10 Best Games Like Crimson Desert 2026

I mean, I guess we’ve come to expect the same things from action-adventure role-playing games. But Crimson Desert, right from the trailer, set its mark on becoming a game-changer, fantastical adventure. We’re talking so many new features since 2014’s Black Desert Online that will leave your mouth wide agape. 

Horses (and, boy, will you need them traversing the massive open-world Pywell continent about 80 to 110 km2), trains, a jetpack, and so much more. That map, for context, is like twice the size of Skyrim, and you betcha, larger than Red Dead Redemption 2. And it isn’t just empty space for show. You actually enjoy a variety of floating islands, a mysterious Abyss, and enhanced verticality. 

So, finding the best games like Crimson Desert, as you can imagine, is not a task we’re taking lightly, and neither is it impossible. Here are our top picks, full of wild discovery, exciting battles, fast-paced combos, day-to-day living, and minigames.

10. Forspoken

If fantastical adventures are what you seek, then Forspoken is everything you hope for and more. Starting from New York City, the protagonist is suddenly whisked away into a mysterious but breathtaking land called Athia. Here, she learns to master the power of a sentient bracelet strapped to her arm.

You’ll discover a beautiful open-world, stepping reluctantly into the shoes of a hero on a mission to fight powerful villains, save the people of Athia, and hopefully, find a way back home.

9. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

I think you’ll find that Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 will surprise you with its immersion and sense of adventure. What starts as a medieval exploration of the kingdom of Bohemia soon grows into interacting with a living, breathing world.

You aren’t just enjoying exquisite details from the towns to the lush greenery countrysides, but also incorporating yourself into an intertwined tale of betrayal, revenge, and self-discovery. 

8. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The floating islands in Crimson Desert immediately brought me to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. You know, the Sky Islands, which expand the open-world adventure into so many more things to do and discover. Beyond gameplay, though, they serve a purpose in the history of Hyrule, with cultural significance as well in the shrines you come by.  

But as fans know, Zelda games are so much more, providing immense exploration, mystery chasing, and honing Link’s abilities in saving the kingdom from evil.

7. Dragon’s Dogma 2

Another action RPG you want in your books is Dragon’s Dogma 2. It’s pretty similar to Crimson Desert, from choosing your own experience to recruiting otherworldly beings called Pawns to accompany you on your adventure. Moreover, you wield swords, bows, and magic against monsters and slay the dragon.

6. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Boy, am I spent waiting for the final season of The Witcher. But The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is here to keep us company until then. While the core story itself is something to devour, the side stories, too, have been the most enticing among the best games like Crimson Desert.

From romantic pursuits to solving murders and becoming reluctantly invested in politics, Wild Hunt has cracked the code on how to fill your downtimes with side expeditions. It’s helped by the brilliant dark fantasy open-world as well, feeling much like coursing through cinematic scenes.

5. Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut

Still want to marvel at the power of game engines? How about a quick runthrough Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut, which will become hours-long gaming sessions when you realize just how breathtaking 13th century feudal Japan looks here. 

The Mongol invasion is underway, and it’s up to the Samurai Jin Sakai to save mainland Japan by facing the ultimate foe, General Khotun Khan.

4. Elden Ring

As massive as Elden Ring’s dark fantasy open world is, it is still seamless in its stories and enemy encounters. No matter how ‘lost’ you get, you’ll still enjoy running into worthwhile bosses, hundreds of them, that enhance your build, and make every run satisfying.

It’s a breathtaking map that invites you to explore more, dripping with atmosphere and intrigue. Plus, you can recruit friends to help you take down stressful bosses or simply explore dungeons together.

3. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

You also enjoy the freedom of writing your own story in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Whether through the battles you win or raids you lead, your strategic choices and alliances will determine whether you earn a place in Valhalla. 

Besides the thrilling bow and hidden blade stealth mechanics, you also have intense head-to-head melee encounters. And in the downtimes, you can build and customize your settlement, setting up tattoo parlours, blacksmiths, and more.

2. Black Desert Online

Did you know Crimson Desert was originally planned to be a prequel to Black Desert Online? But through the course of development, it was changed to a standalone title. Still, the best games like Crimson Desert certainly include the OG, although categorized in the MMORPG genre. 

At least the combat systems share a similar DNA, incorporating fast-paced action. Yet, Black Desert Online is its own beast, leaning toward manual aiming and free movement like in flashy Korean MMOs.

You traverse the open-world on horseback, forging your own path through countless battles against other players or enemies. You have your own home base to decorate, too, where you can relax and even go fishing.

1. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Massive open-world exploration has always been The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim’s secret power. Not just full of secrets and wonder, but also immensely interactive. You never quite know how every gaming session will play out, when you’re often stumbling on the unexpected.

Perhaps a new dungeon springs up on a random path, cities with curious-minded folk, or wilderness that brings forth new quests. It’s a sandbox experience where NPC chatter feels purposeful and authentic, interaction with them is dynamic, and the customization options keep you pursuing more rewards.