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Crimson Desert is an action-adventure with RPG elements and an open world. It comes from the developers of Black Desert and is set to release in 2026. We at MeinMMO will tell you everything about the release date, the editions, the trailers, and more.
What kind of game is Crimson Desert? Crimson Desert is the new game from South Korean studio Pearl Abyss, which is also behind the well-known MMORPG Black Desert that celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2024. Originally planned as a MMORPG successor, the project underwent several changes. Crimson Desert is now a standalone single-player experience.
Below, we have summarized everything that is currently known about the action-adventure. This includes information on the release, the story, gameplay, the editions, and trailers. The article will be regularly updated so you won’t miss anything.
Crimson Desert: Release, Platforms, Demo and Voice Acting
Release Date: When is Crimson Desert coming out?
After the release of Crimson Desert was pushed from late 2025 to early 2026, a new story trailer finally announced the final release date. Accordingly, the new RPG from Pearl Abyss will be released on March 19, 2026.
Is there a trailer for Crimson Desert?
Yes, there are several trailers for Crimson Desert that not only show a lot of gameplay but also provide insights into the game’s world and various features. The latest video focused on the battles and character progression:
Is Crimson Desert coming to PS5, Xbox, and other platforms?
Crimson Desert is expected to be released simultaneously for Playstation 5, Xbox Series X|S, MacOS, GeForce Now, and PC.
Will Crimson Desert be available on Steam?
Yes, Crimson Desert will also be available on Steam. You can add it to your wishlist or pre-order it through the store page. Alternatively, you can also find the game in the Epic Games Store.
Will Crimson Desert also run on the Steam Deck?
So far, there has been no official announcement from Valve regarding whether Crimson Desert will also be verified for the Steam Deck and playable on it. However, since the system requirements are surprisingly moderate, it could very well be that you can also play Crimson Desert on your handheld.
Will Crimson Desert be in Game Pass?
At least at launch, Crimson Desert will not be included in Game Pass. Whether the game will eventually join the subscription is currently unknown. Still, it might be worth considering purchasing the game for the Microsoft service, as Crimson Desert supports the “Play Anywhere” function.
Is there a free demo?
There will likely be no free demo for Crimson Desert. According to marketing director Will Powers, the dynamic open world prevents offering interested players a testing experience that is equal for all.
In which languages can you play Crimson Desert?
The texts of Crimson Desert are expected to be available in German, English, French, Italian, Spanish (Spain & Latin America), Japanese, Korean, Polish, Russian, Chinese (simplified & traditional), Turkish, and Brazilian Portuguese.
In which languages is the voice acting available?
You will be able to play Crimson Desert with English, Korean, or Chinese (simplified) voice acting. A German voice acting is not planned for the time being.
When was Crimson Desert revealed?
Crimson Desert was announced in 2019 as an MMORPG. But in December 2020, Pearl Abyss changed its plans and the description of Crimson Desert to: action-adventure with open world
. However, the game also features many RPG elements and even influences from the fighting game genre.
Crimson Desert: System Requirements, Editions, and Prices
Is there information about the system requirements?
Yes, these are now available. MeinMMO explains the system requirements of Crimson Desert in detail and what you should know about it.
| Hardware | Minimum | Recommended |
| Operating System | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 10 64-bit |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 2600X | Intel Core i5-8500 | AMD Ryzen 5 5600X | Intel Core i5-11600K |
| RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Graphics Card | AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 | AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT | Nvidia GeForce GTX 2080 |
| Storage | SSD with 135 GB | SSD with 135 GB |
Will Crimson Desert be free?
No, Crimson Desert is a buy-to-play title that you can get in the standard edition for €69.99.
Are there special partnerships to get Crimson Desert for free?
Yes, there are! AMD promises a free edition of Crimson Desert if you purchase certain AMD Ryzen processors, Radeon RX series graphics cards, or complete PC systems. You can find the announcement on X, the full details on the official AMD website.
Are there multiple editions?
