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Crimson Desert Hands-On Preview – Why Pearl Abyss’ Ambitious RPG is Worth the Wait
When Pearl Abyss first unveiled Crimson Desert back in 2019, expectations ran high. Known for its visually striking MMORPG Black Desert, the studio had established itself as a developer capable of technical excellence.
But Crimson Desert promised something different — a narrative-driven, open-world RPG designed for single players as much as large-scale spectacle. After years of delays, speculation, and hype, we finally went hands-on with the game at Gamescom 2025. What followed was nearly an hour of gameplay that left me convinced Pearl Abyss may be on the verge of delivering one of 2026’s most ambitious action-RPGs.
Setting the Stage in Pywel
The demo cast me as Kliff, leader of the Greymanes, a man carrying both the burdens of leadership and the scars of war. My goal was simple on paper: reunite my band of companions while suppressing an uprising led by the Black Bears. In practice, this introduction effectively showcased the complexity and layers of Crimson Desert.
Even in its tutorial, the game demanded precision and patience. Armed initially with only a sword and spear, Kliff’s move set emphasised timing, blocks, and parries over frantic button-mashing. The developers stressed that combat is designed to challenge without overwhelming — smaller foes can be dispatched quickly, but larger enemies and bosses demand finesse.
The system encourages experimentation, especially once elemental powers from the Axiom Bracelet come into play. Fire, lightning, and ice don’t just add flair — they expand strategies and create new ways to dominate the battlefield.
A Living, Breathing World
Once the tutorial wrapped, the demo shifted to a breathtaking descent into the continent of Pywel. Everything in sight, I was told, could eventually be reached: mountains in the distance, fortresses bristling with soldiers, towns buzzing with activity. This isn’t just open-world set dressing; Pearl Abyss is aiming for a truly explorable space.
The visual fidelity was immediately striking. Sunlight danced across fields, while clouds cast shadows that shifted as Kliff galloped across plains on horseback. Camera perspectives, switchable between wide third-person and immersive first-person, underscored the studio’s cinematic ambition. Exploration feels freeing, whether climbing sheer walls, navigating dense forests, or weaving through bustling settlements, the world itself begs to be explored.
War in Motion
The calm of exploration gave way to chaos as Kliff reached the frontlines of a rebellion. Here, Crimson Desert leaned into its Black Desert DNA, presenting a warzone alive with hundreds of NPCs locked in battle. It was frenetic, messy, and utterly exhilarating.
Melee combat flowed seamlessly with ranged tactics. Kliff’s bow allowed precise strikes, while artillery-support arrows brought devastating barrages down on clustered enemies. Elemental powers added another dimension: lightning stunned enemies, fire sent them reeling, and ice froze them mid-attack. In these moments, Crimson Desert’s combat struck a balance between cinematic spectacle and strategic mastery.
A Duel with Cassius Morton
The highlight of the preview was the showdown with Cassius Morton, a brutal boss who demanded more than raw aggression. Morton’s attacks landed with devastating force, forcing me to rely on blocks, dodges, and carefully timed parries. The fight ebbed and flowed, punishing mistakes but rewarding smart counterattacks.
When Morton staggered, Kliff unleashed the coup de grace — lifting a stone pillar from the ground and smashing it down with earth-shaking force. It was both cinematic and empowering, the kind of dramatic climax that leaves you leaning forward in your chair.
Layers of Freedom and Challenge
What struck me most was how flexible and layered the game feels. Exploration is filled with possibilities: alternate routes, verticality, and a sense that no two journeys will be identical. Combat, too, accommodates different playstyles — methodical parries for purists, elemental chaos for experimenters, and overwhelming power for those who master Kliff’s abilities.
Even with this preview slice, it’s clear Pearl Abyss wants Crimson Desert to be more than another open-world RPG. The studio is aiming to merge cinematic storytelling, large-scale battles, and personal moments of triumph into something that feels both intimate and epic.
Final Thoughts
Visually stunning, mechanically deep, and narratively ambitious, Crimson Desert left a strong impression. Yes, combat still has some rough edges, and yes, we’ll need to see how the wider world holds up over dozens of hours. But from what I played, Pearl Abyss has laid the groundwork for an experience that could rival the genre’s best.
If the rest of Pywel matches the polish and ambition of this preview, then Crimson Desert could well stand shoulder-to-shoulder with RPG titans. The long wait may finally pay off, and in spectacular fashion.
Crimson Desert will launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
