Crimson Desert Release: Everything You Need to Know

Crimson Desert launches on March 19, 2026 across PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Mac. Developed by Pearl Abyss – the studio behind Black Desert Online – Crimson Desert is a single-player open-world action-adventure set on the fictional continent of Pywel. You play as Kliff, a Greymane warrior on a journey to reunite with his scattered comrades after a devastating attack by a rival faction. The game features dynamic combat with melee combos, horseback fighting, massive boss encounters, and elemental abilities, all powered by Pearl Abyss’s proprietary BlackSpace Engine. Two additional playable characters – Oongka and Damiane – unlock as the story progresses. Below is everything you need to know about the Crimson Desert release, including launch times, editions, pre-order bonuses, pre-load details, and system requirements.

Crimson Desert Release Date and Launch Times

The Crimson Desert release has a simultaneous global launch on March 19, 2026. Pearl Abyss has confirmed the game goes live at 22:00 UTC worldwide, which means your local launch time depends on your timezone. There is no early access – all editions unlock at the same time regardless of which version you purchased.

Launch times by region:

Crimson Desert Pre-Load and Download Size

If you’ve pre-ordered Crimson Desert on PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Microsoft Store, or Steam, you can pre-load the game 48 hours before launch in your region. For most players, that means pre-loading starts on March 17, 2026. Regions where the game launches on March 20 can pre-load starting March 18.

The download size is going to be significant. The Steam listing requires 150GB of SSD storage, and the console versions are expected to land somewhere between 100-150GB (an Xbox listing briefly showed 113GB before being removed). Make sure you clear space ahead of time – this is a big install.

Crimson Desert Release Platforms

Crimson Desert is coming to PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Mac on March 19, 2026. This is a current-gen exclusive – no PS4 or Xbox One versions exist. If you’re on Mac, only the Digital Standard Edition is available and it doesn’t come with the pre-order bonus.

Worth noting: the game is not launching on Xbox Game Pass, but it does support Xbox Play Anywhere – so buying it on Xbox gets you the PC version for free through the Xbox PC app. You’ll need an internet connection the first time you boot it up, but after that initial setup you can play fully offline. PC players should also be aware that Crimson Desert uses Denuvo DRM.

Crimson Desert Release Editions and Pricing

Crimson Desert is available in three main editions, with the Deluxe splitting into digital and physical variants:

Standard Edition – $69.99 / £54.99
Includes the full game. Pre-ordering any edition awards the Khaled Shield, a usable in-game shield (not just a cosmetic). PS5 players also receive the exclusive Grotevant Plate Set (Helm, Armor, Gloves, Boots, and Cloak).

Digital Deluxe Edition – $79.99 / £64.99
Everything in the Standard Edition plus the Deluxe Pack: the Kairos Plate Set (Helm, Armor, Gloves, Boots, and Cloak), the Balgran Shield, and the Exclaire Horse Set (Champron, Barding, Saddle, and Stirrups). For just $10 more than Standard, this is a solid value if you want extra gear from the start.

Physical Deluxe Edition – $89.99
Everything in the Digital Deluxe plus physical items: a limited SteelBook case, developer letter, photo cards, and a world map of Pywel. Only available in select regions.

Collector’s Edition – $279.99 / £239.99
Everything in the Physical Deluxe plus a 17-inch diorama of Kliff battling the Golden Star, a fabric map of Pywel, patches, pin, and the Ultimate Pack with exclusive in-game weapons (Tormented Soul Bow, Derictus Spear, Sielos Longsword, Shroud Lantern, and Hyperion Horse Tack Set). This is a limited release and has largely sold out at most retailers.

The Deluxe Pack will be available for separate purchase after launch if you buy Standard now and want to upgrade later.

Crimson Desert Pre-Order Bonuses

All pre-orders across all platforms and all editions receive the Khaled Shield – a functional in-game shield that gives Kliff extra defense in the early game. PS5 players get an additional platform-exclusive bonus: the Grotevant Plate Set (Helm, Armor, Gloves, Boots, and Cloak). The Mac version does not include the pre-order bonus.

If you also play Black Desert Online, pre-ordering Crimson Desert unlocks crossover rewards for your BDO account: a Golden Star Pet, Golden Star Statue, Ashen Crow Horse Gear, and the Dream Arduanatt mount. Black Desert Mobile players receive Ashen Crow Barding and 4,000 Black Pearls. These crossover rewards unlock on March 20, 2026 (UTC).

More Gaming Resources

Stay up to date with the latest gaming news and guides on MetaForge. Check out our Crimson Desert Interactive Map and check out our Crimson Desert System Requirements Guide! Browse other Crimson Desert Guides and if you’re also playing ARC Raiders, check out our Interactive Maps and Event Timers. Join our Discord community to discuss your favorite games with other passionate gamers!