GamerTake
AI Powered Steam Review Summaries
Black Desert
Action
Adventure
Massively Multiplayer
RPG
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: 17k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Mostly Positive(71%)
combat system
graphics
character customization
lifeskilling
exploration
sandbox freedom
AFK activities
progression
learning curve
grind-heavy
monetization practices
UI complexity
pay-to-win
The reviews for Black Desert Online present a contrast between its stunning graphics and engaging combat and its complexity and monetization. Many players appreciate the freedom and options it offers, yet struggle with the pay-to-win elements and grind. For those seeking a visually immersive experience and action-packed gameplay, BDO can be rewarding, but it requires patience and possibly a financial commitment.

Positive Points

  • The combat system is widely praised for being fluid, fast-paced, and more akin to an action RPG than traditional MMORPGs.
  • Players highlight the impressive graphics and visual fidelity, making the world immersive and beautiful to explore.
  • The game offers extensive character customization, allowing players to create highly personalized avatars.
  • There is a diverse array of activities beyond combat, such as lifeskilling, trading, and crafting, which many players find engaging.

    • Negative Points

  • The game has a reputation for being grind-heavy, requiring significant time investment for meaningful progression.
  • Critics point out that it has predatory monetization practices, where many conveniences and progress enhancements seem tied to real money transactions.
  • New players often find the user interface overwhelming and non-intuitive, complicating the learning process.
  • There are concerns about pay-to-win elements, especially regarding gear progression and the enhancement system.

    • Mixed Points

  • The level of detail in character creation and customization is both praised for its depth and critiqued as overwhelming.
  • The game's sandbox nature offers freedom, but some players feel aimless without clear direction or storyline guidance.
  • While the game allows for AFK (away from keyboard) activities to progress, opinions are split on whether this is a benefit or an engagement-killer.

    • Common Themes

  • The game is frequently mentioned in the context of its grind and time commitment, impacting player enjoyment and creating a love-hate relationship.
  • The dual nature of BDO's economy and progression systems—offering both reward and frustration—is a central theme.
  • The visual aesthetics and design often set a high standard, yet this is sometimes undermined by technical issues or gameplay mechanics.
    • Updated 11/8/2025, 12:01:30 AM UTC
    Leave feedback for this summary