and loved.

 

[Tom]

It's one random internet dude. Don't give in to hyperbole like this, you'll only end up disappointed.

 

[etb10dmk]

It's one random internet dude. Don't give in to hyperbole like this, you'll only end up disappointed.

Yes, I totally agree with you that some bullet points were added eventually to generate even more hype flame than what the actual game could offer. But, damn, I want this game so hard to be good especially because the devs are from South Korea and last "eurekas" in gaming like Elden Ring and Baldurs Gate 3 were soo good . Not to mention that people are describing it as Witcher3 + RDR2 + DD2 + BOTW and everything else combined in one single game... That is just wild.

 

[Tom]

I agree, it looks crazy good. But there are so many features and mechanics that I really wonder how they managed to turn it into a cohesive game. It almost feels like a thrown-together fever dream of the kind of game we all imagined when we were 12. There has to be a colossal catch somewhere.

 

[etb10dmk]

I agree, it looks crazy good. But there are so many features and mechanics that I really wonder how they managed to turn it into a cohesive game. It almost feels like a thrown-together fever dream of the kind of game we all imagined when we were 12. There has to be a colossal catch somewhere.

One part that excited me the most is that they're using their own engine called "Blackspace Engine", and watching Digital Foundry's videos they praise it regarding performance & graphics not just on PC but they even stated also on PS5 Pro looks gorgeous (especially lightning, reflections, water physics, etc).

Now, regarding gameplay mechanics and also on the quantity of content (also verticality), from what I saw and read I don't deny at all the gameplay will be solid and eventually overwhelming at the beginning if there will be very little handholding, or if players are not used to experience and explore by themselves on that huge open world. I was skeptical at first asking myself the same regarding Elden Ring when it came out years ago about some superficial "open world" and they actually pulled it flawlessly. Regarding the narrative of this game and the quality of content in it, I think this could be the Achille's heel as a big disappointment combined with the less experience that this developer have comparing with FromSoftware, Larian Studios or CDPR. This part will be seen in less than a week...

 

[rockstrongo]

Yäthe hype is so Insane that if this isnt 10/10 its going to be a let down.
How have their other games been?
Om out the loop on them

 

[Chris Davies]

I agree, it looks crazy good. But there are so many features and mechanics that I really wonder how they managed to turn it into a cohesive game. It almost feels like a thrown-together fever dream of the kind of game we all imagined when we were 12. There has to be a colossal catch somewhere.

It looks absolutely insane.

 

[etb10dmk]

Finally, I watched the original source regarding the youtuber that traveled to play the game and giving his own impression. I'm very impressed, taking his words seriously because doesn't feel that type of influencer profile that makes videos for clicks (is in spanish, but subtitles or english audio can be activated):




- at first explains a bit about Pearl Abyss and their previous game Black Desert (in his point of view uses the best combat in a MMO game)
- very important, Pearl Abyss developed at the beggining Crimson Desert as an MMO sequel during 2018, then in 2020 they decided to go for the single player route as they want two separate distinct games to not compete to each other and maintain them both active.
- this game will not be at all like a traditional RPG, but instead more like a GTA / Red Dead Redemption 2 action focused with RPG progression elements
- the gameplay he posted is his own original gameplay explaining mechanics and parts of the open world
- there will be a variety of different puzzles in caves, dungeons or in the sky structures; those will not handhold the player at all
- he speaks about the "blackspace engine" a lot talking how well optimized is and showing original gameplay footage in the world regarding game physics, shadows, lighting and reflections (looks jaw dropping how vegetation and trees are moving to wind, clothes, that darker night time, physics like in RDR2.)
- the main story will be around Cliff, the other two characters are secondary (unique GTA/RDR style character), no RPG creation but everything is very customizable
- they incorporated lots of mechanics from their previous MMO game into an action focused single player game (for that reason there is lots of confusion)
- pointed that people can be overwhelmed by mechanics because are so many that will not handhold the player but adapting to them by learning; even in air there are mechanics as triple jumps, slow motion, grappling, throwing, mounting or vehicle mechanics
- regarding jetpacks, robots, hot air baloons, trains, those are not explained why are in this fantasy setting, but I assume are steam-punk techs made by goblins
- he specified that developers didn't showed much of the lore in their presentation because they don't want the story to be spoiled externally before release...


