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
visuals
character customization
activity variety
story and quests
free-to-play elements
PVP balance
grindy progression
pay-to-win
complex UI
RNG elements
Overall, the general sentiment reflects a game that excels in combat and visual appeal, but is held back by grindy progression and predatory monetization practices. Players enjoy the freedom and variety the game offers, allowing for a personalized experience, yet many are deterred by its complexity and overwhelming amount of content, especially early on. While some embrace the challenge and depth, others struggle with RNG-based systems and feel pressured to spend real money for meaningful progress.

Positive Points

  • The combat system is frequently praised as exceptional, with players appreciating its depth and fluidity, making it a standout feature of the game.
  • The game world is visually stunning, offering a captivating and immersive environment for players, enhancing the overall experience.
  • The character customization is highly detailed, allowing players to create unique avatars, which many find to be one of the best in any MMORPG.
  • Players appreciate the game's diversity in activities, from combat to crafting, trading, and life skills, making it suitable for various playstyles.
  • Negative Points

  • The game's progression is criticized as being extremely grindy, requiring substantial time investment to make meaningful progress.
  • The monetization system is viewed as predatory, with various in-game advantages locked behind microtransactions, leading to a pay-to-win perception.
  • The interface and tutorial are critiqued as overly complex and confusing, making it difficult for new players to learn and enjoy the game initially.
  • The game is described as having excessive RNG elements, particularly in gear enhancement, which can lead to frustration and burnout.
  • Mixed Points

  • While the story and world-building are appreciated for their breadth, some players find the narrative weak and the quests repetitive.
  • The game's free-to-play aspects allow some players to progress without spending money, but others feel the real money advantages are too significant.
  • PVP is both critiqued for its imbalance and praised for its dynamic combat, resulting in a love-hate relationship among the community.
  • Common Themes

  • The game is often described as visually appealing with its impressive graphics and design.
  • Players frequently mention the extensive grind required for progression, which can be both a point of engagement and frustration.
  • The community is divided on the game's monetization, with some players accepting it as a necessary aspect while others are heavily critical.
  • There is a consensus that Black Desert offers a deep and complex world, providing a wide range of activities and content.
  • Updated 1/30/2026, 12:01:13 AM UTC