During State of Play, Crimson Desert finally received an official release date. Find out when the game launches, which editions are available, and more right here.
Coming in 2026, Crimson Desert is an open-world action-adventure from Black Desert developer Pearl Abyss. The game takes you into a vast fantasy world full of conflict, danger, and secrets. We’ve gathered all the key details on the release, the main character Kliff, the world of Pywel, and the different editions for you.
- Note: We already had the chance to play Crimson Desert at Gamescom 2025. Check out our hands-on impressions here.
Crimson Desert Release: When Will the Game Launch?
Crimson Desert will be released on March 19, 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. South Korean studio Pearl Abyss originally planned to release the game at the end of 2025, but had to delay it. The final release date was announced during State of Play.
Can You Pre-Order Crimson Desert?
Yes, Crimson Desert is available for pre-order now. You can choose between a digital-only version or a physical edition.
What Is Crimson Desert About?
The story of Crimson Desert takes place on the vast continent of Pywel. You take on the role of the warrior Kliff, who struggles to survive after a brutal attack on his clan – the Greymanes. Following an assault by the rival Black Bears, many clan members are dead or missing. Kliff’s mission is to reunite the scattered survivors and restore the Greymanes’ honor.
This sets him on an epic journey, fighting both humans and monsters while making impactful decisions: form alliances or spark new conflicts, help strangers or pursue personal gain? According to Pearl Abyss, the story goes beyond traditional open-world tropes and aims to deliver rare emotional depth for the genre.
What Does the World of Crimson Desert Look Like?
The world of Crimson Desert is open and diverse. Players can explore a massive map with multiple biomes – from bustling cities to icy tundras, scorching deserts, lush grasslands, and dense forests. Pearl Abyss promises not only stunning visuals but also a world full of secrets, quests, puzzles, and rewards.
The developers emphasize that it’s a dynamic world, where cultures, powers, and factions influence each other. Depending on how you play, you can encounter new companions or unlock alternative story paths.
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What Gameplay Features Does Crimson Desert Offer?
Crimson Desert is a classic action RPG with a strong focus on exploration, combat, and storytelling. The core is a single-player campaign. The new trailer already showcased first boss battles, mounts, and action-packed encounters with dragons and other creatures.
Gameplay elements include:
- Intense melee and ranged combat
- Encounters with mystical creatures and monsters
- Treasure hunts and puzzles
- Decision-making in dialogues and alliances
- An open world with numerous side quests
Pearl Abyss is once again using its in-house next-gen engine, praised in Black Desert. Graphics will shine especially on PS5 and Xbox Series.
Which editions of Crimson Desert are available?
At launch, three different editions will be released, each with unique content and prices. All pre-orders include the exclusive Khaled Shield.
Standard Edition – $69.99
This version includes the base game plus the pre-order bonus. PS5 players also get the exclusive Grotevant Plate Set.
Deluxe Edition – $89.99
Available both physically and digitally. Includes:
- Base game
- Balgran Shield
- Exclaire Horse Tack Set
- Kairos Plate Set
- SteelBook
- Cloth map of Pywel
- Letter from the developers
- Greymane pin
- Three character photo cards
- Three patches
- PS5 exclusive: Grotevant Plate Set
Collector’s Edition – $279.99
Physical only. Includes all Deluxe Edition content plus:
- 17-inch diorama featuring Kliff vs. the Golden Star
- Shroud Lantern
- Sielos Longsword
- Derictus Spear
- Tormented Soul Bow
- Hyperion Horse Tack Set
Source: Crimson Desert
