Crimson Desert will be released on March 19, 2026. Crimson Desert is the next game from Pearl Abyss, the same developer behind the MMORPG Black Desert, and promises another adventure in a beautiful yet brutal setting.
Pearl Abyss announced Crimson Desert at The Game Awards 2020, giving players an impressive preview of the gameplay. Set on the vast continent of Pywel, the story follows Kliff and his journey to reunite his companions from Greymane to protect Pywel from an imminent threat. Kliff and his comrades' path will be filled with missions, quests, and puzzles. There is great anticipation for Crimson Desert, which has been undergoing a long period of development, including a delay revealed in August 2025. Now, the developers have shared good news about Crimson Desert.
Upcoming Open-World Games With Ridiculous Mechanics
Brimming with possibilities, these upcoming open-world games promise to shake up the genre in the coming years.
Crimson Desert Release Date
- March 19, 2026
Crimson Desert has confirmed a March 19, 2026, release date for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The announcement was made during the PlayStation State of Play on September 24, which shared a new trailer that narrates the values of being a member of Greymane, the group led by Kliff. Showcasing Crimson Desert's impressive combat, the trailer features battles with humans and superhuman creatures, set in breathtaking locations such as deserts, castles, and beautiful mountains. One of the highlights of the trailer is the appearance of a dragon, which Kliff is riding, that then makes an epic dive toward the ground.
Crimson Desert is an adventure game that features a wide variety of landscapes, such as bustling cities, dense forests, deserts, grasslands, and freezing tundra. On his journey to reunite the members of Greymane and save the world from impending chaos, Kliff will learn more about the culture and powers of this massive world. He will also encounter ruthless enemies, resolve conflicts, and meet people who will become valuable allies. While Crimson Desert's open world and dynamic combat are the biggest stars, players will be able to do even more, with activities such as cooking, mining, gathering, fishing, and crafting.
With the reveal of the release date, anticipation for Crimson Desert is even greater, as players now know when they will be able to experience Kliff's story and Pearl Abyss's new epic fantasy adventure. While the game has not been released yet, players can secure their copy in different editions for both PC and consoles. One of the highlights is the Collector's Edition, which offers the most complete experience and includes goodies such as a diorama featuring Kliff fighting a massive golden dragon.
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
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
