Crimson Desert: Everything we know so far

Crimson Desert: Macduff looking out into the distance during the new game, Crimson Desert. — (Image credit: Pearl Abyss)

Crimson Desert is a new single-player action RPG that will be taking us into a high fantasy open-world.

Coming to us from Black Desert developer Pearl Abyss, Crimson Desert was first revealed back in 2019. Brought to life on the proprietary BlackSpace Engine we've gotten a generous helping of fresh trailers for the exciting new game.

From seeing more of its world and combat, which at times feels like a blend between Dragon's Dogma 2 meets The Witcher 3, we've also gotten more insight into the story, as well as the skills and abilities we'll be able to play with. And with a release date now firmly set for March, you won't have to wait much longer to dive into the action as protagonist Kliff Macduff. So, as the launch date steadily approaches, get ready for everything that's in store with our overview of all things Crimson Desert.

Crimson Desert release date is set

A screenshot of Macduff fighting the Staglord in the Crimson Desert trailer. — (Image credit: Pearl Abyss)

Crimson Desert is set to launch on March 19, 2026, as revealed during a September edition of Sony's State of Play.

Previously slated to arrive in Late 2025 with a release date window trailer that came during The Game Awards 2024, the delay into 2026 was revealed during a Q2 earnings call (via Gematsu). This isn't the first time the upcoming adventure has been pushed back, with Crimson Desert initially planned to arrive in 2024.

There are still a few weeks left of waiting, so, in the meantime, you can read our list of the best single-player games to tide you over while we wait for more Crimson Desert updates.

Crimson Desert platforms

Crimson Desert pre order details — (Image credit: Pearl Abyss)

Crimson Desert will be available to play on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S once it releases in 2026. 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, or if it'll come to the Switch 2 in the future. Given how Nintendo's new console can run some pretty heavy-duty games, it could easily be an upcoming Switch 2 game in our eyes. Its predecessor, Black Desert Online, was also on Game Pass until August 2023, too, so there is hope that we'll see the new game on there in the future. Stay tuned for updates.

Can I pre-order Crimson Desert?

Yes! Crimson Desert is officially available for pre-order on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC via PlayStation Store, Xbox.com, and Steam respectively.

There's a choice of either standard or deluxe editions to choose from, with the deluxe coming in at about $10 (£10) more than the standard for a variety of exclusive armor, weapons, and horse gear. It also seems that the PC versions are a tad pricier according to the Steam UK store, so bear that in mind if you're lucky enough to be spoilt for choice on platforms!

Crimson Desert setting and story

Macduff on his horse looking at the landscape of Pywel in Crimson Desert. — (Image credit: Pearl Abyss)

Crimson Desert was originally set to be a prequel to Black Desert Online. But during its development, Pearl Abyss decided to make a single-player adventure with its own story set in the same universe as Black Desert instead.

The upcoming RPG is set on the continent of Pywel, but takes place in the same high fantasy open-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.

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.

Our main character, Kliff, is said to 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 Desert's setting includes some mythical beasts and plenty of different environments to explore as you make your way through the war-torn continent of Pywel. It sounds like it has plenty of ingredients that are also seen in some the best adventure games with a fantasy setting.

Crimson Desert trailers

Crimson Desert - Release Date Reveal Trailer | PS5 Games - YouTube

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The most recent Crimson Desert trailer debuted at the PlayStation State of Play showcase on September 24, 2025. Not only did it reveal the brand new release date of March 19, 2026, but it also gives us a closer look at protagonist Kliff and the kingdom of Pywell.

It shows off a multitude of his fancy, combo-based moves in combat, against regular human enemies and the huge hulking bosses we've already seen in previews and past gameplay trailers alike. It all reinforces the distinctly Witcher 3 mercenary-monster-fighter vibe that drew so many of us to Crimson Desert to begin with, and with only mere months to wait before the full release, consider my appetite thoroughly whetted.

Crimson Desert – Official Gameplay Trailer | gamescom ONL 2023 - YouTube

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The first Crimson Desert gameplay trailer, on the other hand, was released during Gamescom 2023 and gave us plenty of sword-swinging action. In the clip above, 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

Crimson Desert – Staglord Boss Battle Gameplay | gamescom 2024 - YouTube

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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.

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's also an emphasis on action-combat in Crimson Desert, with three gameplay clips from Gamescom 2024 showing intense boss battles similar to the likes of those in Dragon's Dogma 2. And, yes, you can also take down enemies while on horseback.

It also features some combo-heavy melee moves. 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, or check out our hands-on impressions from Summer Game Fest 2025 in the video below.

Pearl Abyss has promised players a new generation of weapons to accompany classic ones. Crimson Desert's skills and abilities have also been revealed, with a system that will see you level up by finding particular items, or learning from the characters (both allies and enemies) you encounter in the world at large.

Alchemy will also factor into the single-player adventure, with Kliff having the ability to use it in order to give weapons special abilities.

Excitingly, there'll 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, with the devs also detailing that there will be faction and resource management.

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.