Tag: Crimson Desert

  • Crimson Desert PS5 Impressions: Performance Criticism & No Release Date

    Crimson Desert PS5 Impressions: Performance Criticism & No Release Date

    Key Takeaways

    1. Many PlayStation players report issues with blurry textures and uneven frame rates in Crimson Desert, particularly on the standard PS5.
    2. Graphics complaints have emerged, with users expressing frustration over the lack of improvement despite adjustments to settings.
    3. Frame rate problems persist, often dropping below intended targets, especially in crowded areas, leading to choppy visuals and stuttering.
    4. Mixed reviews highlight dissatisfaction with the game’s performance, with some critics calling it unacceptable for a 2026 release.
    5. Potential buyers are advised to expect future patches for visual improvements, while skepticism remains about the marketing tactics used by Pearl Abyss.


    In the lead-up to the release of Crimson Desert, there were worries about the absence of PS5 gameplay footage. Pearl Abyss seemed to concentrate on the PS5 Pro and PC versions, not giving much attention to how the game would perform on the standard console. Now that it has launched, many PlayStation players are reporting issues like blurry textures and uneven frame rates.

    Graphics Complaints

    Posts on Reddit suggest that reviews for Crimson Desert might take points off due to subpar graphics. Many users are expressing their frustrations about the blurriness, regardless of whether they choose Performance, Balanced, or Quality settings. Although there is a slider to adjust this issue, testers claim it hardly makes a difference. Some gamers found that turning off the 120Hz setting on compatible screens has improved their experience.

    Frame Rate Problems

    The frame rates are also problematic, often failing to meet their intended targets. With the Performance setting, the game frequently drops below 60 fps, particularly in towns or areas packed with NPCs and enemies. While Quality mode enhances the resolution and gets closer to the promised 30 fps, players notice noticeable camera stutters, with movement feeling even slower than anticipated.

    On the day of Crimson Desert’s release, YouTuber Reforge Gaming conducted a live comparison of the console versions. He described the overall image quality on the PS5 as poor, aligning with other posts about the choppy visuals. While a high-end PC offers the best way to enjoy this open-world game, players on consoles are facing issues like screen tearing.

    Mixed Reviews

    Reforge Gaming was harsher than many reviewers, stating that the performance was unacceptable for a release in 2026. He discouraged potential buyers from getting the game and criticized the Pearl Abyss marketing as “misleading.” The company had defended its choice to focus on videos for the PC audience.

    Even though reviews for the PS5 Pro might be a bit more favorable, they are not glowing either. The images benefit from improved PSSR upscaling, making them sharper, but crowded scenes still cause frame rates to drop significantly.

    Potential buyers should be aware that developers might release additional patches aimed at improving the visuals. Furthermore, a detailed technical analysis from sources like Digital Foundry is likely on the way. Nonetheless, skeptics now feel justified in saying that the publisher intentionally obscured the performance of the base PS5.

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  • Crimson Desert: 60 FPS on Budget GPUs for Affordable Gaming

    Crimson Desert: 60 FPS on Budget GPUs for Affordable Gaming

    Key Takeaways

    1. Open World Experience: Crimson Desert features a vast and detailed open world with numerous side quests and challenging boss encounters, contributing to its popularity.

    2. Performance Across GPUs: The game can run at a solid 60 FPS even with modest GPUs like the RX 7600, showcasing impressive performance optimization.

    3. Graphics Flexibility: Players can achieve high frame rates by adjusting graphics settings, with older GPUs like the RTX 4070 capable of reaching around 100 FPS on lower settings.

    4. 1440p and 4K Requirements: For 1440p gaming at high settings, GPUs like the RTX 5060 Ti are necessary for 60 FPS, while 4K gaming requires more powerful GPUs like the RTX 5080 to maintain similar performance.

    5. Future Performance Improvements: Anticipation for future patches may enhance performance, especially considering that GeForce RTX cards currently outperform Radeon counterparts in the game.


