Crimson Desert releases today, but console users aren't exactly convinced by Pearl Abyss' big RPG just yet – and after a disappointing PS5 showcase, the lack of non-PC reviews has them all the more concerned about how the game will perform.
If you haven't seen the Crimson Desert reviews on Metacritic yet, they're quite all right, with an average score of 78 so far – but they aren't as high as some were expecting, and Pearl Abyss share prices are suffering for it.
Fans have noted something else about the reviews, though, aside from the perfectly fine overall score… There are no Xbox Series X|S or PS5 ratings to be found, at all, whatsoever. Every review recorded is PC-specific.
Crimson Desert PS5 reviews unlikely, with sites blocked from access before release date from r/PS5
Why is that? Well, we've got no idea – but, boy, does it have folks worried about what it may mean for the console editions of Crimson Desert. One ResetEra thread highlights the lack of non-PC reviews, reading, "Crimson Desert provided no console review copies, and physical discs don't work still."
Attached is a screenshot of the Metacritic page that shows the PC score as well as the, uh, shortage of Xbox Series X|S and PS5 ratings.
The poster explains that, not only are there no console reviews thus far, but people who have received their disc copies early cannot access the game yet. "Cyberpunk did the same," as one commenter says – which, you know, doesn't help the concerns at hand, considering how the Cyberpunk 2077 launch went (refunds and all).
A separate reply words it perfectly: "Fantastic precedent right there." Users on other forums have noticed the lack of console ratings, too.
Over on Reddit, a person alleges, "Crimson Desert PS5 reviews unlikely, with sites blocked from access before release date." Responses echo this, with one reading, "Can confirm this is true. People even asked the devs for PS5 codes a day before launch and were told no. Straight up, they are refusing to let anyone see the PS5 build until after launch."
It's important to keep in mind that Pearl Abyss hasn't confirmed this itself, but fans are worried regardless.
If Crimson Desert can run on Mac, why would i be worried about it running on PS5? LolMarch 16, 2026
"We all have not forgotten Cyberpunk 2077," quips one commenter. "So we wait." Other fans caution, "Don't pre-order. End." It doesn't help that the PS5 reveal from a few days ago ran at a crisp, uh, 30 frames per second, with a resolution of 1080p – not the best in 2026, to say the least.
There are still some hopefuls choosing to remain positive about the console editions, though. It's not entirely doom and gloom.
As one person asks, "If Crimson Desert can run on Mac, why would I be worried about it running on PS5?" They've got a point, I suppose – but those are two entirely different things, too. Only time will truly tell for sure how it is on console… and there's not long left now.
If you're on the fence yourself about one of the most hotly anticipated new games this year, check our Crimson Desert review for our honest thoughts on it.
