Witcher, is that you? Crimson Desert is coming soon

Welcome to Pywel, the continent of contrasts

The game is set on the vast continent of Pywel, a world that shares the same universe as Black Desert Online, but tells a completely independent story. Players take on the role of Kliff Macduff, the mercenary leader of the Greymanes group, who is fighting for survival in a chaotic time. After the king falls into a coma, a power vacuum is created, opening the door for noble and corrupt leaders to claim the throne. Through Kliff’s eyes, players will witness the brutality of a world on the brink of complete collapse.

But Pywel is much more than a dark fantasy stage. The first impressions of journalists who have spent hours in the game describe a world that is simultaneously huge, dark and beautiful. Although the name of the game suggests a desert, the world is filled with diverse locations, from medieval cities and dense forests to floating islands high in the sky and mysterious spaces that seem to belong to another dimension. The spirit of the legendary promise from Skyrim – “you see that mountain, you can climb it” – is taken to the extreme here. Verticality is a key part of exploration, and players can jump from sky islands and sail through the air in a style reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

Combat as a combination of brutality and freedom

Where Crimson Desert stands out from the competition the most is the combat system. Instead of traditional classes and strict restrictions, Pearl Abyss offers complete freedom. The combat is described as fast, physical and extremely flexible, a hybrid that combines the investigative spirit of The Witcher with Devil May Cry-like action and the brutality of fighting games. Players are free to combine sword, axe, or spear attacks with bare-handed combat, grappling, and environmental use.

Kliff learns new skills and abilities organically, observing the masters of the fight and adopting their techniques, instead of the classic “grinding” of experience points. The system rewards creativity and adaptability, allowing players to change tactics in real time depending on enemy behavior. Opponents react to the terrain and can be used as tactical weapons, making every battle unpredictable. The feeling of viscerality is enhanced by the dynamic camera that zooms in at key moments, such as the execution of a brutal wrestling move, giving each blow incredible weight.

A game that wants to be everything at once

Crimson Desert doesn’t hide its role models. The influences of The Witcher in tone, Zelda in the mechanics of exploration, and even Ubisoft’s games in the liberation of fortresses are visible. There is also a bounty system similar to the one from the Grand Theft Auto series, where you are chased down by thieves if you start creating chaos. But the game combines all these elements with a bunch of its own, often bizarre ideas. One moment you’ll be solving physical puzzles with telekinetic power on a sky island, and the next you’ll be cleaning the chimney of a country house or following a cat that leads you to a boy wizard.

The world is full of activities that don’t always have a direct connection to the main story: from fishing, cooking and alchemy to horse riding, and even hand-wringing in the barn. Later in the game, dragons appear that you can ride, and even robots with gatling guns. It is this mixture of the everyday and the fantastic that creates an impression that some have described as a “terrible dream”. The game bombards you with systems, skills and possibilities, and yet, the impressions are almost unanimous: although it is often confusing and at times clumsy, it is never boring.

Technical details and releases

The game is developed on its own “BlackSpace Engine”, which enables advanced physics simulations, dynamic time and impressive graphics. Development is officially complete, which means delays are unlikely. Downloading the game (preload) is possible from March 17 for everyone who pre-ordered it.

Players on the PlayStation 5 Pro console will have three graphics modes, including one with a target of 60 frames per second, while owners of the standard PS5 and Xbox Series X will aim for 1080p at 60 FPS in “performance” mode. The PC version will support the latest DLSS and FSR technologies, but the use of Denuvo protection is also confirmed.

Crimson Desert comes in several editions. The standard edition will cost around €70, while the deluxe edition includes additional cosmetic items such as armor and equipment for the horse. Everyone who pre-orders the game will receive an exclusive Khaled shield. It is important to note that Pearl Abyss has confirmed that the word about a complete single-player experience without any microtransactions.