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: 24 May, 2017
Price (USD): 0,99€
Current Players: 21k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Mostly Positive(71%)
stunning graphics
fluid combat
character customization
vast world
lifeskill system
complexity
free-to-play system
PvP balance
community
diversity of content
pay-to-win
cluttered UI
RNG-heavy
grind-heavy
monetization
The general sentiment of the reviews reflects a praise for the game's graphics and combat system, which are considered among the best in the MMO genre. However, many players are critical of the monetization and RNG-heavy systems that can make progression feel grind-heavy and financially demanding. While some players appreciate the diversity of content and the vast world offered, others find the game's complexity overwhelming, especially for new players. Despite its flaws, the game's visuals and gameplay mechanics have secured a loyal player base who continue to explore its extensive content.

Positive Points

  • The game boasts stunning graphics, ranking among the most visually impressive MMORPGs.
  • Combat is frequently praised for being fast-paced, fluid, and highly engaging, making it a standout feature.
  • The game offers an expansive character customization system and a variety of unique classes to choose from.
  • Many players appreciate the breadth of activities and content, highlighting a vast world that keeps players busy with exploration, crafting, trading, and more.
  • The lifeskill system allows players to engage in various non-combat activities like fishing, which some players find relaxing and rewarding.
  • Negative Points

  • Many players criticize the aggressive monetization and pay-to-win aspects, feeling that significant progress often requires spending real money.
  • The game's UI is often described as cluttered, overwhelming, and not user-friendly, especially for new players.
  • RNG-heavy enhancement and gear progression systems lead to player frustration due to unreliable upgrades and possible downgrades.
  • Progression can feel grind-heavy and time-consuming, with new or returning players feeling left behind by the daunting amount of systems and mechanics to learn.
  • Mixed Points

  • While some players enjoy the free-to-play system with numerous events and freebies, others feel pressured or overwhelmed by the sheer volume and complexity of systems, currencies, and rewards.
  • PvP receives mixed reviews; while the combat system creates opportunities for engaging battles, many players criticize imbalance and the impact of gear disparity.
  • The community is described as large but can vary greatly from supportive to toxic, affecting the social experience.
  • Common Themes

  • The game's complexity and depth are often highlighted, with both praise for its thoroughness and criticism for its overwhelming nature, especially to newcomers.
  • Many players express the sentiment that the game requires a significant time investment, often feeling like a second job due to its grind-heavy nature.
  • The monetization strategy is a frequent topic of discussion, as players feel that it influences gameplay significantly and can create a divide between paying and non-paying users.
  • Despite criticisms, the appeal of BDO's combat and graphics keeps many players engaged, even if they have reservations about other aspects of the game.
  • Updated 8/1/2026, 12:01:44 AM UTC