In addition to the digital and physical standard edition, there is also a digital and physical deluxe edition as well as a physical collector’s edition:
| Standard (digital + physical) | €69.99 | – Crimson Desert: Full version – Pre-order bonus: Khaled shield – (PS5 purchase bonus: Grotevant record set) |
| Deluxe (digital + physical) | €79.99 | – Like standard – Kairos record set – Balgran shield – Diclaire riding outfit Physical: – Letter from the developers – Graymane brooch – 3 types of character photo cards – 3 types of patches – Map of Pywel |
| Collector (physical only) | already sold out | – Like deluxe – Bow of the radiant soul / Dericsis spear / Sielos two-handed sword – Shroud lantern – Hyperion riding outfit Physical bonuses: – Like deluxe – Limited diorama – Fabric map of Pywel |
Are further monetizations like a shop or battle pass planned?
No, Crimson Desert is intended to be a purely premium experience. However, if it is successful, paid DLCs could eventually deliver new content.
Here you can watch a gameplay trailer:
Crimson Desert: Info on MMO, Multiplayer, Coop, Mod Support and Crossplay
Is Crimson Desert an MMO?
Crimson Desert was announced as an MMORPG project, but online and MMO elements were then long no longer an issue throughout development. No wonder: Crimson Desert is now a purely single-player experience.
Can I play Crimson Desert in coop or multiplayer?
No, at least not at launch. It is currently unclear whether co-op or multiplayer elements will really come in the future. However, the developers believe it is conceivable to introduce such features after release if Crimson Desert is successful.
Will crossplay also be introduced?
It is currently also unclear whether crossplay will be possible with the addition of multiplayer or coop elements.
Is Crimson Desert a sequel to the MMORPG Black Desert?
Crimson Desert is not a direct sequel to Black Desert. It was originally planned as a prequel but is now a standalone game.
Is mod support planned?
At the launch of Crimson Desert, there will be no mod support. Whether future updates will provide a mod function is unclear.
Crimson Desert: Story – What is the RPG about?
In Crimson Desert, you take on the role of a mercenary fighting to reclaim his lost homeland in the world of Pywel. You will have access to 3 different characters, each with their own unique features:
- Kliff Macduff: The main character of the game is already known from the first trailers. Kliff is armed with a sword, shield, and bow but also performs “wrestling” moves and can cast elemental spells thanks to a magical bracelet. All of this makes him the perfect all-rounder.
- Damiane: The fighter uses a two-handed claymore in battle but is still agile and relies on precise dodging. From a distance, she can also deal damage, using a handy pistol for that purpose.
- Oongka: The muscle-bound character wields a huge axe and a cannon on his wrist, dealing massive damage. Oongka also loves to blow things up.
On your adventure, you recruit allies to help you achieve your goals. Pearl Abyss states on the official website of Crimson Desert:
On a dark, biting cold night, the Graymanes are attacked by their arch-enemies, the Black Bears. After a fierce struggle, many have fallen, and the survivors are scattered to the winds.
Kliff sets out to find his scattered companions and reclaim everything that was lost.
In the process, he encounters new allies, inescapable foes, and a mysterious power that operates in the shadows – realizing that trials of unprecedented scale and a tremendous fate await him.
Crimson Desert: Gameplay – What can I expect?
Crimson Desert offers an open-world experience where you explore the medieval fantasy world Pywel
, complete quests, solve puzzles, and fight against various opponents and tough bosses. There is also parkour gameplay
awaiting you. You can climb along walls or up trees, reminiscent of Assassin’s Creed or Black Desert.
The game combines intense combat with many activities outside of combat. You can, for example:
- Go fishing
- Tame horses
- Play the flute
- Arm wrestle
- Build your own farm
- Engage in agriculture
- …and very importantly: Pet cats and dogs!
The combat system is said to be tactically demanding and relies on combos like in a fighting game. It is also crucial to observe the movement patterns of enemies closely, dodge skillfully, and time your attacks correctly.
You have a diverse selection of weapons at your disposal, from swords and axes to pistols and mini-cannons. Through alchemy, you can also give your weapons special properties. Additionally, your various mounts like dragons, bears, or mechs assist in combat.
At gamescom, MeinMMO was able to try out Crimson Desert in a demo version. MeinMMO editor-in-chief Leya Jankowski and GameStar editor Jonas Gössling both took this opportunity and share their first impressions of Crimson Desert in the Gamestar Talk.