    Crimson Desert is possibly the most discussed video game in recent times, and it certainly deserves the hype. This game presents a huge and detailed open world to discover, filled with numerous side quests and challenging boss encounters. One of the most delightful surprises is that, even with its impressive graphics, Crimson Desert runs quite well on a range of systems and does not require a powerful GPU to maintain a solid 60 FPS.

    Performance Insights

    Hardware Unboxed has analyzed the performance of Crimson Desert using 40 different GPUs alongside a Ryzen 7 9800X3D. The data is impressive, showing that Crimson Desert can maintain a consistent 60 FPS even with more modest GPUs like the RX 7600.

    When playing at 1080p with the highest “Cinematic” settings, an RTX 3060 Ti with 8 GB of VRAM is sufficient to achieve an average of 60 FPS. However, for smoother gameplay, an RTX 4060 Ti is recommended, which keeps the 1% lows in the mid 50s. Affordable modern GPUs such as the RTX 5060 and RX 9060 are definitely capable of running Crimson Desert at over 60 FPS without any issues.

    Graphics Flexibility

    By lowering the graphics settings to “High,” even the RX 7600 can run the game at 60 FPS. Newer GPUs like the RX 9060 XT and the RTX 5060 can easily exceed 80 FPS.

    Interestingly, you can achieve around 100 FPS with older GPUs like the RTX 4070 and the RX 7900 GRE.

    If you are stuck with a GPU like the RTX 5050, you will need to reduce the settings or use FSR/DLSS to reach 60 FPS.

    1440p Gaming Requirements

    At 1440p, for the highest “Cinematic” settings, GPUs like the RTX 5060 Ti and RX 7800 XT are needed to maintain an average of 60 FPS. The RTX 5070 and RX 9070 can manage about 80 FPS, while the RTX 5070 Ti can push it to 100 FPS.

    For high-refresh-rate gameplay in Crimson Desert at 1440p, the RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5080, and RTX 5090 are recommended. However, by switching to “High” settings, even the RTX 5070 can achieve around 100 FPS.

    If your goal is just to get a steady 60 FPS at 1440p, Hardware Unboxed indicates that an RTX 5060 or RX 9060 XT (available on Amazon) will do the trick.

    4K Performance Needs

    While Crimson Desert isn’t the toughest game to run at 4K, it does require an RTX 4080 Super or RTX 5070 Ti to hit 60 FPS, and an RTX 5080 is ideal for consistently staying above 60 FPS at the highest settings. To achieve 100 FPS at native resolution, an RTX 5090 is necessary.

    Crimson Desert fully supports DLSS 4.5 and FSR 4.0, so if you’re unable to get an RTX 5070 Ti, RX 9070, or RTX 5070, you might still manage 60 FPS with image upscaling enabled.

    At 4K with “High” settings, both the RX 9070 and RTX 5070 can provide 60 FPS without needing any image reconstruction techniques.

    Interestingly, GeForce RTX cards seem to outperform their Radeon counterparts in Crimson Desert. The RTX 5070 Ti, which is slower than the RX 9070 XT, performs roughly 13% better than the RX 9070 XT across various resolutions. We anticipate that the game’s performance will improve with future patches, so developer Pearl Abyss may address these performance differences in upcoming updates.

    In summary, you can enjoy Crimson Desert even if you’re using a lower-end GPU like the RTX 5050. This is a refreshing change in an era where many new AAA game releases often face performance issues.

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  • Fix Major Issues in Crimson Desert with These Graphics Settings

    Fix Major Issues in Crimson Desert with These Graphics Settings

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Release and Availability: Crimson Desert is now available for purchase and pre-loading on PC and consoles, but some players may need to wait to play.

    2. Graphical Issues Identified: The game has notable graphical problems, including visual noise and artifacts, especially in indoor areas, which might be improved with a day one patch.

    3. Optimal Settings for Visuals: For the best visual experience, it’s recommended to use ‘Cinematic’ or ‘Ultra’ lighting settings and DLSS 4.0 for noise reduction, while playing at native or near-native resolution.

