Crimson Desert is the new open-world role-playing game from the makers of Black Desert and was released on March 19, 2026, for PS5, Xbox Series, MacOS, GeForce Now, and PC. MeinMMO introduces you to the three playable characters and their unique traits.
Kliff Macduff is the main character of Crimson Desert. He is the one who sets out to find the survivors of his Graymane clan after the attack by the Black Bears. The fighter, who visually resembles Jon Snow from the series Game of Thrones, appeared long as the only playable character in the official trailers.
Since the end of January 2026, however, we know that there will be a total of three playable characters in Crimson Desert. Below we introduce you to the trio and their special features and reveal to you – based on the gameplay shown so far – who might suit you.
The playable characters in Crimson Desert
You can control the following three fighters through the game world of Pywel in Crimson Desert – they have different combat styles, weapons, talent trees, and skills:
- Kliff Macduff: We already know the main character of the game from the first trailers. Kliff is armed with a sword, shield, and bow. But he also has “wrestling” moves and can cast elemental spells thanks to a magical bracelet.
- Damiane: The fighter usually uses a two-handed claymore in the current trailers but is still agile and relies on precise dodging in combat. From a distance, she can also deal damage, for which she uses a handy pistol, a musket, or casts spells. Additionally, she protects herself with a small buckler and can switch to a faster rapier.
- Oongka: The muscle-bound brute uses a massive axe to whirl through enemies and an explosive cannon on his wrist. He can also grab his enemies and slam them to the ground, causing massive damage. Furthermore, Oongka loves to launch things into the air.
Note that we will obtain the characters Damiane and Oongka while Kliff’s story unfolds. Everyone starts with Kliff, gradually unlocks the other playable characters, and can switch between them with the push of a button – similar to, for example, GTA 5. For Oongka, you will have to wait until Act 8, you will earn Damiane during the first acts.
Attention: The developers say that with the alternative fighters, you can explore the open world and play many quests outside the main story. However, the contents of the main story are said to be exclusive to Kliff. There are only a few missions in the game world where you have to control one of the other two characters.
If you choose a fighter, the others can accompany you on your adventure through the open world and fight by your side. However, this apparently does not work during certain boss fights and sequences of the main story.
What there isn’t: A coop mode where you can control the 3 fighters together with your friends.
On tiktok.com, there’s a short clip from the developers about the 2 new playable characters:
Which character suits me?
Basically, you should enjoy action-packed melee combat against larger groups of enemies, where you have a variety of options and powerful attacks available. In Crimson Desert, there is no character that is particularly defensively oriented, hiding behind a large broad shield and simply blocking most attacks.
Likewise, you won’t find a pure ranged fighter who only fights enemies from a safe distance here. Nevertheless, Kliff, Damiane, and Oongka differ enough at first impression to cater to different tastes.
- Oongka is reminiscent of the giant from Black Desert, who also charges into battle with a large axe and sweeps through groups of enemies. In the MMORPG, this character belongs to the beginner-friendly classes that rely on easy-to-learn attack combos while still taking down foes by the dozen. In Crimson Desert, his sluggishness means he often takes damage. However, where he strikes with his battle axe, great hammer, or two one-handed weapons, no grass grows. Those who prefer a simple, somewhat rough playstyle will likely have fun with Oongka.
- Damiane starts with a rapier and mini-shield. She can switch to a two-handed sword, spear, and two one-handed weapons. In combat, she appears much more agile than Oongka, constantly dodging and intermittently using her pistol or musket for additional damage.
- Kliff is the all-rounder of the team. He combines attacks with a sword, shield, and bow with wrestling moves, throws, jump attacks, and elemental spells. He can also utilize a spear, a large two-handed sword, two one-handed weapons, or his fists to deal damage. This gives him the widest selection of weapons. This flexibility is perfect if you want to be optimally equipped for every situation.
The developers emphasize that initially you only have a small selection of skills for your character. Many additional options, weapons, and skills will only be learned throughout the adventure. This motivates and allows you to gradually get to know the arsenal of a character.
Note that we have so far only been able to play Kliff in previews. As soon as we are allowed to test Damiane and Oongka in practice, we will update the article.
What kind of game is Crimson Desert? Unlike Black Desert, the current game from developer Pearl Abyss, Crimson Desert will be a pure single-player experience, but it aims to shine with comparable strengths – such as beautiful graphics and a brutal combat system.
The previous trailers not only impress with their great visuals and dynamic combat in the open world (with wrestling moves, destructible siege machines, and horseback battles), but they also showcase activities such as fishing, ballooning, flute playing, arm wrestling, parkour climbing, taming mounts, and much more.
The setting (the harsh continent of Pywel) and the characters of Crimson Desert are strongly reminiscent of Westeros from Game of Thrones with their Western style. The main character Kliff resembles a certain Jon Snow. You can even ride dragons, like the Targaryens.
