Get ready, because upcoming RPG Crimson Desert just got a release date. Developer Pearl Abyss showcased the release date trailer at September's Sony State of Play, revealing that the new game is coming next year (specifically in March) and that it's now available for pre-order.
While a March release date does put Crimson Desert in worryingly close proximity to GTA 6, you'd be wise not to dismiss it. Coming to us from Pearl Abyss, the developer behind MMORPG Black Desert, we've steadily been learning more about Crimson Desert since it was first revealed back in 2019. We know that it's being developed on the proprietary BlackSpace Engine, with Dragon's Dogma 2 meets The Witcher 3 vibes in terms of its gameplay experience, more trailers have offered further insight into the open-world and the combat.
Crimson Desert release date is set
Crimson Desert is set to launch on March 19, 2026, as revealed during a September edition of Sony 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 might be a few more months to go, but you know what they say: better late than canceled. 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 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, 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
Crimson Desert was originally set to be a prequel to Black Desert Online. But during its development, Pearl Abyss decided to make the game 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 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 and are willing to take you down in the process.
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 Deserts' setting includes some mythical beasts and plenty of different environments to encounter and 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 trailer
The latest Crimson Desert trailer debuted at Sony State of Play on September 24, 2025. Not only did it reveal the brand new release date of March 19, 2026, it 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.
The Crimson Desert trailer 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
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'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.
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 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, with the devs also detailing that there will be faction / 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.
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