    4. Performance Challenges: Fast movement in the game causes noticeable object popping, a result of optimization for lower VRAM hardware, which persists even at high graphic settings.

    5. Overall Reception: Despite stunning visuals and playability, the storyline has received criticism, contributing to a Metacritic score of 78, which is lower than expected by developers Pearl Abyss.


    After all the excitement and years of work, Crimson Desert has finally been released for PC and consoles. Depending on when you’re reading this, you might have to wait a bit to play the game. However, it’s already available for purchase and pre-loading on Steam and the respective stores for consoles. Given the game’s vast size, not everything is flawless, and there are graphical issues present throughout. A new video highlights these problems and offers solutions on how to resolve them.

    Initial Tests and Potential Fixes

    To start, the evaluations were conducted on a preview version of the game, and a day one patch could potentially resolve some of these concerns. That said, Hardware Unboxed has tested various in-game settings to discover what looks best visually. The main problem identified with Crimson Desert is visual noise and artifacts, particularly noticeable in indoor areas.

    Recommended Settings for Optimal Experience

    They discovered that increasing the lighting to the ‘Max’ setting actually worsens the noise, so it’s better to use ‘Cinematic’ or ‘Ultra.’ Interestingly, DLSS 4.0 performs better than DLSS 4.5 in terms of reducing noise. In some instances, using DLSS for upscaling can create additional noise because the lighting sample count relies more on render resolution than output resolution, as explained by Hardware Unboxed. It’s preferable to play the game at native or nearly native resolution with DLAA or DLSS Quality mode enabled.

    Additional Enhancements and Issues

    Moreover, utilizing a de-noiser like Ray Reconstruction (Nvidia) or Ray Regeneration (AMD) can be quite demanding since it appears to not only minimize noise but also alters geometry. More importantly, Ray Reconstruction seems to eliminate rain effects in the game visually, which is a clear bug that requires attention. Overall, using Ray Reconstruction combined with DLSS 4.0 Performance is the best setting for reducing visual noise.

    Fast movement in the game makes object popping noticeable. This is a result of the game’s optimization for playability on hardware with lower VRAM. Even at the top graphic settings, pop-in remains an issue. Be sure to check out the complete video linked below for more detailed information on the best graphic settings and their effects. It’s worth noting that Hardware Unboxed analyzed the game running at 4K on an RTX 5090.

    The positive takeaway is that Crimson Desert looks stunning and is fully playable, unlike some previous AAA releases, and most issues can be addressed with patches. However, the concerns regarding the storyline—highlighted in early reviews—cannot be fixed through software updates. This, along with other factors, may explain why the game received a 78 Metacritic score, which is lower than what Pearl Abyss had anticipated.


     

  • Crimson Desert Reviews: Annoyance Fixed Before Release Date

    Crimson Desert Reviews: Annoyance Fixed Before Release Date

    Key Takeaways

    1. Crimson Desert received an average Metacritic score of 78, which fell short of some players’ expectations.
    2. The initial inventory space was limited to 20 slots, but developers increased it to 50 in response to player feedback.
    3. Patch updates improved inventory capacity significantly, allowing players to expand their slots to 226 through side quests.
    4. The absence of storage boxes remains a concern, and developers are exploring solutions to enhance storage options.
    5. The review embargo raised concerns, as Metacritic only featured PC ratings at launch, leading to speculation about potential performance issues on console versions.


    With an average Metacritic score of 78, the reviews for Crimson Desert didn’t quite meet the hopes of some players. Nevertheless, it seems that the developers have already tackled one of the most frequently voiced concerns. Even though the game features a vast open world brimming with loot, many found the inventory space to be inadequate. As mentioned on Reddit, GamingTrend pointed out that certain reviews might not reflect the enhancements made from earlier versions.

    Inventory Space Improvements

    Initially, the game from Pearl Abyss was a hoarder’s worst nightmare, offering a mere 20 inventory slots. Responding to the backlash, the studio quickly upped that number to 50. In addition, players can acquire even more storage by purchasing items from in-game NPCs.

