Crimson Desert: the Elden Ring-style RPG unveils its release date

Crimson Desert returns to the scene with a clear promise: a generous, nervous and surprising action RPG. South Korean studio Pearl Abyss details its project step by step, while recent images confirm a rare attention to setting and interaction. The public is waiting, and so the key questions about date, platforms and editions are already being asked.

What the new trailer shows

The latest video showcases smooth, varied fighting, with groundwork sequences, projections and fine guard management. We see spectacular scenes, yet rooted in believable physics, such as falls, overturned carts and collapsing structures. Pywel’s world is vast, changing and inhabited, with crowds, marketplaces and wilderness. The epic promises as much adrenalin as breath.

In addition to combat, the trailer features a wide range of other activities: foraging, hunting and infiltration scenes. Animations remain legible, and the dynamic lighting enhances the reading of risks. An effort has been made to make actions more accessible, without sacrificing depth. Crimson Desert is designed to appeal to both curious gamers and demanding RPG fans.

The camera follows closely, then moves away to give way to vast, legible shots. This visual grammar, however, does not detract from the rhythm: every focus serves a gesture, a jump or a dodge. Group confrontations seem intense, with allies, mounts and heavy weapons. This blend of epic and precision underpins the project’s ambition.

“An ambitious action RPG that relies on emotion, sensations, and freedom of play.”

Date, platforms and ambitions

Official communications are understandably cautious about the date. The images show the project to be well underway, but an RPG of this scale requires lengthy testing phases. The studio is targeting current machines, including PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, as well as PC (Steam) and Mac. Crimson Desert is set in a modern, action-oriented technical environment.

The Pearl Abyss name is reassuring, as the studio has solid experience with living worlds. The project is focused on single-player adventure, with a narrative supported by playable scenes. As a result, the team is seeking a balance between freedom and readability. Crimson Desert appears to be a singular proposition in a very busy market.

• Action RPG in a rich, vibrant open world.
• Dynamic, readable, physics-driven combat.
• Target platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam), Mac.
• Cautious communication on the exit window.
• Development by Pearl Abyss.

Editions, pre-orders and physical items

Pearl Abyss – Crimson Desert (Full Game). Standard and Deluxe, physical and digital on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam) and Mac, price not mentioned. So, basic access is broad and covers all recent media.

Pearl Abyss – Deluxe Edition Limited SteelBook®. Premium physical case included in the Deluxe Edition to enhance the game’s box. What’s more, it targets collectors.

Pearl Abyss – Map of Pywel. Map of Pywel included in the Deluxe Edition to locate regions, routes and points of interest. In short, a useful reference point for following the adventure.

Pearl Abyss – Letter from the Developer. A printed message from the team, included in the Deluxe Edition, sharing the project’s vision and journey. In this way, the studio-player relationship gains in warmth.

Pearl Abyss – 3 Character Photo Cards. Three character cards, included in the Deluxe Edition, to put faces to the heroes. They’re discreet and easy to display.

Pearl Abyss – Greymane Brooch Pin. A Greymane pin accompanies the Deluxe Edition for a touch of style. Fans of goodies will also find it a welcome nod.

Pearl Abyss – 3 Patches. Three textile patches included in the Deluxe Edition, practical for bag, jacket or controller cover. So personalization extends off-screen.

Pearl Abyss – Khaled Shield (Pre-Order Bonus). Pre-order bonus for Standard and Deluxe, designed as a starting shield. However, the studio does not specify the exact level of benefit.

Digital bonus packs and exclusives

Pearl Abyss – Grotevant Plate Set. An exclusive PlayStation 5 advantage in the Deluxe Pack, reinforcing the appeal of the Sony console. The PS5 version thus gains a cosmetic and practical plus.

Pearl Abyss – Balgran Shield. Shield included in the Deluxe Pack, designed to vary defensive approaches. It can also support a more aggressive style.

Pearl Abyss – Kairos Plate Set. Deluxe Pack armor to offer a different visual identity. As a result, players can adjust their silhouette effortlessly.

Pearl Abyss – Exclaire Horse Tack Set. Deluxe Pack horse tack to enhance your travels. Also, exploration gains in style over long distances.

Pearl Abyss – Tormented Soul Bow. Ultimate Pack bow, designed for a more pronounced ranged profile. In short, the arsenal expands for more varied combat.

Pearl Abyss – Derictus Spear. Spear from the Ultimate Pack for fans of aggressive, mobile play. Clashes gain in scope and tempo.

Pearl Abyss – Sielos Longsword. A long sword from the Ultimate Pack, useful for a balanced style. As a result, it’s ideal for both duels and melee.

Pearl Abyss – Shroud Lantern. Ultimate Pack lantern for illuminating dark areas and ruins. The ambience also gains in legibility during expeditions.

Pearl Abyss – Hyperion Horse Tack Set. Ultimate Pack horse tack, designed for stylish travel. This content is part of the move upmarket around Crimson Desert.

What this means for players

The editions and packs offer clear guidelines for preparing your game. Some focus on cosmetic items, others on useful weapons or shields. As a result, everyone can build a start to their adventure that’s coherent with their style. Crimson Desert gains in modularity, without losing its identity.

Caution is still called for when it comes to balancing these bonuses. The studio will need to avoid disadvantaging those who choose the easier path. In addition, communication on final statistics will reassure competitive profiles. Crimson Desert can succeed if it maintains this subtle balance from launch.

On a practical level, physical products will appeal to collectors, while digital products will facilitate immediate access. Cards, pins and patches create a link with everyday life, thus prolonging the attachment. The absence of a confirmed public price tag calls for budgetary vigilance. In this context, Crimson Desert invites you to compare editions and real needs.

There remains the question of the timetable, much scrutinized by the community. The team is making progress, and as a result, expectations are being fine-tuned with each new announcement. The game aims to be released on modern hardware, with strong visual ambitions. Crimson Desert continues to arouse curiosity, step by step.

• Crimson Desert