PC / Console Specs & Release Time:

 

[PRO_TOO]

Thx @etb10dmk ! I was about to open this thread! 😂

Can’t freaking wait!

 

[PRO_TOO]

 

[etb10dmk]

Thx @etb10dmk ! I was about to open this thread! 😂

Can’t freaking wait!

Thank you for posting this video from Digital Foundry . I wanted to post it minutes ago, but well, I see you're very quick 😂. Instead, I will turn the favor and post a video with actual footage showing combat and gameplay mechanics explained for 9 minutes straight. I think the developers added every human body movement possible in this game, and every possible thing that you can possibly imagine. If this game will not be a magnum opus I'll hang directly from a cliff...

Spoiler

(@Tom please help, help ... ).

 

[PRO_TOO]

 

[PRO_TOO]

Thank you for posting this video from Digital Foundry . I wanted to post it minutes ago, but well, I see you're very quick 😂. Instead, I will turn the favor and post a video with actual footage showing combat and gameplay mechanics explained for 9 minutes straight. I think the developers added every human body movement possible in this game, and every possible thing that you can possibly imagine. If this game will not be a magnum opus I'll hang directly from a cliff...

Spoiler

(@Tom please help, help ... ).

Will have a look later. 👌

Edit; So… options, eh?! 😊

I wonder, if you could have an entertaining playthrough, gaining skills by only watching opponents?! HUD off…
That could be nice.

Edit2: AI says no. Not all skills can gained by watching.

 

[etb10dmk]

Will have a look later. 👌

Edit; So… options, eh?! 😊

I wonder, if you could have an entertaining playthrough, gaining skills by only watching opponents?! HUD off…
That could be nice.

Edit2: AI says no. Not all skills can gained by watching.

Knowing that this will be an action based game with some RPG elements, I don't think the character can get skills by just watching, but disabling HUD option could be possible if you want to explore the world blindly. Is confirmed though, if you beat a mini boss or a major boss you can get his skills that you fight against to be used in combat or exploration. This game is deep; I watched a few more videos, and the more I watch, more excited I get to play Crimson Desert. Their engine is truly next gen regarding performance and everything. I love how they made the night darker and very threatening to explore, so when you are in combat or using light sources, you can see a full light show regarding reflections, glowing magic, sparks and explosions everywhere. Everything is just so satisfying to watch...

 

[PRO_TOO]

Knowing that this will be an action based game with some RPG elements, I don't think the character can get skills by just watching, but disabling HUD option could be possible if you want to explore the world blindly. Is confirmed though, if you beat a mini boss or a major boss you can get his skills that you fight against to be used in combat or exploration. This game is deep; I watched a few more videos, and the more I watch, more excited I get to play Crimson Desert. Their engine is truly next gen regarding performance and everything. I love how they made the night darker and very threatening to explore, so when you are in combat or using light sources, you can see a full light show regarding reflections, glowing magic, sparks and explosions everywhere. Everything is just so satisfying to watch...

The night been dark is rare in games. I like that too.
Not gonna watch much more videos. It will be out soon…

 

[PRO_TOO]

Doesn’t mean I can’t link footage… 😊

 

[etb10dmk]

Another description, mostly with the same points & aligned experience (source: reddit/discord):



"Reviewers who are playing the full game early are RAVING about it according to leaks. We’re taking game of the decade material.

Primarily it’s a handful of reviewers with early copies on a discord server discussing their thoughts. Some discussing using Google Translate.

One says they have 40+ hours in the first area alone, and they aren’t even close to beating all of it. The first area ALONE.

The start is slow, but when it gets going it GETS going.

They talk about how exploration is wondrous. Many dungeon style locations, with unique loot. Insane enemy variety. Mind blowing verticality and nooks and crannies.

Impressions are it takes the best elements from the best open world games and masterfully combines them. Tears of the Kingdom sandbox and physics + Elden Ring enemy variety and dungeons + Red Dead 2 immersion and details.

Praise for the atmosphere. The world has excellent ambient music that invokes a feeling of serenity and adventure. Nighttime is stunning, like dragons dogma it actually is dark. The scale of the world and feeling is like Shadow of the Colossus. The visuals are of course next level, and the black space engine is like black magic. Sound design excellent. Music is absolutely incredible, all of it from combat to ambient tracks. Enemies praised as they have excellent idle animations that make them feel alive, like BOTW enemeis for example. NPCs swear like sailors, and they are RICH with life and personality.