    Patch Updates and Side Quests

    According to the author of the GamingTrend review for Crimson Desert, a patch made significant improvements within just 3-5 days of testing. By completing side quests, players can increase their capacity. By the time the critic finished their article, they had a much more accommodating 226 slots available. However, it seems that some opinions did not recognize these updates.

    Ongoing Storage Issues

    Like many open-world RPGs or MMORPGs, players will gather weapons, gear, and crafting materials in Pywel. Although the new options are more fulfilling, the absence of storage boxes remains a notable flaw. Luckily, some testers have reported that the developers are looking into a more lasting solution.

    It remains unclear why Pearl Abyss decided to delay fixing one of the game’s major quality-of-life issues. Perhaps the technical difficulties of rendering seemingly endless maps took precedence. Nonetheless, Reddit users have pointed out that fans of The Witcher 3 faced similar restrictions before updates were released.

    Review Embargo Concerns

    The publisher has come under fire for how they managed the review embargo. Even on the day Crimson Desert launched, Metacritic had no ratings for the console editions, concentrating exclusively on the PC version. With limited footage for the PS5 or Xbox Series X, some fans suspect that the company is concealing performance issues.

    Crimson Desert’s day-one patches might alleviate inventory problems or frame rate drops, but these updates highlight a common industry concern. Reviewers may not interact with the same game as buyers do, which can significantly influence pre-order purchases.

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  • Crimson Desert IGN Score Disappoints Fans Amid $70 Price Tag

    Crimson Desert IGN Score Disappoints Fans Amid $70 Price Tag

    Key Takeaways

    1. Mixed Reviews: Crimson Desert has a Metacritic score of 78, but IGN’s review-in-progress gave it a 6/10, highlighting issues like poor writing and confusing puzzles.

    2. High Expectations: Fans were hoping for a Game of the Year contender, but many express disappointment due to gameplay mechanics being overloaded with systems.

    3. Development Background: Pearl Abyss spent almost six years developing the game, transitioning it from an MMO prequel to a standalone single-player experience.

    4. Technical Performance: While the game has shown stable performance on high-end PCs, it faces criticism for its steep difficulty curve and complex mechanics.

    5. Community Frustrations: Players on forums like r/PS5 express dissatisfaction with gameplay systems, feeling that technical aspects were prioritized over fundamental conveniences.


    The review embargo for Crimson Desert has been lifted today, and the feedback is quite mixed, to say the least. The game has received a score of 78 on Metacritic (you can read more about it here), but the IGN review-in-progress has sparked a wide range of opinions from the gaming community. Many fans were hoping this title would be a strong contender for Game of the Year, but the 6/10 rating points to issues like poor writing and confusing puzzles that detract from the overall experience. This has led to some intense debates on Reddit, as frustration arises from the disparity between its high-end performance and a gameplay loop that some players find to be “overloaded with too many systems.”

    Key Information and Specs

    Pearl Abyss dedicated almost six years to creating Crimson Desert, transitioning it from an MMO prequel to a standalone single-player adventure. Recently, a Korean streamer named G-tie leaked information about the game’s expansive nature, which has caught the attention of millions online. Fans have been comparing it to Red Dead Redemption 2. There are also several reports of stable performance on powerful PC setups, such as the RTX 5080 (currently priced at $1,500 on Amazon). However, these leaks also highlight a steep difficulty curve and the need to manage the main character Kliff’s skills effectively. Official reviews are echoing these concerns, along with apprehensions that the BlackSpace Engine is perhaps overshadowing the actual game design.

    Community Reactions and Feedback

    Looking at the general feelings expressed by users on the r/PS5 subreddit, it seems that while Crimson Desert offers cinematic character swaps, it falls short in fundamental conveniences like storage for settlements. Some players argue that the developers prioritized technical aspects for marketing purposes, which has led to player frustrations. When a game garners 400,000 pre-orders just based on visuals, it’s no surprise that dissatisfaction concerning gameplay systems creates a divide within the player community. The game is undoubtedly impressive, but it appears to be struggling under the burden of its own complex mechanics. Regarding the storyline, IGN even remarked:

    This world is full of fun stuff to do, but the stories within it are consistently bad.

