Although it has taken a while to reach the finish line, the end forCrimson Desertmay be in sight. Originally announced as part of Pearl Abyss Connect 2019 in November 2019,Crimson Desertwas first pitched as a prequel MMORPG for Pearl Abyss' long-runningBlack Desert Online. The next few years were spent delaying the game and gradually changing what it actually was, with multiplayer, online elements, and evenBlack Desert’s relevance taking a backseat. However, now that the September 2024 Pearl Abyss investor meeting and The Game Awards 2024 have produced a new trailer and other notable details,Crimson Desertmight have finally nailed down its identity.
To make a long story short,Crimson Desertis a single-player open-world action-RPG. Pearl Abyss has plans to implement separate multiplayer post-launch,similar toGTA Online, but the base game consists of a straightforward offline adventure. Late 2025 isCrimson Desert’s most recent launch window, and while that’s still far off and uncertain, the game promises to be worth the wait. As an apparent combination ofDragon’s DogmawithThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom,Crimson Desertis using all the developer talents and proprietary BlackSpace Engine built up byBlack Desertto produce a game that fantasy fans shouldn’t miss.
How Crimson Desert Sets Its Stage
Crimson Desertsees players take control of Kliff Macduff, the captain of the Greymane mercenary band, and guide his footsteps through the high fantasy continent of Pywel. According to early descriptions, the continent is “embroiled in war for unprecedented power,” potentially referring to a power vacuum left in the wake of the reigning king’s death. Regardless of the reason, Kliff and his battered band will have to soldier past their tragic histories and save Pywel from a looming catastrophe. Further story details are unknown, butunravelingCrimson Desert’s secrets will take a meaty 50–80 hours.
Crimson Desert Players Will Be Treading Familiar Ground
That’s a pretty broad goal, and unfortunately, despite over an hour of trailers and preview footage being available, it’s the best summary ofCrimson Desert’s driving motivation right now. As for its gameplay loop, the time-honored mixture of open-world exploration and accepting quests from NPCs will keep the gameplay loop spinning. The eventual multiplayer will probably be similar, althoughBlack Desert-style raid bosses and PvP could help it stand out.Black Desert’s distinctive art style also permeates the experience, thoughCrimson Desert’s impressive-looking Pywelhas more Norse influences, a laSkyrim, in addition to the usual Eastern and European Fantasy trappings.
Gameplay Is At The Forefront of Crimson Desert
Players may also find difficult combat encounters ending with themselves thrown into the sky likeSkyrim, thoughCrimson Desertdoesn’t waste such dramatic stakes on ordinary trolls. Combat is a huge part ofCrimson Desert, with its mechanics not merely imitatingDragon’s Dogma, but exposing itsDevil May CryandShadow of the Colossusroots. Encounters can range from groups of enemies, to roughly human-sized elite duels, toMonster Hunterfantasy beasts, to enormous colossi that players must scale without being launched off. With airborne battles also in the mix and an unknown number of combat options and customizations available,Crimson Desert’s fighting could be its most important feature.
The Hype Is In Crimson Desert’s Details
Anyone wanting more than combat from their RPGs won’t be disappointed, asCrimson Desertalso has a firm grasp on what made players get lost inTears of the Kingdom’s world. Not only are there familiar mechanics like archery, horseback riding, climbing, gliding, and cooking, but there are also environmental puzzles andTotK-adjacent sky islands inCrimson Desert. Of course,Crimson Desertalso hosts a fishing minigame, but it’s easy to lose sight of it amid all the other grand activities on offer.Crimson Deserthas a little something for everyone, and hopefully it proves worth the wait.
Crimson Desert
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience the untold tale of mercenaries struggling to survive in the unforgiving lands of Pywel.Whether you intend to or not, your actions will influence the story of Pywel.Enter a war-torn realm of medieval fantasy, where allegiances are tested and heroes are made.The world of Pywel is ready to embrace fate.Will yours be the one that defines it?