They discussed the metacritic score and impact of the game. They expect it to be this years Elden Ring / Baldurs Gate 3. A game that is so vast, so exceptional, and unlike any other AAA game that it’s almost impossible for anything else to win. All of them currently rate it a 10/10, predictions are 96 metacritc."

...

Of course, we should take all of this with a grain of salt, but judging from their official launch trailer alone with that epic music, combined with those gameplay developer overviews & the Digital Foundry's videos, I hope this game will succeed this year like ER and BGIII astonished us with their most glorious moments...

View attachment z6gbgo4ev9pg1.mp4

 

[Joga]

I was already hyped for this, I saw a small clip showing the grapple hook & then the dragon.. I'm pretty much sold

Despite the denuvo stuff (suits will be suits), respect to these DEV's! They deserve the recognition.
To answer @rockstrongo 's earlier question, their other game Black Desert was technically very good,
but some greedy suit plays & heavy monetisation of the gameplay (grind or pay) kept it from achieving its potential.

I hope the hype is real for this one. Halo Infinte was a scam, Starfield was a scam!
These loyal gamers deserve a good open-world action-RPG already dammit!

 

[PRO_TOO]

At this point I’m just hoping for good stories (main story and side quests).

I know that Kliff is more on the silent/grumpy side but I hope that works out. Other games managed that before, so… 🤞

 

[PRO_TOO]

Of course, we should take all of this with a grain of salt, but judging from their official launch trailer alone with that epic music, combined with those gameplay developer overviews & the Digital Foundry's videos, I hope this game will succeed this year like ER and BGIII astonished us with their most glorious moments...

View attachment 409836

Alright… I got my Wukong salt shaker ready… 😉

 

[PRO_TOO]

AMD website leaks FSR 4.1: Expected to launch alongside Crimson Desert:​

https://tech.sportskeeda.com/gaming...-4-1-expected-launch-alongside-crimson-desert

 

[etb10dmk]

Alright… I got my Wukong salt shaker ready… 😉

View attachment 409903

Nice trinket, Black Myth Wukong was a masterpiece. Not much time to play it, a solid game nonetheless. Someday hope I'll make some time coz' is phenomenal.

 

[etb10dmk]

I was already hyped for this, I saw a small clip showing the grapple hook & then the dragon.. I'm pretty much sold

Despite the denuvo stuff (suits will be suits), respect to these DEV's! They deserve the recognition.
To answer @rockstrongo 's earlier question, their other game Black Desert was technically very good,
but some greedy suit plays & heavy monetisation of the gameplay (grind or pay) kept it from achieving its potential.

I hope the hype is real for this one. Halo Infinte was a scam, Starfield was a scam!
These loyal gamers deserve a good open-world action-RPG already dammit!

Ironically, never knew about this studio in the past (mostly because is from S.Korea I guess). My brother gifted me a Black Desert key years ago but I wasn't excited to play MMO games at all knowing that the little time I have after work for gaming, need to take advantage and use it wisely to play great titles. Then, some weeks ago I watched those gameplay overview videos from the devs and I was astonished and confused at the same time by the fact that this game tries to mimic lots of games in just one single player action adventure. Then, I saw the launch trailer and I wasn't sure how it was possible to be even more new stuff that you can do. If this game will be that good I'm seeing myself playing just this game all the year, forget about GTAVI. Can't even get that epic trailer music off my head...

 

[PRO_TOO]

Nice trinket, Black Myth Wukong was a masterpiece. Not much time to play it, a solid game nonetheless. Someday hope I'll make some time coz' is phenomenal.

That image I created using AI. I was referring to the grain of salt and about the time before the Wukong release and how it was anticipated…
😉

 

[etb10dmk]

That image I created using AI. I was referring to the grain of salt and about the time before the Wukong release and how it was anticipated…
😉

Actually seeing that small picture I was thinking that somehow you had a Wukong figurine and added it on top of the salt shaker for the grain of salt reference. Crazy AI There were some highly anticipated titles in the past that generated some controversies and sparks before release. Wukong was one of them, and in the end turned to be as good as was presented.

 

[PRO_TOO]