Black Desert
Action
Adventure
Massively Multiplayer
RPG
Simulation
Strategy
Multi-player
MMO
PvP
Online PvP
Co-op
Online Co-op
Steam Trading Cards
In-App Purchases
Partial Controller Support

Played by over 20 million Adventurers - Black Desert Online is an open-world, action MMORPG. Experience intense, action-packed combat, battle massive world bosses, fight alongside friends to siege and conquer castles, and train in professions such as fishing, trading, crafting, cooking, and more!

Developers: Pearl Abyss
Publishers: Pearl Abyss
Release Date: May 24, 2017
Price (USD): $9.99
Current Players: 13k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Mostly Positive(71%)
stunning graphics
character creator
fluid combat
vast world
life skills
repetitive combat
mixed story
community interaction
steep learning curve
complex UI
heavy grind
pay-to-win
technical issues
Overall, the sentiment around 'Black Desert Online' appears divided. The game is frequently praised for its stunning graphics and fluid combat, offering an expansive open world with a diverse array of activities. However, there is considerable criticism focused on its complex UI, overwhelming for new players, and its grind-heavy progression. The storyline and quests also receive mixed reviews, being appreciated for their depth by some yet perceived as tedious by others. The monetization strategy, viewed as pay-to-win, is often cited as a major downside. Players looking for an immersive and beautiful MMO experience might still find it worthwhile, but should be prepared for its steep learning curve and aggressive monetization.

Positive Points

  • The game features stunning graphics and a beautifully crafted world that many players praise.
  • Character creator is highly detailed, allowing players to create unique avatars and enhance the immersive experience.
  • Combat is praised for its fluidity and action-oriented mechanics, often described as fast-paced and exciting.
  • The game world is vast with a large variety of activities, including life skills such as fishing, trading, crafting, and more.
  • Negative Points

  • The game has a steep learning curve and a complex UI that can be overwhelming for new players.
  • Many players feel the game is heavily reliant on grinding and repetitive gameplay to progress.
  • There are criticisms about the pay-to-win elements and cash shop items, which impact progression.
  • Players report technical issues like game crashes and performance problems even on high-end equipment.
  • Mixed Points

  • While the combat system is generally praised for being engaging, some find it repetitive or overwhelming due to complex controls.
  • The game's story and quests receive mixed reviews; some appreciate the depth, while others find them tedious and unengaging.
  • Community and PvP aspects vary, with some players enjoying the interaction while others highlight toxicity or lack of meaningful engagement.
  • Common Themes

  • The game's graphics and character customization are consistently appreciated across reviews.
  • Complaints about the user interface being cluttered and overwhelming are common.
  • The grind-heavy nature of the game is a recurrent theme, appealing to some but off-putting to others.
  • Pay-to-win aspects and the emphasis on microtransactions generate frequent criticism.
  • Updated 6/29/2025, 12:01:31 AM UTC