    If you’re relying on reviews and happen to be someone who pre-ordered Crimson Desert, prepare yourself for a challenging learning curve and possibly frustrating control schemes. While PC performance has been reported as stable, we’ve also seen console footage. However, before you commit to the full price of $69.99, it might be wise to hold out for additional reviews and benchmarks—we’ll be analyzing and testing the game very soon as well.

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  • Crimson Desert Reviews: Metacritic Average 78, Control Issues Persist

    Crimson Desert Reviews: Metacritic Average 78, Control Issues Persist

    Key Takeaways

    1. Mixed Reviews: Crimson Desert has a Metascore of 78 on Metacritic, highlighting both praise for its visuals and criticism for gameplay issues.
    2. Gameplay Challenges: Players experience varying difficulties with combat, facing both overly tough early bosses and less challenging later enemies.
    3. Control and Narrative Issues: Awkward controls hinder gameplay, and the scattered narrative makes it difficult for players to piece together the story.
    4. Inventory Management Problems: The lack of storage leads to frustration, as players may become overwhelmed with collected items.
    5. Technical Achievement: Despite its flaws, Crimson Desert is noted as a technical milestone in open-world gaming, setting a new benchmark for detail.


    While not always the main factor in sales, critics can still sway consumer choices. The review embargo for Crimson Desert has finally lifted, revealing a wave of assessments on Metacritic. After 82 reviews, the open-world game holds a Metascore of 78. Many reviewers commend its ambitious visuals and physics but point out issues that may frustrate numerous players.

    Reviews and Performance Insights

    The initial reviews of Crimson Desert mainly concentrate on the PC version, which generally does not highlight many performance issues. However, even with stable frame rates, certain elements of the Pearl Abyss game are creating some divide among players. If gamers had come across leaked feedback, they might not be shocked by the recurring criticisms.

    Mixed Reactions to Gameplay

    Even with a 7/10 rating on Metacritic, Insider Gaming captures the general sentiment, dubbing the game a “title of extremes.” The reviewer praises Pywel as a vast and intricately detailed universe worth exploring. However, the game is bogged down by an “excess of unfocused systems, a weak story, and combat that has trouble with consistency.”

    From other feedback, players might have varied experiences with Crimson Desert’s combat. Diverse enemies demand skill and patience to overcome. Conversely, some bosses early in the game could be overly challenging for an unprepared Kliff. As he advances, other foes may not provide the same level of difficulty.

    Control Issues and Narrative Quality

    A significant issue affecting the game, both during combat and exploration, is the awkward controls. Even after remapping, the intricate layout can take a considerable amount of time to get used to.

    Prior to the release of Crimson Desert, there were concerns regarding the narrative quality. There is a story present, but it is scattered across such expansive maps that piecing it together can be tough. Several reviews also mention uninspired characters that do little to enhance the storyline.

    Inventory Management Frustrations

    Unfortunately, handling inventory can lead to frustration and even rage-quitting. Without storage boxes, players may quickly find themselves with too many items collected in Pywel. It’s possible that Pearl Abyss could address some of these quality-of-life concerns through patches.

    Even if it doesn’t compete with GTA 6 for Game of the Year, many entries on Metacritic recognize Crimson Desert as a technical milestone. Open-world titles may now have a new benchmark to aspire to in terms of detail. Some players, undeterred by its flaws, will find themselves deeply engaged. As described by GamingTrend, it is a “once-in-a-generation action RPG that redefines the genre.”

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  • Glowing Crimson Desert Review: Stable Performance, High Difficulty

    Glowing Crimson Desert Review: Stable Performance, High Difficulty

    Key Takeaways

    1. Time Commitment: Completing the main story requires a significant time investment, with players spending around 10 hours daily and potentially skipping many bosses.

