Crimson Desert Gets Gameplay Showcase At The Game Awards, Will Launch Late 2025
Crimson Desert received an in-depth gameplay showcase at The Game Awards 2025. Pearl Abyss revealed a lengthier spectacle of its upcoming open-word, Pywel. We also got a release window for the game, which will be launching in late 2024.
RelatedThe Crimson Desert Gamescom Demo Was Brutal, And I Loved It
"Yeah, that happens a lot," said the developer watching over my shoulder as the Staglord crushed my character into the snow.
Posts By Harry AlstonWe saw a lot of neat things in the trailer, including fluid combat, unique abilities, a massive open world, and falling from the sky like in Tears of the Kingdom. However, the highlight of the trailer was Klif riding a wyvern across the land, and even raining down fire on enemies. While we still haven't got a final release date, we know it will be towards the end of next year.
Crimson Desert Will Launch Late Next Year
Previously, we knew that the game was slated for a 2025 release. A briefing meeting with investors revealed that a final date was not set, but Pearl Abyss was confident that it could put out the game by next year. We also know that Crimson Desert will be about 50-80 hours long in single-player, which will have a "definitive ending".
Not much has been revealed about multiplayer, but from what we've gleaned, it's not going to be an MMO and will launch at a later date. All we know is that it will be "similar to GTA's multiplayer mode." So, you may have a bunch of mercenaries running around on a single map and teaming up to complete certain quests.
Coming back to the trailer, we got a look at some of Klif's moves and powers, which look pretty fluid and fun. It also looks like he'll be able to climb surfaces, and the lack of ledges made us think it was like the climbing in Breath of the Wild. The trailer also showed off some islands in the sky, so it's taken a lot of inspiration from TOTK.
There's clearly something to this game, as reports stated that Sony offered Pearl Abyss a limited PS5 exclusivity deal, preventing the game from launching on Xbox. The time of the exclusivity period wasn't specified, but if Sony wants to keep Crimson Desert to itself, then ther might be something special about it.
Crimson Desert Like Follow Followed Action Adventure Open-World Exploration Systems OpenCritic Reviews Released March 19, 2026 ESRB Mature 17+ / Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Strong Language Developer(s) Pearl Abyss Publisher(s) Pearl Abyss 10 Images CloseWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALA 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.
EXPLORE A LIVING, BREATHING WORLD
Welcome to the open-world of Pywel, a continent filled with mystery, fantasy, and tons to discover. Visit bustling towns and quiet hamlets, venture across vast plains, deserts, and mountains, and explore forgotten ruins, shrines, and other unique landmarks of the continent’s distinct regions. Gather resources, craft, hunt, and partake in the various activities of Pywel to also aid in your journey.
FORGE YOUR OWN COMBAT
The world is yours to explore as you will and there are many paths for you to uncover; ride various mounts from horses to wolves, even a dragon and machines, scale cliffsides and walls which you can leap from to glide, and go through mystical gates to find yourself in the mysterious realm known as the Abyss.
THE BEGINNING OF A NEW JOURNEY
On the unforgiving battlefields of Crimson Desert, there is no single path to victory.
Acquire weapons like swords, spears, and bows, and wield powerful abilities and elemental enhancements. Take advantage of the wide arsenal available to you and create lethal combinations to unleash even greater power.
With every strike and move, forge your own way in a world where a split second can decide your fate in fast-paced, visceral battles.
FACE RELENTLESS CHALLENGES
From ruthless warriors to fearsome beasts, there are those in Pywel who will seek your downfall. Encounter a diverse array of challenging enemies and bosses in brutal one-on-one duels, large-scale battle clashes, and quick skirmishes, and prevail against the threats that stand in your way.
THE BEGINNINGS OF A NEW JOURNEY
On the continent of Pywel, the rival factions of Pailune maintained a tense balance.
At Kliff's side stood his steadfast Greymane comrades: Oongka, Yann, and Naira.
That fragile peace is shattered with the sudden assault of the Black Bears. The Greymanes fall one by one in the ambush. In a desperate struggle against their fearsome leader Myurdin, Kliff and the few Greymanes who survive are scattered to the winds. Kliff, etching the names of his fallen companions into his heart, vows to rebuild the Greymanes and exact vengeance upon the Black Bears. Along this path, he would meet those who seek to upend the very order of the continent and face a mission unlike any he has ever known.
