Visually impressive open-world fantasy adventure Crimson Desert goes gold, locks in a March release date
Pywell calls.
Image credit: Pearl Abyss
Crimson Desert has been making waves since it was revealed in late 2019, with 2025 giving it an extra boost in popularity following several previews and new trailers. As we approach its 19th March launch date, many were wondering if a delay could happen. Turns out, there was nothing to worry about, as the game has just gone gold.
Developer and publisher Pearl Abyss, [shared the ne…
Visually impressive open-world fantasy adventure Crimson Desert goes gold, locks in a March release date
Pywell calls.
Image credit: Pearl Abyss
Crimson Desert has been making waves since it was revealed in late 2019, with 2025 giving it an extra boost in popularity following several previews and new trailers. As we approach its 19th March launch date, many were wondering if a delay could happen. Turns out, there was nothing to worry about, as the game has just gone gold.
Developer and publisher Pearl Abyss, shared the news on 21st January, doubling down on the previously announced release date across PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam. It also came with a brief message from the studio, who talks of "strong anticipation" after the game’s presence at "major global gaming events" like The Game Awards, GDC, and last summer’s Gamescom: "We sincerely thank our fans around the world for being with us on this meaningful journey... Thanks to your support, we have reached this important milestone. We look forward to welcoming you to the continent of Pywel on March 19."
We’re thrilled to announce that #CrimsonDesert has gone gold! On behalf of the team at Pearl Abyss, thank you to our fans around the world for your support and for reaching this milestone with us. Stay tuned for more news, and see you in Pywel on March 19! pic.twitter.com/zUlDWvnUHQ
— Crimson Desert (@CrimsonDesert_) January 21, 2026
Set in the fantasy continent of Pywel, Crimson Desert was originally envisioned as a prequel to Pearly Abyss’ long-running Black Desert Online, but it later became a single-player giant "twice as big" as Skyrim when it comes to raw map size, according to its developers. In the age of open-world games that often feel a tad too scattered, that’s a double-edged sword, but we’re hoping it manages to grab our attention past the first few hours, as it looks lush.
Players will control Kliff, a member of the Greymanes, as he tries to reunite with his comrades following a "devastating ambush." His journey is said to be full of alliances, dangers, sworn enemies, and "mysterious factions." The gameplay we’ve seen so far suggests Crimson Desert is taking cues from modern classics like Skyrim, Tears of the Kingdom, The Witcher 3, and Dragon’s Dogma, among others. It’ll need to have enough game design (and narrative) ideas of its own to stand out though.
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