    2. Learning Curve: The combat system has a challenging learning curve, necessitating trial and error, and certain areas of the open world are more difficult.

    3. Inventory Management: Managing inventory is easier than expected; completing side quests can increase loot space.

    4. Character Switching: Players can switch between multiple playable characters, similar to GTA 5, allowing for strategic combat against different foes.

    5. Console Performance Uncertainty: There are doubts about console performance, as only PC review codes were provided, but PC performance appears stable with high frame rates.


    With the review embargo for Crimson Desert lifting on March 18th, fresh impressions are starting to come in. A Korean streamer who has completed the vast open-world game shared some insights that haven’t been widely discussed. He also shed light on how Pearl Abyss has optimized the game’s performance for PC users (spoilers ahead).

    Time Commitment for Players

    For those looking to wrap up the main story, a significant time investment is necessary. The YouTuber mentioned that he dedicated about 10 hours daily to exploring Pywel, while skipping approximately 50% of the bosses. He compared the game’s size to that of Red Dead Redemption 2, which he invested around 600 hours into.

    Learning Curve and Combat System

    Even with some challenges avoided, players may face a difficult learning curve. An earlier leaked review of Crimson Desert highlighted that the combat system requires a bit of trial and error. Certain areas in the open world are also more challenging than others. It seems that enhancing Kliff’s abilities and stats will be crucial for surviving in the game.

    Inventory Management Made Easy

    On a positive note, managing inventories might not be as tough as some players worried it would be. The YouTuber disclosed that by finishing side quests, players can gain extra space for loot collection.

    While one main character leads the Crimson Desert narrative, there are other playable characters as well. Similar to GTA 5, players can experience cinematic shifts when switching between these characters. This allows gamers to select different fighters who are better suited to overcoming specific foes.

    Uncertainty in Console Performance

    There are speculations that Pearl Abyss only provided review codes for PC versions, leaving console performance for PS5 and Xbox in question. Nonetheless, the streamer indicated that with an RTX 5080, the frame rates were consistent at 1440p. While this might not sound too remarkable, he had the particularly demanding cinematic mode enabled.

    Because of the embargo, the Korean streamer could not share extensive details about the story. Nevertheless, without forecasting a Metacritic score for Crimson Desert, he described it as the “game of his life.” A comparison was made to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, which is celebrated for its captivating 3D world.

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  • Crimson Desert PS5 Reviews Blocked Before Release Date

    Crimson Desert PS5 Reviews Blocked Before Release Date

    Key Takeaways

    1. Limited gameplay footage for Crimson Desert on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S has led to criticism, but Pearl Abyss claims no performance issues are being hidden.
    2. Digital Foundry provided a positive performance review for the PS5 Pro version but noted a lack of footage for the standard PS5 and Xbox versions due to an offline activation server.
    3. Pearl Abyss has been transparent about technical challenges related to rendering the game’s expansive world, but limited access has affected testing on less powerful consoles.
    4. Many reviews at launch are expected to focus on the PC version, raising concerns among console gamers reminiscent of the Cyberpunk 2077 launch issues.
    5. The PS5 Pro has a stronger GPU compared to the standard PS5, but the CPU difference is less significant; the Pearl Abyss BlackSpace Engine may offer better performance on lower-end systems.


    Ahead of the March 19th release of Crimson Desert, there has been a surprising absence of gameplay footage for the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. This led to criticism, which prompted Pearl Abyss to state that they weren’t hiding any performance issues. However, just before the game’s launch, a well-known tech site still was unable to review the open-world game on these consoles.

    Digital Foundry’s Insights

    Gamers often turn to Digital Foundry for insights on how games perform across different hardware. They recently shared a largely positive performance review of Crimson Desert on the PS5 Pro. Yet, on Discord, they informed followers that there wouldn’t be any footage available for the PS5 or Xbox versions. John Linneman noted that the activation server needed for testing was still offline.

