Crimson Desert is almost here. We’ve rounded up all the key information on global launch times, preload availability, and when the review embargo lifts.
The open-world action-adventure Crimson Desert from Pearl Abyss takes you to the continent of Pywel for a story-driven single-player campaign. To make sure you know exactly when you can jump in—and when reviews and guides will be available—we’ve gathered the official details and reports for you.
Crimson Desert Release: When Does the Game Unlock?
Crimson Desert launches on March 19, 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. According to official information from Pearl Abyss, the game goes live worldwide on March 19, 2026 at 11:00 PM CET. That translates to the following global launch times:
- U.S. West Coast (PST): 2:00 PM
- U.S. East Coast (EST): 5:00 PM
- Brazil (BRT): 7:00 PM
- United Kingdom (GMT): 10:00 PM
In other regions—such as Japan, Australia, or New Zealand—the launch will fall in the early morning hours of March 20 due to time zone differences.
There will be no advanced access period. Whether you purchase the Standard or Deluxe Edition, everyone starts at the same time.
When Does the Review Embargo Lift?
Pearl Abyss’ open-world adventure is an ambitious project—perhaps even a bit too ambitious. We had the chance to go hands-on with Crimson Desert at Gamescom 2025 (see section below), and since then we’ve remained cautious about whether the game can truly deliver on its promises. That’s why we strongly recommend waiting for reviews before making a purchase.
If you’re planning to read reviews, mark your calendar: According to official information from Pearl Abyss, the review embargo lifts on March 18, 2026 at 11:00 PM CET—exactly one day before launch. The guide embargo follows a day later, on March 19, 2026 at 11:00 PM CET. That means you’ll find in-depth help and walkthroughs for Crimson Desert right here on SPACE4GAMES in time for release.
Is There a Preload for Crimson Desert?
A preload is very likely, although it hasn’t been officially confirmed for every platform. At the moment, we expect console preloads (Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5) to begin on March 17, roughly 48 hours before the global launch. PC preload times via Steam and Epic Games Store are expected to fall within the same window.
What Can You Expect From Crimson Desert?
In Crimson Desert, you step into the boots of mercenary Kliff. After a brutal attack on his clan—the Greymanes—he sets out to reunite the survivors and restore his order’s honor.
According to Pearl Abyss, the open world of Pywel features a range of biomes—from bustling cities and scorching deserts to icy tundras—along with numerous side quests, factions, and player choices. At its core is a single-player campaign packed with intense combat against both human foes and monstrous enemies.
Our hands-on preview of Crimson Desert at Gamescom was filled with hard-hitting melee combat, spectacular elemental attacks featuring fire and ice, and massive large-scale battles. We also tackled a tight, close-quarters boss fight. While the visual effects were impressive, performance repeatedly struggled under the weight of densely packed combat scenes. Another issue was the complex and sometimes clunky control scheme, which can become challenging in chaotic encounters. We’ll be watching closely to see whether Pearl Abyss can deliver a smooth experience by the March 19 release.
