Crimson Desert, the long-anticipated medieval open-world RPG, has been delayed once again, with its launch now planned for the first quarter of 2026. First announced in 2019, the game has seen multiple release date pushbacks, keeping fans waiting for what’s shaping up to be one of Pearl Abyss’ most ambitious projects yet.
Originally envisioned as a prequel MMO to Black Desert Online, Crimson Desert has evolved over time into a single-player RPG infused with gameplay elements reminiscent of Dragon’s Dogma and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. However, this transformation has come with its fair share of delays, continuing the pattern that has marked its lengthy development process.
The latest update came during Pearl Abyss’ Q2 2025 earnings call, where the studio confirmed that logistical challenges—including voice-over production, console certification, and distribution coordination—have extended development time. While the team has a more precise launch date in mind, it has chosen to keep it under wraps for now.
Despite the delay, fans won’t have to wait until next year to experience the game firsthand. A playable Crimson Desert demo will debut at Gamescom 2025 this August, offering a close look at what the final product may deliver. According to Pearl Abyss, the game is nearing completion, with most of the remaining work focused on polishing and fine-tuning.