    Pearl Abyss’s Openness

    The site pointed out how transparent Pearl Abyss has been regarding the technical hurdles of rendering the expansive world of Pywel. Interestingly, they even sent a representative to Linneman with a copy of the game running on a PS5 Pro. Nevertheless, the limited access has hindered testing on less powerful consoles.

    Concerns of Console Gamers

    This update seems to back up the rumors that most reviews for Crimson Desert on its launch day would focus on the PC version. Many gamers remember the launch of Cyberpunk 2077, where CD Projekt Red overlooked the PS4 and Xbox One. Since the PS5 and Xbox Series X had just hit the market, many players faced stuttering issues.

    It’s not very clear how much better the PS5 Pro performs compared to the less capable systems. Digital Foundry noted that with Performance mode aiming for 60 fps and an upscaled 4K, busy scenes caused frame rates to drop below 40 fps. Sony’s top-tier hardware also features a more efficient PSSR upscaler, with an improved version already being released.

    Comparing Specs

    When looking at specifications, the GPU in the PS5 Pro is much stronger than that of the standard model. However, the difference in their CPUs isn’t as striking. Digital Foundry highlighted that the Pearl Abyss BlackSpace Engine is often less demanding on CPUs compared to Unreal Engine 5. This could result in acceptable performance on lower-end PCs and consoles.

    It’s still possible the studio might release more Crimson Desert videos for other platforms. Nevertheless, while Steam pre-orders have been robust, some console gamers are still waiting for reviews.

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  • Crimson Desert Expected to Rank 2nd, Boosted by Day-One Steam Release

    Crimson Desert Expected to Rank 2nd, Boosted by Day-One Steam Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. Crimson Desert is generating excitement and strong pre-orders, potentially ranking second in sales behind GTA 6 in 2026.
    2. Analysts predict GTA 6 could sell 25 million copies in the first 24 hours and generate nearly $8 billion in two months, despite a November release.
    3. Performance concerns exist for Crimson Desert, especially on less powerful consoles, while some PC gamers are unhappy with the addition of Denuvo.
    4. Competing titles like Marvel’s Wolverine and Pokémon Pokopia are expected to challenge for sales, with Wolverine being a PS5 exclusive.
    5. The gaming industry is eager to see if Pearl Abyss can surpass Capcom’s Resident Evil Requiem, which achieved over 5 million sales in five days.


    As the March 19th release date for Crimson Desert approaches, excitement is growing among fans, leading to some ambitious sales forecasts. Paul Tassi from Forbes predicts that this open-world game will only be second to GTA 6 in terms of sales in 2026. The game from Pearl Abyss is expected to gain from being available on multiple platforms from day one.

    Predictions for GTA 6

    Even though GTA 6 isn’t set to launch until November, analysts largely agree that it will overshadow its rivals. The venture capital firm Konvoy estimates that Rockstar Games might sell 25 million copies within the first 24 hours. In just two months, it could potentially bring in nearly $8 billion in revenue. Importantly, it will be available on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, but there is no confirmed date for its PC release.

    Potential Delays

    If there happens to be another hold up for the crime saga, it might change the outlook for the top seller in 2026. Nevertheless, Paul Tassi believes that the Pearl Abyss game will lead the charts before the holiday season kicks in. Pre-orders for Crimson Desert are looking strong, as it stands third in Steam’s top sellers list. It’s currently the only unreleased game in the top 40.

    Performance Insights

    Encouraging previews for Crimson Desert have surfaced, even though some worries about performance remain. Digital Foundry revealed that the PS5 Pro version met expectations, but its high demands could challenge less powerful consoles. Additionally, many PC gamers are expressing dissatisfaction over the unexpected addition of Denuvo. Nevertheless, this anti-piracy measure hasn’t caused it to fall significantly on Valve’s most-wanted list.

    The gaming industry is keen to see if Pearl Abyss can outshine Capcom and Resident Evil Requiem. The survival horror title achieved over 5 million cross-platform sales in just five days. However, with the vast scale of Pywel, the open-world competitor hopes to keep gamers engaged for a longer time.

