There’s no shortage of open-world epics these days, but Crimson Desert arrives with a very different kind of weight behind it.
Built by Pearl Abyss and years in the making, this is a game that doesn’t just promise scale – it promises deep storytelling, combat freedom, and a world that feels as dangerous as it is beautiful.
Available today across console (Xbox and PlayStation) and PC, it’s ready to make its mark… just don’t expect it to come cheap or land on Game Pass anytime soon.
At A Glance
Game: Crimson Desert
Developer: Pearl Abyss
Publisher: Pearl Abyss
Price: £54.99 (Standard Edition) / £64.99 (Deluxe Edition)
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC, Play Anywhere
Game Type: Open-World Action-Adventure
Game Pass: No
A Journey Through A Brutal And Beautiful World
Crimson Desert places you in the boots of Kliff, leader of the Greymanes, as he attempts to rebuild what was lost following a devastating attack. The continent of Pywel stretches out as a seamless open world, filled with contrasting moments; one minute harsh and unforgiving, the next unexpectedly calm.
This isn’t just about moving from objective to objective. Exploration plays a central role, with traversal systems like climbing and gliding opening up the landscape in ways that encourage curiosity. Whether you’re stumbling into side stories or uncovering hidden factions, there’s a sense that the world is constantly shifting around you.
Combat That Rewards Creativity
Fights in Crimson Desert are fast, physical, and often unforgiving. There’s no single correct approach as you are given a wide range of weapons and abilities to experiment with.
From swords and spears to ranged options and hand-to-hand combat, the game encourages mixing and matching techniques. Timing and positioning matter just as much as raw power, especially when battles escalate into chaotic encounters where a single mistake can turn the tide.
Environmental factors also come into play, adding an extra layer of unpredictability. It’s a system that feels designed to reward those willing to adapt rather than rely on repetition.
A Story Of Loss, Loyalty And Revenge
At the heart of Crimson Desert sits a personal story. Kliff’s journey to reunite the scattered Greymanes and confront the Black Bears provides a strong narrative thread, but it’s far from the only tale unfolding across Pywel.
Different factions vie for control, each with their own motivations and agendas. As alliances form and tensions rise, your role in shaping events becomes increasingly important. It’s not just about rebuilding – it’s about understanding the forces that threaten to tear everything apart again.
Built On Experience From Black Desert
Pearl Abyss isn’t new to building large-scale worlds. Their work on Black Desert laid a strong foundation, and many of those learnings carry over here.
When we previously looked at Black Desert on Xbox Series X|S, we found it to be “more than worthy of the price of admission,” praising its enhancements and depth. Crimson Desert feels like a natural evolution of that experience, pushing further into cinematic storytelling while maintaining a strong focus on player freedom.
A Premium Adventure With Plenty To Offer
With a £54.99 Standard Edition and a £64.99 Deluxe Edition – which includes the Kairos armour set, mount gear, and additional items – Crimson Desert firmly positions itself as a premium release.
It’s also worth noting that this is not part of Game Pass.
For those willing to dive in, though, there’s a sprawling world waiting; one filled with danger, discovery, and the constant pull of unfinished business. Crimson Desert doesn’t just ask you to explore its world… it asks you to survive it.
You’ll find Crimson Desert on the usual storefronts, playable on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC from 3pm PDT today.
