Crimson Desert: We Tested All Three Characters, Dragon and Mech, Final Preview Before Testing

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Crimson Desert, one of the most anticipated games of early 2026, launches in just 15 days. Having followed this project for years, I’ve had the opportunity to play it four times in the past two years: at Summer Game Fest, Gamescom, Paris Games Week (including the 2024 event at Porte de Versailles), and most recently last week in Amsterdam, where I captured 4K gameplay at 60fps (see our preview video). Now, before the final verdict on March 18, let’s dive into an in-depth preview, addressing the significant questions surrounding what could be the most ambitious expansive game world since Red Dead Redemption 2.

Since its initial announcement, Crimson Desert has faced considerable skepticism. Despite gameplay demonstrations and press interactions, some observers dismiss the game as either a masterpiece or a complete failure, questioning whether the developers can deliver a virtual environment as expansive and visually stunning as promised. This is despite Rockstar Games achieving a similar feat with Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2018. This skepticism contrasts with the perspective of Black Desert Online veterans, like my cousin, who point to Pearl Abyss’s track record of technical achievements and fulfilled promises. The mechanics, dynamic systems, and graphics showcased in Crimson Desert trailers already exist in Black Desert Online, suggesting a natural progression for the studio. Originally conceived as a direct MMORPG sequel to Black Desert Online, Crimson Desert was unveiled at G-Star in 2019. However, in 2020, Pearl Abyss pivoted, transforming Crimson Desert into a standalone, story-driven AAA title aimed at a global audience, a significant departure from its multiplayer origins. After seven years in development, Crimson Desert is set to release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

Given that public demonstrations have so far only showcased gameplay on high-end PCs, console performance will be a key factor to watch for at launch. While I cannot provide a definitive answer yet, Pearl Abyss assured me in Amsterdam last week that console versions of Crimson Desert would be released to the press a few days before the official launch, allowing for testing and ensuring smooth performance. However, I have not yet had the opportunity to play these versions. In the meantime, I can share my experiences from seven hours of PC gameplay, representing the last chance to explore the game before its release. Crimson Desert, in development since 2019, will launch on March 18, 2026. Pearl Abyss, the developers of Black Desert Online, initially envisioned it as a sequel MMORPG but have since recast it as a standalone open-world story experience. Early access players have praised the game’s graphics and gameplay. While some performance issues on console versions are anticipated, these should be resolved before launch.

Let’s address some frequently asked questions about HUD customization. Players can fully customize the interface, adjusting elements such as particles, camera shake, motion blur, subtitle size, and icon size. Gameplay footage demonstrates these capabilities, including a tuning gauge for fine-tuning settings. The Korean developers have prioritized player comfort and immersion. Crimson Desert offers five different viewpoints, accessible via a simple tap of the touchpad, eliminating the need for menu navigation. Players can zoom out for a broad view, get close to their character, or select a subjective viewpoint for maximum immersion. These transitions are seamless and rapid, providing extensive customization options.

During a seven-hour preview, four hours were spent in the main game, and three were dedicated to exploring an advanced segment featuring all three unlocked characters, dragon riding, and a mech called ATAG. I was able to confirm my initial impressions of the game: Crimson Desert is poised to be the most immersive open world I’ve explored since Red Dead Redemption 2. 4K gameplay clips highlight the game’s visual richness. The world is meticulously crafted, featuring smooth textures, intricate details, lively wildlife, and bustling cities populated with NPCs. The draw distance is particularly impressive, with distant elements rendered in detail and lit realistically, contributing to a sense of presence. Environmental animations extend to the horizon, creating a cohesive and living world. The game features five distinct biomes, each visually stunning and challenging. Pywel is vast, even larger than Red Dead Redemption 2, and incorporates vertical exploration, with floating territories reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. This preview confirms that Pywel is not only massive but also coherent, dynamic, and inviting.

From the outset, Crimson Desert impresses with its cohesive design, creating the impression of a unified, living ecosystem. It embraces a medieval aesthetic, with expansive landscapes, diverse environments, large interior spaces, and vibrant cities where NPCs lead their daily lives. While I haven’t verified whether the NPCs feature the same level of detailed tracking as in Red Dead Redemption 2, Pearl Abyss appears to have taken a somewhat less intensive approach in this area than Rockstar Games. Pearl Abyss utilizes its proprietary Black Space Engine, refined over 15 years, to achieve impressive visuals and draw distances. Nighttime in Crimson Desert employs a system similar to that in Dragon’s Dogma 2, where darkness prevails except for areas illuminated by lanterns or moonlight. During the day, visibility is excellent, with natural reflections and lighting. Rain effects are also convincingly rendered, enhancing the immersive medieval atmosphere.

Players new to Pearl Abyss’s games may find the mechanics initially complex. Conversely, Black Desert Online veterans may find elements of Crimson Desert familiar. The game also incorporates elements from other successful titles, such as stealth and parkour from Assassin’s Creed, the dark fantasy setting of The Witcher, exploration inspired by Breath of the Wild, a magic system reminiscent of Tears of the Kingdom, and the immersive storytelling of Red Dead Redemption 2. Mastering Crimson Desert requires significant time and patience due to its complexity. The world is vast, and the control panel can be initially daunting. Taking extended breaks may necessitate relearning certain mechanics. After seven hours, I had only begun to grasp some gameplay nuances, and I had not yet completed the tutorial. The game is full of information and strategies to learn. Fully engaging with the game demands commitment, patience, and focus.

In Crimson Desert, Kliff enjoys considerable freedom, and his skills unlock naturally as the story progresses. Pearl Abyss emphasizes the game’s action-adventure elements over traditional RPG mechanics, eschewing a conventional leveling system. Kliff acquires new moves and abilities through in-game events. The range of unlockable content is extensive, incorporating elements from fighting games, wrestling, and magic, resulting in diverse character playstyles and significant gameplay depth. Crimson Desert features a distinctive control scheme from the outset. The game’s open world and lack of handholding further contribute to its depth. Players may spend hours exploring, experimenting, and interacting to make progress. Patience is essential, and players must utilize their environment strategically. The game also features a strong role-playing component. In one instance, Kliff must clean a chimney, requiring precise positioning and direction. This underscores the importance of the focus system. The developers have indicated that Crimson Desert departs from conventional automations, potentially dividing players due to its demands on time, concentration, and active engagement. However, those who fully immerse themselves in the game will find it highly rewarding.

Exploring Crimson Desert’s Depth: Pre-Release Insights and Verdict on March 18

This expansive game world promises a deep and varied experience. Much remains to be explored and accomplished in Crimson Desert. I will be diving into the game until its release in two weeks. My upcoming reviews may be more focused as I prioritize completing the game and providing a comprehensive assessment. The final verdict and score for Crimson Desert will be available on March 18 at 11 PM. Console performance will be a key factor to watch for at launch.