Crimson Desert has finally arrived, and the reviews have left many people a little shocked. Before the game's launch, there was very intense hype surrounding it Crimson Desert which made it seem like developer Pearl Abyss' long-awaited single-player project could be one of the biggest releases of the year. Crimson Desert has definitely had a strong launch, but that launch has also been met with a tidal wave of reviews that are far more mixed than many probably expected.
They split up Crimson Desert reviews even caused Pearl Abyss' stock price to drop by nearly 30%. But even beyond the critics, the players are seemingly just as divided Crimson Desert. Whether it's the controls, the story, or the world itself, Crimson Desert is unapologetic about how it implements many of its core features. This is definitely not a game for everyone, and those who have been curious to jump into the world of Pywel may want to take a few things into consideration before purchasing the game.
Crimson Desert has sold 2 million copies in just 1 day
Following its launch on March 19th, developer Pearl Abyss announces that Crimson Desert has passed a huge sales milestone in just 24 hours.
If deep, gripping stories and complex characters are your thing, skipping Crimson Desert is probably the best decision
One of the main reasons the game generated so much hype is that many people saw its intricate world and were quick to compare Crimson Desert to beloved open-world games that Red Dead Redemption 2 and The Witcher 3. When it comes to an embodied world, well, that comparison makes sense. However, Crimson Deserts storytelling doesn't hold a candle to these other games.
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Balance the critics' averages
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Players are drawn to certain games for a variety of reasons. Many people out there value the game's story first, and Crimson Desert is simply highly unlikely to scratch that itch. The oversized world can get in the way of forming a cohesive story, as it's so easy to get lost in side quests. When players return to the main story, it's easy to forget what Kilff even did. Those hoping to find another complex protagonist like RDR2is Arthur Morgan or The WitcherGeralt will probably be disappointed too Crimson Deserts Kliff and the other characters he meets along the way.
Crimson Desert's control system has been one of the biggest complaints from players
Those looking for a game that lets players jump in with simple controls and mechanics will probably be better off skipping as well Crimson Desert. The control system isn't just complicated, it's weird. Even those who have loved their time with the game have criticized Crimson Deserts controls. The way everything is mapped out can throw a wrench into immersion, feeling counterproductive to the game's goal of throwing players into a rich world worth losing yourself in.
Some examples of Crimson Deserts weird controls include: When specifically playing with a DualSense controller, players must press LB, aim at a nearby NPC, and then press X to talk. It's a clumsy approach to in-game conversations that has frustrated many players. Also, the jump and interaction button are the same. This causes many moments where Kliff jumps around an object or the environment instead of engaging with it.
Players unwilling to slow down need to beware
Crimson Deserts battles are often fast-paced, but much of the gameplay requires players to take things slowly. For example, players will finally access the dragon mount after about 50 hours of gameplay. That time is daunting enough, but the slower pace doesn't stop there. Once players dismount the dragon, it has a cooldown of one hour. So, Crimson Desert may have a sprawling world, but it doesn't allow for power fantasies that some players may have hoped for.
Crimson Desert is for players who love extensive exploration that encourages them to get lost for a wild number of hours
Ultimately, Crimson Desert is made for players who were more interested in discovering each side quest Red Dead Redemption 2 and The Witcher 3 instead of focusing on the story. With RDR2there are players who are perfectly content to just spend hours fishing, hunting and even playing poker. Not all RDR2 is so, but Crimson Desert likely to appeal to that particular camp. Crimson Desert is all about the journey, not the destination. So history buffs probably won't enjoy it. That doesn't make it a bad game. It just means that Crimson Desert caters to a specific niche.
Whether it's the controls, the story, or the world itself, Crimson Desert is unapologetic about how it implements many of its core features.
What Pearl Abyss has been able to do with the game's open world is truly impressive, and players who love to be turned off by every single mission along the way are sure to find a lot of joy in Pywel. Although it is an action-adventure game, Crimson DesertThe slow nature makes it sometimes feel quite cozy. It wouldn't be surprising if it was also a hit with cozy life sim lovers. There is definitely more fighting than the likes Stardew Valleybut the ability to build a home and even farm adds a surprising layer of comfort Crimson Desert. Beyond battle and exploration, Crimson Deserts puzzles will also really appeal to those who love complex problem solving in the game.
Only on Steam, Crimson Desert had a peak of 239,045 players at launch.
Crimson Desert could still be a solid success, despite the split launch
Crimson Desert may not have turned out to be the universal hit some expected, but that's okay. The game definitely has its audience, it just won't be every type of player. The marketing of Crimson Desert always emphasized Pywel's world, and it fully delivers in that regard. Crimson DesertThe main story may be weak, but the amount of content and hours of exploration it can fit into a game is astounding. As the year continues, it will be really fascinating to see how players feel Crimson Desert because they get to spend more time with it.
Crimson Desert
- Released
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March 19, 2026
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ / Blood, drug reference, intense violence, strong language
- Developer
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Pearl Abyss
- Publisher
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Pearl Abyss
