On March 19, 2026, an ambitious, massive action-adventure titled Crimson Desert will be launched. You can learn when you can read the first reviews, when exactly it starts, and whether there will be a preload or early access here.
When does Crimson Desert start? Crimson Desert will be released on March 19, 2026, simultaneously for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. You can start here in Germany at 23:00 CET.
Is there a preload? Yes, you can pre-download Crimson Desert since March 17, 2026, at 23:00 CET, so that you are ready at launch.
How much storage should be reserved for the preload? According to initial posts about the review version, you should reserve around 121 GB (see Reddit).
Is there an early access? No, all players start at the same time. You cannot gain earlier access by pre-ordering.
Reviews and Guides for Crimson Desert – When does the embargo lift?
When can you expect the first reactions? If you want to read reviews from those who were able to play Crimson Desert in advance, you will have to wait until March 18, 2026, at 23:00 CET. You can check exactly one day before release to see what experts have to say about the ambitious game.
We will, of course, share our impressions with you as well. So stay tuned for what to expect.
Especially due to its scope, many players are skeptical about whether the game can deliver on its promises. If you count yourself among those players, you should wait for the first voices you trust before you buy.
However, if you want to watch guides or complete walkthroughs, you will have to wait until the official release on March 19, 2026, at 23:00 CET. Detailed guides will, of course, also be available from us, so keep your eyes peeled if you have questions or run into issues.
Crimson Desert not only offers nearly as much content as a whole MMORPG, but the open world is also said to be incredibly vast. So vast that even renowned open worlds might pale in comparison: Crimson Desert: Scope and World – how big is the continent Pywel? Even Red Dead Redemption 2 will have to concede defeat.
