Crimson Desert shows 13 minutes of stunning gameplay

GAMING NEWS Fyra Frost - 18-Aug-2025, 7:30 pm

Pearl Abyss, best known for its hit MMORPG Black Desert Online, has dropped a brand-new 13-minute gameplay video for its long-awaited open-world RPG Crimson Desert. The footage, courtesy of IGN, highlights breathtaking visuals, fluid combat, and expansive exploration, but it also arrives alongside bittersweet news: the game has been delayed once more, now targeting an early 2026 release.

A cinematic glimpse into the world of Pywel

The new video showcases a sheer variety of ways to move through the world. Beyond horseback travel, Kliff can scale cliffs, glide with raven-like wings, and even use a grappling hook to reach otherwise inaccessible spots. These mechanics suggest exploration will be a core pillar of Crimson Desert, rewarding players who venture off the beaten path. Combat sequences dominate much of the footage, highlighting everything from one-on-one duels to chaotic clashes against entire battalions. The protagonist wields a variety of weapons and abilities, including devastating area attacks and special tools like “artillery arrows” that call down bombardments. Pearl Abyss seems intent on combining grounded melee combat with high-fantasy spectacle, giving encounters both weight and flair.

If there's one thing Pearl Abyss has always excelled at, it’s presentation, and Crimson Desert looks no different. Sweeping landscapes, dynamic lighting, and cinematic camera angles make the world feel alive and immense. The scale of the battles, with hundreds of NPCs on screen at once, showcases the technical ambition behind the project.

The reaction online has been a mix of excitement and cautious critique. Many fans praised the game's scale and cinematic flair, with some calling it one of the most impressive showcases of the year. Others, however, noted that the particle effects and visual overload sometimes made the action difficult to follow. Despite the criticism, anticipation remains high, with many calling this one of their most anticipated RPGs of 2026.

Although the official launch is still months away, fans won't have to wait long to experience the game themselves. Pearl Abyss has confirmed that Crimson Desert will be playable at Gamescom 2025 in Cologne and PAX West in Seattle later this month. These demos will give players their first real taste of the game’s ambitious blend of narrative, exploration, and large-scale combat.

The new gameplay footage has managed to reignite excitement for Crimson Desert. With its combination of cinematic storytelling, impressive graphics, freedom of movement, and massive battles, the game is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious action RPGs in recent memory. If the final product delivers on the promise shown in this new preview, Pearl Abyss may have a landmark title on its hands when it finally arrives in 2026. As usual, if you want to keep track of the best prices for Crimson Desert, our comparator offers you the best deals with a single click.