Today, Pearl Abyss released a new in-depth look at its highly anticipated upcoming open-world action-adventure game, Crimson Desert, showcasing the combat systems and player-driven character progression.
The second features overview trailer showcases Crimson Desert’s signature combat mechanics and flexible growth systems, which emphasize player choice across both combat styles and skill development paths. Attacks are predominantly shaped by player decisions, combined with weapons and skills earned through character progression.
Players can adapt to each encounter, such as using different mounts and, in combat, using the environment to their advantage. Weapons include sword and shield, spear, great sword, axe, and several ranged weapons, each offering distinct strengths and combat tactics, which can be purchased at vendors, discovered by exploration, given as rewards for defeating bosses, or crafted by gathering the necessary materials.
Timing and situational awareness play a critical role in combat, as you’ll read enemy movements and attack patterns to execute precisely timed guards and evasions, whilst creating openings for counterattacks that can turn the tide of combat. Kliff and the other characters in Crimson Desert progress by collecting fragments of the Abyss, a key resource used to unlock and enhance skills.
Fragments of the Abyss can be earned 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. Combine these with materials acquired through mining, boss encounters, completing quests, and exploration, and you’ll be able to upgrade your favorite weapons to suit your playstyle accordingly.
Crimson Desert is set to release for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, the Epic Games Store, and Apple Mac on March 19, 2025. If you simply can’t wait till then to see a bit more about Crimson Desert, be sure to check out all of the boss battles and gameplay coverage we’ve provided, including a preview from Gamescom 2025.