    Competing Titles

    Tassi has pointed out other potential competitors that might vie for the second spot in sales behind GTA 6. Set to release in September, Marvel’s Wolverine already has a significant built-in fanbase supporting Insomniac Games. However, with Sony reportedly stepping back from single-player PC releases, it will likely stay a PS5 exclusive.

    Nintendo is facing similar hurdles with its first-party Switch 2 titles. After just four days, Pokémon Pokopia managed to sell over 2.2 million units, surprising some analysts. Still, due to exclusivity on the platform, a new 3D Mario game may be necessary for achieving more remarkable sales figures in 2026.

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  • Crimson Desert FAQ: No Cross-Save and Day-One Patch Details

    Crimson Desert FAQ: No Cross-Save and Day-One Patch Details

    Key Takeaways

    1. Launch Dates and Pre-load: Crimson Desert will launch globally on March 19, with pre-load starting on March 17 across multiple platforms.

    2. Platform Availability: The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, Mac App Store, and GeForce NOW.

    3. No Cross-Save Feature: Players cannot transfer save files between different platforms and must manage separate saves if playing on multiple devices.

    4. Internet Connection Required: An internet connection is needed for the initial setup and to download the day-one patch; offline play is possible afterward.

    5. Controller Compatibility: The PC version supports Xbox controllers and the DualSense controller via USB connection, but wireless use of the DualSense is not supported.


    Pearl Abyss has released a new FAQ about the launch of Crimson Desert, addressing various important details before the game is available. This includes information on when the game will be launched globally, when players can pre-load it, which platforms it will be on, controller compatibility, and the need for an internet connection. One of the key points is that there won’t be cross-save features between different platforms, and players must have internet access for the initial setup and to download the day-one patch before they can play offline.

    Cross-Save and Offline Play

    As stated in the FAQ, players will not able to transfer their saves between platforms. Additionally, an internet connection is necessary to finish the setup and download the first patch, although offline play is possible once everything is installed. It’s important for players to understand that if they want to play on different platforms, they will need to manage separate save files. For those who want to play without the internet on the first day, they should be prepared for some limitations since you must first set up the game online.

    Launch Dates and Platforms

    Crimson Desert is set to launch worldwide on March 19 at 15:00 PT / 22:00 GMT / and March 20 at 07:00 KST. Players can start pre-loading the game on March 17 at 15:00 PT / 22:00 GMT / March 18 at 07:00 KST from various platforms including the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Microsoft Store, and Steam.

    The FAQ also indicates that the game will be available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 5 Pro, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, Mac App Store, and GeForce NOW. This broad range of platforms, especially including Mac and cloud support, is a significant advantage for the game’s launch.

    Technical Specifications

    In terms of performance, Pearl Abyss confirms that Crimson Desert will support FSR 3/4 and DLSS 4/4.5 on PC, with enhanced PSSR technology on the PS5 Pro, and FSR 3 for the standard PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The PC version will be equipped with AMD FSR Ray Regeneration and NVIDIA DLSS Ray Reconstruction, while frame generation features are only available for PC and Mac. For Mac users, additional support for MetalFX Upscaler, Frame Generation, and Denoiser is also included.

    For those who prefer using controllers, the PC version of Crimson Desert is compatible with Xbox controllers and the DualSense controller via USB connection only. This is a minor yet helpful note for players planning to use the Sony controller wirelessly on their PCs.

    Practical Information

    The FAQ feels more like a practical checklist rather than a marketing piece. In addition to the main points, Pearl Abyss also mentions that the game will offer interface and subtitle support in 14 different languages, with full voiceover available in English, Korean, and Simplified Chinese.

    For gamers eager about the launch, this FAQ provides answers to many common pre-release queries all in one place. While the absence of cross-save might be a letdown for some, it does clarify the launch schedule, pre-load opportunities, online requirements, and platform availability.

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