Everything you need to know about Crimson Desert

On March 20, the open-world action RPG Crimson Desert from the creators of Black Desert will be released. You’ll be able to play it on day one on any device via GeForce NOW.

To mark the occasion, let’s dive into the details of this upcoming title!

What is it?

Initially, Pearl Abyss planned to create a prequel to their MMORPG, but over time, Crimson Desert became so ambitious that it evolved into a standalone project. Today, the game feels like a blend of several modern AAA hits: from Assassin’s Creed and The Witcher 3 to Dragon’s Dogma 2 and even The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

A Massive World

The open world of Crimson Desert is twice the size of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and even larger than Red Dead Redemption 2. The developers promise it won't just be a "dead" backdrop — something interesting awaits players at every turn. Every corner is worth exploring for unique events, Easter eggs, and rewards.

A Thousand and One Activities

Even though Crimson Desert is a single-player, story-driven game, it offers just as many activities as a massive MMORPG: hunting, fishing, cooking, arm wrestling, dragon riding, resource gathering, crafting, challenges, puzzles, and much more.

A Unique Setting

The game takes place on the continent of Pywel, where fantasy meets steampunk and sci-fi. While some fight with swords, others develop AI and engineer mechanical dragons — and naturally, there are those who oppose such scientific progress. As mysterious creatures secretly tear the world apart, the protagonist, Cliff, must reunite the Greymanes mercenary group to face the threat.

Hard-Hitting Combat

The developers have put a special emphasis on the combat system. To make it feel weighty, visceral, and realistic yet fun, they studied the moves and techniques of professional wrestlers. Cliff has more than just a sword, axes, and a shield at his disposal; he also uses various gadgets, such as EMP devices to disable combat robots.