Crimson Desert will feature a brand-new playable demo at Gamescom 2025, giving all attendees a chance to try out the highly anticipated open-world action-adventure game first-hand. Developed by Pearl Abyss, Crimson Desert has made waves thanks to its fighting-game-esque approach to combat, gorgeous visuals, and a single-player focus that helps it stand apart from the studio’s previous game, Black Desert Online. Where BDO was an ambitious attempt at an MMORPG, Crimson Desert is exclusively single-player, something that has only helped the game gain more traction among fans looking for a true AAA medieval ARPG.
Pearl Abyss has been gradually lifting the curtain on Crimson Desert with boss fight gameplay videos, extended looks, teaser trailers, and occasional demos. The hype surrounding Crimson Desert has been steadily growing as the game’s late 2025 release date approaches. A playable demo for the game was also made available at Summer Game Fest 2025 just a few weeks ago, but it was limited to certain pre-approved individuals. Gamescom will mark the first time a Crimson Desert demo has been made available to the wider public.
Crimson Desert Reportedly Turned Down Chance at PS5 Exclusivity
The developer of the upcoming open-world action adventure title Crimson Desert turns down Sony's PlayStation 5 exclusivity offer.
Pearl Abyss announced that Crimson Desert’s next demo will be held at Gamescom 2025 at the Koelnmesse Exhibition Center in Cologne, Germany, from Wednesday to Sunday, August 20-24. Both media personnel and public attendees are welcome to experience the demo in the Entertainment Hall in Hall 06.1 | Stand B041 - A040. According to Lybee Park, CEO of Pearl Abyss Europe, the team is excited to let fans venture into the Crimson Desert’s continent of Pywel directly to get “hands-on with the experience we’ve crafted.”
Crimson Desert Public Demo Coming to Gamescom 2025
The booth will include themed decor modeled after the game world and will be playable on AMD-powered PC hardware and Samsung’s Odyssey G6/G8 gaming monitors. Though there is no word on maximum capacity yet, the event runs for five full days, making it likely that most fans will probably get a chance to play. Pearl Abyss has also announced that those who do try out Crimson Desert’s demo will also receive exclusive event merchandise as a thank-you for participating.
Early hands-on impressions of Crimson Desert from reviewers have been generally positive, but input from the general public matters more when getting players excited about the game. Gamescom 2025 marks a pivotal moment in the pre-launch cycle as it could solidify public perception surrounding the game and give it a greater air of legitimacy. Despite marketing efforts to ensure otherwise, Crimson Desert still appears too good to be true, and while previous demos and extended gameplay trailers have alleviated some concerns, a public demo will go a long way toward convincing fans that the game isn’t just a collective fever dream but something real.
OpenCritic Reviews
- Released
- March 19, 2026
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Pearl Abyss
- Publisher(s)
- Pearl Abyss
WHERE TO PLAY
A devastating ambush in the deep of night by their sworn enemies the Black Bears leaves members of the Greymanes dead or scattered across the continent. Kliff – having lost his Greymane comrades, his family in all but name – is determined to reunite with the survivors, rebuild the fallen Greymanes, and reclaim what was lost. But on a journey where alliances are forged, dangers abound, and mysterious factions are uncovered, Kliff will come to realize that an unprecedented threat and a destiny greater than he imagined await him.
EXPLORE A LIVING, BREATHING WORLD
Welcome to the open-world of Pywel, a continent filled with mystery, fantasy, and tons to discover. Visit bustling towns and quiet hamlets, venture across vast plains, deserts, and mountains, and explore forgotten ruins, shrines, and other unique landmarks of the continent’s distinct regions. Gather resources, craft, hunt, and partake in the various activities of Pywel to also aid in your journey.
FORGE YOUR OWN COMBAT
The world is yours to explore as you will and there are many paths for you to uncover; ride various mounts from horses to wolves, even a dragon and machines, scale cliffsides and walls which you can leap from to glide, and go through mystical gates to find yourself in the mysterious realm known as the Abyss.
THE BEGINNING OF A NEW JOURNEY
On the unforgiving battlefields of Crimson Desert, there is no single path to victory.
Acquire weapons like swords, spears, and bows, and wield powerful abilities and elemental enhancements. Take advantage of the wide arsenal available to you and create lethal combinations to unleash even greater power.
With every strike and move, forge your own way in a world where a split second can decide your fate in fast-paced, visceral battles.
FACE RELENTLESS CHALLENGES
From ruthless warriors to fearsome beasts, there are those in Pywel who will seek your downfall. Encounter a diverse array of challenging enemies and bosses in brutal one-on-one duels, large-scale battle clashes, and quick skirmishes, and prevail against the threats that stand in your way.
THE BEGINNINGS OF A NEW JOURNEY
On the continent of Pywel, the rival factions of Pailune maintained a tense balance.
At Kliff's side stood his steadfast Greymane comrades: Oongka, Yann, and Naira.
That fragile peace is shattered with the sudden assault of the Black Bears. The Greymanes fall one by one in the ambush. In a desperate struggle against their fearsome leader Myurdin, Kliff and the few Greymanes who survive are scattered to the winds. Kliff, etching the names of his fallen companions into his heart, vows to rebuild the Greymanes and exact vengeance upon the Black Bears. Along this path, he would meet those who seek to upend the very order of the continent and face a mission unlike any he has ever known.
- Genre(s)
- Action, Adventure, Open-World, Exploration
