The gaming world has been buzzing about Crimson Desert for what feels like an eternity. Developed by Pearl Abyss (the team behind the visually arresting Black Desert Online) this title has an interesting history as it actually transitioned from a multiplayer prequel into a massive, single-player epic.
With its release finally here, the hype has reached a fever pitch. But before you sharpen your blade and head into the rugged lands of Pywel, there are a few things you should know. It is a gorgeous game, certainly, but it might not be exactly what you are expecting. Here is the lowdown on the ten most important things to keep in mind.
1. It is not an MMO (Anymore)
While it shares part of its name with Black Desert Online, Crimson Desert is a strictly single-player, open-world action RPG (of sorts). It actually began development as an MMORPG, but the developers pivoted to a narrative-driven experience. You won’t be grinding alongside thousands of other players; this journey is yours alone.
2. Meet the Mercenary, Kliff
You primarily step into the boots of Kliff, a weary leader of the Greymane mercenaries. After a brutal ambush by a rival group known as the Black Bears, Kliff is left to pick up the pieces. The story revolves around his quest to reunite his scattered comrades and reclaim his honour.
3. There are Multiple Protagonists
Kliff isn’t the only one you will be controlling. The game features a character-swapping system reminiscent of Grand Theft Auto V. You will also play as Oongka, a powerhouse bruiser, and Damiane, an agile fighter. Each character brings a unique combat style and specific story quests to the table.
4. It’s a Massive Time Investment
If you are looking for a quick weekend play, look elsewhere. Pearl Abyss has suggested there is roughly 100 hours of total content. Even if you focus strictly on the main story, you are looking at about 50 hours of gameplay. For those chasing the “definitive” ending, expect to sink at least 80 hours into the world.
5. Customisation has Limits
Coming from the developers of one of the most robust character creators in gaming history (Black Desert), you might expect total freedom. However, because these are set characters with specific roles in the story, you cannot change their facial structures or heights. You can, however, go wild with hairstyles, tattoos, and outfits.
6. Combat is the Star of the Show
The game leans heavily into its action roots. While there is plenty of NPC interaction and questing, the combat is fast, fluid, and often brutal. It feels like a blend of Dragon’s Dogma and modern character-action games. Mastering the different styles of your three protagonists will be key to surviving Pywel’s tougher encounters.
7. The Visuals Come at a Cost
There is no denying that Crimson Desert is one of the best-looking games of this generation, powered by the new BlackSpace engine. However, early reports suggest that to see it in its full glory, you really need a high-end PC or a PS5 Pro. Standard console versions still look good, but they lack some of the “wow factor” seen in early trailers.
8. The Day One Patch is Non-Negotiable
If you’ve just brought home a physical disc, don’t expect to start swinging your sword immediately. Pearl Abyss has rolled out a massive Day One update (Version 1.00.02) that is essentially mandatory for a decent experience. It’s not just minor bug fixes; the patch actually adds a crucial tutorial quest at the start of Chapter 3 to explain the complex “Abyss Gears” system, which early reviewers found incredibly confusing. It also rebalances several bosses, including the notorious Reed Devil and removes “instant-kill” moves from some enemies that were causing players to rage-quit during the opening hours. Unless you want to play a version of the game that is significantly more punishing (and broken), you’ll need a solid internet connection before you begin.
9. It Uses Denuvo on PC
For the PC players out there, it is worth noting that the game utilises Denuvo DRM. This has been a bit of a talking point in the community lately, so if you are someone who avoids games with secondary anti-tamper software, consider yourself informed.
10. Reviews are a Mixed Bag
The initial hype was astronomical, but early reviews have been more measured. While critics praise the scale and the combat, some have noted that the open world can feel a bit “ordinary” compared to the revolutionary trailers. It is sitting around a respectable 78 on Metacritic which is still a great score, but perhaps a reality check for those expecting a life-changing masterpiece.
