Crimson Desert
Action
Adventure
Single-player
Steam Achievements
Full controller support
Custom Volume Controls
Save Anytime
Stereo Sound
Subtitle Options
Surround Sound
Steam Cloud
HDR available
Family Sharing

Crimson Desert is an open-world action-adventure set on the continent of Pywel. Join Kliff on his journey to rebuild the Greymane faction and to save the land from a looming threat. From vast wilderness and cities to ruins and the mysterious Abyss, forge your path through battles and discovery.

Developers: Pearl Abyss
Publishers: Pearl Abyss
Release Date: 19 Mar, 2026
Price (USD): 69,99€
Current Players: 133k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Very Positive(86%)
open world
exploration
graphics
developer responsiveness
slow start
vast content
mechanics
controls
weak story
boss fights
The reviews for this game showcase a mix of appreciation for the game's expansive world and breathtaking visuals alongside criticism of its weak story and cumbersome controls. Players are divided, with some feeling overwhelmed by the game's mechanical complexity and lack of guidance, and others praising the adventure awaiting those who invest time to explore the vast open world. Developer responsiveness to community feedback has been positively noted, leading to improvements and regular updates. The game appears to appeal strongly to those seeking a large sandbox environment but may disappoint those who prioritize a cohesive narrative.

Positive Points

  • Many players appreciate the game's expansive open world and the freedom it offers, comparing it to games like Skyrim and Red Dead Redemption 2.
  • The game's exploration and world design receive high praise, with many players enjoying the detailed environments and the sense of discovery.
  • The game is often commended for its impressive graphics and visual fidelity, creating a breathtaking and immersive experience.
  • Players have noted the developer's responsiveness to community feedback, with frequent updates and patches addressing issues and improving the game.
  • Negative Points

  • The game has been criticized for its cumbersome and unintuitive control scheme, particularly for PC users.
  • Many players find the story to be weak, generic, and disconnected, lacking depth and compelling narrative elements.
  • Boss fights and combat mechanics are often described as frustrating and poorly balanced, with difficulty spikes that detract from the enjoyment.
  • Some players have experienced bugs and technical issues, although these have reportedly been addressed with patches.
  • Mixed Points

  • The initial slow pace and rough start of the game have been a concern for some players, although others claim it improves significantly after a certain amount of playtime.
  • The vast amount of content and side activities can be seen as both a positive and a burden, with some players feeling overwhelmed by the scale.
  • While the game offers a variety of systems and mechanics, they are sometimes perceived as half-baked or not well-integrated into the overall experience.
  • Common Themes

  • There is a strong comparison to other open-world RPGs like Skyrim and Red Dead Redemption 2 in terms of exploration and world-building.
  • The game's ambitious nature is recognized, but its execution in aspects like story and controls is often seen as flawed.
  • The developer's commitment to improving the game post-launch is acknowledged and appreciated by the community.
  • Updated 4/5/2026, 12:01:06 AM UTC