Reason 3: The Variety of Activities
Crimson Desert was originally planned as an MMORPG. However, after the genre switch to an open-world action-adventure with a single-player focus, the MMO DNA from Pearl Abyss is still palpable. Given the size of the game world (see Reason 2) and the number of activities, systems, and content – this pleasantly reminds us of Where Winds Meet from last year.
The variety of activities and content not only sounds diverse but also hopefully ensures that it never gets boring on the vast continent of Pywel, or that exploring the world feels worthwhile. What all will be possible in Crimson Desert, we have summarized for you below:
- Crimson Desert tells a linear main story that guides you through the various zones of the vast world. However, there should also be countless optional side quests, secrets, puzzles, and challenges.
- In addition to the main character, there will be 2 other playable characters that bring their own combat styles, skills, and weapons.
- The appearances of the 3 characters are fixed, but you can customize your heroes’ hairstyles, hair colors, and tattoos. The equipment can also be color-customized in great detail.
- There is a parkour system like in Black Desert, allowing you to climb, jump hurdles, and move smoothly through the world.
- In combat, you have not only weapons, gadgets, and spells at your disposal, but also various wrestling moves like throws. You can also use the environment to your advantage in battle.
- You can build and expand a camp (reminiscent of the camp in Red Dead Redemption 2, but with more housing features) and farm or keep livestock there.
- From the camp, you can send your NPC clan members on missions. They can gather resources for you or weaken enemy fortifications while you roam in other areas of the game world.
- There are various mounts like dragons, mechs, bears, or dinosaurs that can even assist you in battles. Additionally, you receive tools to safely travel through the air without a flying mount. Wild horses can be tamed.
- Expect activities like arm wrestling, archery competitions, gambling, or fistfights. You can also interact with animals like dogs and cats.
- There is a crime system: If someone is observed stealing from others, nearby residents and guards will become hostile. Fines and imprisonment await.
- You can fish, hunt animals, collect herbs, insects, ores, and other resources. With these, you can craft buff food, potions, tools, or equipment. Alternatively, you can trade with NPCs in towns and villages for what you need.
The big question is, of course, whether all this is fun and feels rewarding. We can only determine that after testing. The good news is, however, that there is already gameplay footage for all these activities and systems, leading us to Reason number 4 … on the next page.
