Crimson Desert: Everything We Know

In case you missed it, Pearl Abyss made an announcement a little ways back about severing its attachment with Black Desert Online in favor of a new single-player action RPG. Well, two years later, and that very RPG—Crimson Desert—is still very much in active development, and it's shaping up for an eventual launch on both consoles and PC. As for when it'll release, though, is still very much anybody's guess.

So, if we don't know when it's coming out, then what do we know about it? Well, that's just it — Pearl Abyss has made quite a bit of noise around the project since bringing it to The Game Awards back in 2020. In fact, we could probably chalk up enough of a picture to give you the ins and outs of the once-planned prequel. Interested? If so, then here's everything you need to know.

What Is Crimson Desert?

Crimson Desert is an upcoming action RPG by Pearl Abyss, creator of Black Desert Online. Unlike the latter—an MMORPG—the proposed spin-off will revolve around a single-player experience, and will take place in the same universe; “a war-torn realm of medieval fantasy, where allegiances are tested and heroes are made.”

In the new IP, players will be invited to explore an open-world landscape that's engulfed in everlasting war and calamities. As a Mercenary, you will live the untold and learn to survive the endearing horrors and tribulations of Pywel, either by banding together or venturing out alone. In this broken land, you will forge a story worth passing down for generations to come.

Story

At this point, not a great deal of information has been shared on Crimson Desert's actual plotline. That said, Pearl Abyss has said that the game will take place in the continent of Pywel, a medieval realm that's home to barren wastelands, mythical creatures, and an endless war between desperate factions. This is where you, a lone Mercenary of Pywel, will take your place on the board.

According to the devs, your actions in Crimson Desert will “influence the story of Pywel,” suggesting that there will in fact be more than one particular story arc to follow. As for how you will influence this mythical realm is unclear, though if it's anything like Black Desert Online, then there are bound to be a multitude of ways to shape the universe around you, “whether you intend to or not.”

Gameplay

Crimson Desert will center its gameplay around a well-oiled mixture of open-world exploration, scavenging, and general character progression. Its combat, which appears to be encased in a Soulslike vessel, will be a pretty major focal point, too. But as for how challenging it'll be on a scale of Bloodborne to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, is still anybody's guess. And again, that is even if Crimson Desert is a love letter to Souls. 

Outside of combat, Crimson Desert will open its arms to the world of Pywel, in which you will have the freedom to roam between regions. As for what you'll be doing in said regions is still unknown. However, with each one varying in dangers and ravenous armies, you'll no doubt have your work cut out for you. Whatever the case, Crimson Desert is an open book, and Pearl Abyss wants you and you alone to interpret it.

Development

It's been a bit of a rocky road for Pearl Abyss, that's for sure. Having announced it during The Game Awards 2020, the plan was to have Crimson Desert launched by 2021. However, this was later delayed to an undisclosed date—a vague 2022 window, even. Again, this was postponed at the end of last year, with the studio claiming it was dedicating more time to “adding new ideas for an even deeper, more enriching game.”

As it currently stands, nobody is entirely sure what's happening with Crimson Desert, though it's safe to say that the project is in the most capable hands. Will we see it arrive before 2024? Who knows. If it does, then it'll be coming to Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.

Trailer

In spite of Pearl Abyss leaving a relatively bulky gap between its initial announcement and present day, there is a select few previews and updates dotted along the timeline. More importantly, a trailer that went on to capture the heart and soul of the planned IP back in 2020. Since then, Pearl Abyss has brought a few bits of material to the table, notably some gameplay footage and a general overview of the story. You can catch a glimpse of the early announcement trailer in the embed above.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

Crimson Desert will be coming to Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. It's hard to pinpoint an exact launch date, what with Pearl Abyss nudging its proposed window back until further notice. Having said that, we'll likely hear some form of update on the matter before Q3 2023. Here's hoping, anyway.

At the time of writing, Pearl Abyss hasn't shed light on any form of digital deluxe or special editions outside of its basic copy. Chances are, though, that the team will announce these in the final few months before its eventual release date. If anything changes then we'll be sure to let you know.

For more information on the Crimson Desert launch, you can follow the official social handle here. If anything even remotely exciting happens between now and its eventual release, we'll be sure to let you know all of the details right here on gaming.net.

So, what's your take? Will you be picking up a copy of Crimson Desert when it eventually drops? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here or down in the comments below.