Crimson Desert is going to be one of the biggest releases of the year, but with all the hype surrounding it, it is also the kind of game where jumping in blindly might not be the best idea. Between technical questions, platform differences, and some ongoing debates in the community, there are a few things worth keeping in mind before you decide to buy it.
It Is a Full-Price Game
Crimson Desert launches at around €69.99, and that puts it in the same category as the biggest AAA releases. That means expectations are higher than they are for a €20 game. Players will expect a close to perfect experience, with solid performance, and enough content to justify the price. Unlike cheaper or early-access titles, there is very little room for a rough launch here.
This is especially important here, since the game promises a very large world and dozens of hours of content. If anything feels off, performance, bugs, or systems, it will be much more noticeable right away.
We have seen it with too many games over the last few months: big promises, a lot of hype, a lot of promotion, and some of those games ended up closing servers not long after, so they are not really allowed to make any mistakes. However, Pearl Abyss does have a good reputation, and they seem to have taken the time they needed to really polish the game and release a finished product.
Performance Is Still a Big Question Mark
One of the main concerns right now is performance. The developers have made strong claims, including high-end visuals and smooth performance, but there is still some skepticism, especially when it comes to:
- Console footage clarity
- How the game runs on mid-range PCs
- The impact of DRM like Denuvo
For most players who are not running high-end hardware, the real question is simple: will it run well at a stable frame rate? Right now, there is no definitive answer until the game is actually in players’ hands.
They did finally release some PlayStation 5 gameplay today, if you want to have a look at it:
Your Platform Choice Comes With Trade-Offs
The game releases on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, but your experience may vary depending on where you play. Here are a few important things to keep in mind:
- No cross-save confirmed between platforms
- Controller is recommended, even on PC
- PC version includes Denuvo DRM at launch
- Steam offers refunds (within 2 hours), but consoles generally do not
If you are unsure about performance, PC gives you a bit more flexibility to test the game.
No Subscription & No Early Access
If you are used to trying new games through services, know that the game will not be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch. On the PlayStation Plus side, you do not require a subscription since it is a single-player game. However, it is also not included in the PS+.
Basically, there is no “cheaper” entry point unless you wait for a sale later on.
You will also not get any early access, even if you buy a physical copy of the game. Some players have already gotten their hands on physical copies, but after inserting the disc in their consoles, they get a message telling them that they will have to wait before they can play. This does avoid the risk of story or gameplay being leaked and spoiled, but it also means that real final footage will only be available after the game launches.
The Game Is Extremely Long
Crimson Desert is going for a lot at once:
- A large open world
- Dynamic systems and simulation
- High-end visuals
- Long playtime
- A massive map
- Original gameplay
- Puzzles, Mini-games, and more
That kind of ambition is what makes the game exciting, but it is also where things can go wrong. Games with this size sometimes launch with performance issues, uneven systems, or content that does not fully deliver on expectations.
That does not mean it will happen here, but it is something to keep in mind before buying at full price. It might be one of those “jack of all trades, master of none”.
Crimson Desert definitely has all the ingredients to become 2026’s Game of the Year, but it also comes with a few unknowns that are hard to ignore.
Jumping in at launch will definitely be worth it, but if you are unsure because you do not know if you will enjoy such a long game, the gameplay, massive exploration, or just because you do not know if your PC can handle it, waiting for real performance tests and player feedback is the safest way to make sure it meets your expectations.
If you want to know when the game launches in your region, you can check out the launch times here! We also got the full trophy list ready for PlayStation players who might want to plan ahead, as well as the upcoming free rewards.
