The embargo for the preview event of the upcoming action-adventure Crimson Desert has been lifted. We will show you what the previous testers are celebrating and where there are significant issues.
What was this event about? In a final hands-on event before the release, some media representatives were able to play the full version on PC for a few hours in advance and gain a first, more extensive impression. They were able to dive into the beginning of the game for up to 6 hours and freely explore the open world.
Today, on March 4, 2026, at 3:00 PM, the embargo for reporting has been lifted, and the testers were able to share their opinions with you. Our colleagues from GameStar were also on site and report on their experience in their preview article as well as the associated video.
You can find out how the game is being received so far and what positive and negative aspects have been noticed in our article.
An exhilarating spectacle that is difficult to put into descriptive words
What did testers like about Crimson Desert? In one aspect, almost everyone agrees: Crimson Desert is a gaming experience that is truly difficult to describe briefly and concisely. This is not least due to the sheer scope that the game offers – whether it’s the vast open world, numerous mini-games, extensive abilities and mechanics, or the countless secrets and details that can be found in the game.
The graphics and the accompanying presentation, which is often described as a true firework, are also praised. Many testers were similarly overwhelmed and impressed and felt that after the hours in the preview, they had only scratched the surface.
Frequent comparisons are made with games like The Witcher, Dragon’s Dogma, Zelda, or Monster Hunter. The title is also sometimes compared with Ghost of Tsushima or Red Dead Redemption. Fans of the MMORPG Black Desert are also expected to enjoy it and encounter numerous references. The flow in combat as well as the many options for movement are also praised.
According to preview reports, a major strength of the game lies especially in its exploration drive that it awakens in players, as there is something new to discover at every corner and the map can be freely explored from the very beginning. However, there were also some aspects that did not sit well with the testers.
Amid menu chaos, control issues, and absolute overload
What negative aspects stood out? The biggest criticism that is most frequently mentioned relates to the control of the game. Whether with a controller or mouse and keyboard, it is not only clunky but also filled with numerous double assignments and countless combinations that are hard to internalize. This often resulted in testers doing things they did not actually intend to do.
The menu navigation is also said to be similarly overwhelming and obscuredly overloaded. While one usually finds what they need after some searching, it is not easy at all. Some testers also felt that while the game offers a lot of content, it does not all come together into a cohesive whole, even though the individual parts are genuinely fun.
Another point of criticism also applies to the story and the characters. Where the visual presentation truly shines, the story, at least during the preview hours, clearly falls behind and appears pale, boring, and convoluted.
The overall complexity of the game with its abilities, features, and combat system is also praised, but seen as a potential hurdle, as it would require some patience to learn and internalize everything. However, if one can engage with it, the game would certainly offer numerous hours of fun.
Until the release on March 19, 2026, it is still some time, and the reviews of the complete game will also take until March 18 to be published. So, if you want to think more about whether the game might be something for you – or perhaps not – you can check out the article by MeinMMO editor Karsten Scholz, as he finds that Crimson Desert reminds him of a game that surprised us last year: Crimson Desert is a solo experience with MMO scope and could be as successful as the big RPG surprise of 2025
