Crimson Desert is officially on the way, with launch window now set for late 2025. The new open-world action-adventure from Black Desert Online developer Pearl Abyss promises to take us on a sprawling journey in an epic fantasy world as we follow the story of protagonist Kliff.
Initially announced all the way back in 2019, confirmation of the latest release window came in a fresh announcement trailer that gave us another brief look at the story and setting that awaits us. From everything we've seen so far, it's certainly shaping up to be one of the most exciting new games headed our way.
With various teasers and gameplay footage out there for us to explore, we know we can expect boss fights, and get stuck into all manner of side activites in the world such as fishing, cooking, and more in the medieval continent of Pywel.
For a full recap of everything we know so far about Crimson Desert, read on below.
Crimson Desert release date speculation
Currently, the Crimson Desert release window is confirmed to be Late 2025. Previously set for Q2 2024, this new time frame was announced during The Game Awards 2024.
So far, we can guess that the Crimson Desert release date will arrive either in April, June, or July of next year. However, nothing has been confirmed yet, so keep your eyes on this page as more information heads our way. In the meantime, you can read our list of the best single-player games to tide you over while we wait on more Crimson Desert updates.
Crimson Desert platforms
Crimson Desert will be available to play on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X and Series S once it releases in 2025. This is great news, since it means that both PC and console players will be covered for the release.
We are still awaiting confirmation on whether Crimson Desert will be available on Game Pass. Its predecessor, Black Desert Online, was on Game Pass until August 2023. So there is hope that we'll see the new game on there in the future. Stay tuned for updates.
Crimson Desert setting and story
Crimson Desert was originally set to be a prequel to Black Desert Online. However, during its development, Pearl Abyss decided to make the game its own story set in the same universe as Black Desert instead.
The upcoming game is set on the continent of Pywel, but takes place in the same high fantasy world that Black Desert Online fans are familiar with. According to Pearl Abyss's website, Pywel is a "vast but divided continent", that you'll have to travel as you take on the role of the mercenary Kliff Macduff.
It seems like the main story of the game revolves around various power struggles after the King of Demeniss, Unifier of Lands, falls into a coma. With the king's absence, there's a power vacuum that tons of enemies are keen to take advantage of and are willing to take you down in the process.
It seems like our main character, Macduff, will be forced to rise into a leadership role as he forms a group of mercenaries to keep opportunistic villains in check. Along with forming a group of allies, you'll have to fight for survival and face the demons from your past, too.
We also know that Crimson Deserts' setting includes some mythical beasts and tons of different environments to encounter and explore as you make your way through the war-torn continent of Pywel. I don't know about you but this story feels very similar to most of the best adventure games with a fantasy setting, so we're super excited to learn about more plot details.
Crimson Desert trailer
Last year's Crimson Desert trailer was released during Gamescom 2023 and gave us plenty of sword-swinging action. In the clip, we see Macduff duck, dodge, and draw his sword against several enemies as he travels through Pywel.
While the teaser gives us a look at the combat in the upcoming game, it also shows us stunning environments. Honestly, we are just as excited about riding around and exploring the vast landscapes with our horses as we are about all the medieval combat action heading our way.
Crimson Desert gameplay
Unlike Black Desert Online, an MMORPG, Crimson Desert is a single-player, open world adventure game. According to Pearl Abyss's website, the new game will also take notes from all the best RPGs that came before it by letting your choices and actions as a player affect the world around you and the overall story of Crimson Desert itself (exciting times).
The mercenaries that you may meet on your adventure all have their own unique backstories, too, promising tons of stories to enjoy in between various battles with enemies. There also seems to be a heavy emphasis on combat in Crimson Desert, with three recently shared gameplay clips from Gamescom 2024 showing intense boss battles similar to the likes of those in Dragon's Dogma 2, and it's also said to include one-on-one duels. If you want a full combat breakdown in the upcoming game, you can check out our in-depth dive on the subject in our Crimson Desert preview.
Pearl Abyss has also promised players a new generation of weapons to accompany classic ones, along with the feature of alchemy that you can use to give your weapons special abilities. It's all very exciting, and before you ask, yes, you can also take down enemies while on horseback. Talk about living the dream, right?
Excitingly, there will also be plenty of activities to get up to in the world, too. From cooking to fishing and rock climbing, you can also expect to come across some puzzles to solve.
Can you pre-order Crimson Desert?
Currently, you can't pre-order Crimson Desert on any platform, but wishlists are now live across PC and consoles. We'll keep a close eye out for all the latest news to ensure you can see all the options and the best deals once they come through.
In the meantime, we have a list of the best open world games for you to play if you want to refresh your exploring chops ahead of Crimson Desert.
For more future titles, check out our lists of all the upcoming PS5 games and upcoming Xbox Series X games heading our way this year.
