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: 25k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Mostly Positive(71%)
dynamic combat
impressive graphics
character customization
open world
variety of activities
cash shop
gender-locked classes
customization limits
pay-to-win
complex UI
grind-heavy
server issues
region lock
Overall, the sentiment towards Black Desert Online is mixed. It receives praise for its combat system, graphics, and character customization. However, the complexity and grind nature of the game are significant points of criticism, alongside concerns about pay-to-win mechanics and a cluttered UI. Many players find it rewarding once the systems are understood, but initial experiences for newcomers can be daunting and overwhelming.

Positive Points

  • The combat system is frequently praised for its dynamic, fluid, and action-packed nature, making it more engaging than traditional MMO combat systems.
  • The game offers impressive graphics and detailed character customization, allowing players to create unique avatars with great depth and complexity.
  • Players appreciate the vast, open world filled with various activities, including PvE, PvP, lifeskills, and exploration, providing numerous long-term goals and progression opportunities.
  • There is plenty of content and activities to engage in, such as crafting, fishing, trading, and exploring the large and beautifully designed world.
  • Negative Points

  • The game is heavily criticized for being grind-heavy, with progression often feeling tedious and requiring enormous time investments.
  • Players consistently mention the pay-to-win aspects, which can give paying players significant advantages and make progress feel heavily monetized.
  • The game's UI is described as complex, cluttered, and overwhelming for new players, making it difficult to navigate the many systems and mechanics.
  • Server and technical issues, such as region locks and account management problems, are frequent complaints, leading to frustration among players.
  • Mixed Points

  • While many players enjoy the deep character customization, some find the lack of gender options for classes restrictive.
  • The cash shop and monetization are seen as predatory by some players, but others feel that the convenience items do not necessarily detract from the overall game experience.
  • Common Themes

  • The game's combat is a standout feature, consistently highlighted for its excellence.
  • Graphics and character customization continue to be major draws for the game.
  • The game is heavily reliant on grinding for progression, which is a point of contention for many players.
  • Pay-to-win mechanics and monetization strategies are widely discussed, with varied opinions on their impact.
  • Updated 9/1/2026, 12:02:43 AM UTC