On the Radar with Crimson Desert – adventuring through this ambitious and massive open world

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On the Radar | Crimson Desert is a huge game that's making a huge impact, and we've been digging deep into all it has to offer

Kliff draws his sword against the GamesRadar On The Radar hub image orange backdrop
(Image credit: Pearl Abyss)

After years of development, Crimson Desert is finally here, and it's been making a big impact. Not only is this action RPG's open world physically huge, but Pearl Abyss has crammed in just about every possible genre mechanic. It doesn't always work, but sometimes it does, and it can be incredible. In its best moments, it plays like a heady mix of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Assassin's Creed Shadows, and Dragon's Dogma 2, and that simply rules.

It's almost a bit surreal to finally be able to play Crimson Desert after all the anticipation, which is why we're not missing a thing. We've been hoovering up the best Crimson Desert skills, testing all the meatiest Crimson Desert weapons, and generally being a menace all across its open world whether we're following the main quest or just cutting about. It's been dominating our playtime this month, so what better time to put together our Crimson Desert On The Radar? Here, I've collected together our many adventures so far, what we love about it, what could be better, and what the game means for the future of the open world genre.

Crimson Desert - On the Radar

A woman uses a huge sword to slash through a green field in Crimson Desert, with the orange GamesRadar On The Radar frame

Crimson Desert review: "A game that's far better as a sandbox than as a story"

We found Crimson Desert "messy", but sometimes that can still make for a good time, as this has "elements of genius and wonder make the experience worthwhile". More about the journey than the destination, Crimson Desert makes for a great open world adventure.

Kliff battles a warrior in a rabbit outfit in the middle of a field in Crimson Desert, with the GamesRadar On The Radar frame

Crimson Desert is staking everything on its open world: "I'm more hyped for this game than GTA 6"

Crimson Desert screenshot of protagonist Kliff, with a GamesRadar On the Radar overlay

I cheesed my way through one of Crimson Desert's biggest bandit camps and it made me love the game

Kliff sits at a pond in the middle of a lush green forest in Crimson Desert

100 hours of Crimson Desert made me realize how perfect Breath of the Wild is

What makes a good open world? We've played some absolute bangers, but it can be a mix of player expression and the urge to venture forth to see what's just beyond the horizon. By having so much in it, Crimson Desert has led us to ponder the genre.

Kliff fighting a Black Bear warrior in Crimson Desert, with the orange GamesRadar On The Radar frame

The ultimate Crimson Desert guide for getting the most out of Pywel

Check out our new games release radar for your next big adventure!

Oscar Taylor-Kent
Oscar Taylor-Kent
Games Editor

Games Editor Oscar Taylor-Kent brings his years of Official PlayStation Magazine and PLAY knowledge to the fore. A noted PS Vita apologist, he's also written for Edge, PC Gamer, SFX, Official Xbox Magazine, Kotaku, Waypoint, and more. When not dishing out deadly combos in Ninja Gaiden 4, he's a fan of platformers, RPGs, mysteries, and narrative games. A lover of retro games as well, he's always up for a quick evening speed through Sonic 3 & Knuckles or yet another Jakathon through Naughty Dog's PS2 masterpieces.

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