Crimson Desert, an open-world RPG from renowned MMO studio Pearl Abyss, is finally approaching its release. Only last week, they shared a features overview video detailing the World of Pywel and Crimson Desert’s Protagonist, Kliff. You can read our coverage of that first features video here.
Now, we have been treated to a second features overview. This time, focusing on combat and progression. I was fortunate enough to get hands-on with the combat last year during my preview, which you can read here. That hasn’t stopped this latest video from getting me even more excited for Crimson Desert, especially with the addition of an extra two playable characters. The depth of combat seems almost limitless.
Before I go any further, please watch the video for yourself below:
The video shows a variety of skills for each playable character, from grappling enemies bare-handed to using a mount as a weapon to keeping your distance with a bow. There is so much to the combat, and that’s before we even talk about weapon variety and elemental abilities.
Players can wield a wide arsenal of weapons, including sword and shield, spear, great sword, axe, and several ranged weapons, each offering distinct strengths and combat tactics. Weapons can be purchased, discovered through exploration, given as a reward for dispatching bosses and questlines, or crafted directly by the player. Weapons can also be enhanced with elemental effects such as fire and ice, adding strategic depth and making fights more intense.
As I have previously mentioned in my coverage of Crimson Desert, the combat is very much like a fighting game. It’s about chaining abilities together in unique ways to maintain control on the battlefield. That’s why I wasn’t surprised to hear in this features video that timing and situational awareness are central to success. By reading enemy movements and attack patterns, players can execute precisely timed guards and evasions, whilst creating openings for counterattacks that can turn the tide of combat.
Of course, any RPG worth its salt has to have a good progression system. Thankfully, we got some important information regarding how you will unlock skills, gain weapons and more in Crimson Desert.
Character progression is driven by fragments of the Abyss, a key resource used to unlock and enhance skills. Fragments can be obtained by defeating powerful bosses or discovered throughout the world of Pywel, while certain abilities can be learned directly through exploration or by completing certain quests.
Weapons and equipment can be upgraded using materials acquired through mining, boss encounters, completing quests and exploration. Players can further customize their playstyle by combining bonus attributes and special effects on gear. Some bosses also drop exclusive equipment and costumes, and in some cases allowing players to wield signature skills tied to those encounters.
Crimson Desert will be released worldwide on March 19th, 2026, simultaneously across all platforms. Pre-orders are currently available through the official website or directly on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, Apple Mac and the Epic Games Store.
Source: Press Release and Official YouTube Channel
