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Crimson Desert Requires Initial Update to Play

by Carlos Mendoza

Key Takeaways

Created with AI - we're still experimenting, so apologies if it misses the mark

  • Crimson Desert requires an internet connection to launch, even from the physical console version, as it needs an update before gameplay can begin.
  • The initial update download for Crimson Desert is approximately 48GB on top of the 78GB on the disc.
  • For PC gamers, Crimson Desert supports AMD FSR 4 and NVIDIA DLSS 4.5 upscaling technologies, as well as FSR Ray Regeneration and DLSS Ray Reconstruction, all of which require an initial internet connection for setup before offline play is possible.
  • Early access to Crimson Desert has confirmed that the physical release necessitates a mandatory update prior to launching the game, emphasizing the importance of having an internet connection.

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With anticipation building for Crimson Desert, which many expect will follow in the footsteps of Lies of P and Stellar Blade as another landmark Korean title, potential buyers of the physical console version should note a key detail: an internet connection is needed to launch the game, even from the disc. A player who obtained an early PlayStation 5 copy ran an offline test and found that version 1.0 requires online access for an update before gameplay is possible. The video demonstrates that while the game launches from the Blu-ray disc, a prompt appears after the initial screen, stating that an internet connection is necessary to download the update. Although Pearl Abyss previously announced that the initial update download would require internet access, this test reveals that while the disc contains approximately 78GB of data, an additional download of over 48GB is mandatory to play. Crimson Desert launches worldwide on March 19 at 3 PM PDT on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam, with preloading available starting March 17.

Internet Connection Required for Crimson Desert Update and Technologies Setup Prior to Offline Play

For PC gamers, Crimson Desert will support AMD FSR 4 and NVIDIA DLSS 4.5 upscaling technologies, as well as FSR Ray Regeneration and DLSS Ray Reconstruction. As with the console version, these features require an initial internet connection for setup before offline play is possible. Early access to Crimson Desert has revealed that the physical release requires a mandatory update before the game can be launched, highlighting the need for an internet connection, despite any claims of a fully playable build on the disc.

In Case You Missed It

Feeling curious about what’s happening in gaming? Ahmed Hassan’s recent post on Players For Life, “Believed To Be Imminent: The Third GTA 6 Trailer” (published March 14, 2026), is a must-read for impatient gamers like you. Dive into his analysis of Rockstar Games’ communication calendar to find out more about the upcoming third trailer of Grand Theft Auto 6. Meanwhile, Marcus Thompson has another exciting update for you – this time on the Epic Games Store’s latest free game weekend! In “Don’t Forget This Saturday: Epic Games Store PlayersForLife Cozy Grove and Isonzo for Free” (published March 14th), he reveals that starting this Thursday, you can snag two fantastic games – Cozy Grove and Isonzo – completely gratis. The offer lasts a week, so mark your calendars! If you’re more into financial trends, don’t miss Ahmed Hassan’s previous post, “Dollar Trades Lower Focusing on US Data Releases” (published March 13, 2026). In it, he explores how upcoming US data releases might influence global markets like the Brazilian real and oil prices. Check them all out here: https://playersforlife.com/2026/03/14/believed-to-be-imminent-the-third-gta-6-trailer/, https://playersforlife.com/2026/03/14/don-t-forget-this-saturday-epic-games-store-drops-cozy-grove-and-isonzo-for-free/, and https://playersforlife.com/2026/03/13/dollar-trades-lower-focusing-on-us-data-releases/.

Crimson Desert Requires Initial Update to Play image 1214 1 6

Specification
Official NameCrimson Desert
Brief SummaryA devastating ambush in the deep of night by their sworn enemies the Black Bears leaves members of the Greymanes dead or scattered across the continent. Kliff – having lost his Greymane comrades, his family in all but name – is determined to reunite with the survivors, rebuild the fallen Greymanes, and reclaim what was lost. But on a journey where alliances are forged, dangers abound, and mysterious factions are uncovered, Kliff will come to realize that an unprecedented threat and a destiny greater than he imagined await him.

Crimson Desert is an open-world action-adventure game set in the beautiful yet brutal continent of Pywel. Embark on a journey as the Greymane Kliff and restore what has been lost. Explore uncharted lands, fight against threats that stand in your way, and discover the wonders the world has in store.

PlatformsPlayStation 5, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, Mac
ReleasedMarch 19, 2026
GenreAdventure
Play ModesSingle player
Content Rating18+
LanguagesChinese (Simplified), English, Korean
GenrePearl Abyss
GenrePearl Abyss

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