Crimson Desert, the long-awaited medieval open-world RPG from Pearl Abyss, has been hit with another delay, pushing its release out of 2025. Originally announced in 2019, the game has faced multiple release date changes, keeping eager fans waiting.
Pearl Abyss first envisioned Crimson Desert as a prequel MMO to its hit title Black Desert Online. Over time, the project evolved into a single-player RPG, drawing comparisons to Dragon’s Dogma and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Along with these creative shifts, the game has also experienced repeated delays — a trend that continues.
Official Delay Announcement
In the company’s Q2 2025 earnings call, Pearl Abyss confirmed that Crimson Desert will now launch in the first quarter of 2026. This follows a December 2024 projection for a late 2025 release. While the change represents only a few months’ difference, it’s still a setback for fans hoping to explore the fantasy world of Pywel before year’s end.
The studio attributed the delay to extended timelines for voice-over recording, console certification, and distribution — all involving external partners. A company representative suggested that an internal launch date exists but will be revealed later.
No Specific Date Yet
This cautious approach to revealing dates is consistent with Pearl Abyss’ handling of the title’s development. In June, the studio debunked a rumor claiming a November 2, 2025 release, clarifying that no official date had been shared. With the latest update, a 2025 release is now officially off the table.
Gamescom 2025 Demo
Despite the delay, fans won’t have to wait until next year to get a taste of the game. Pearl Abyss confirmed that Crimson Desert will be playable at Gamescom 2025 in August. The financial report’s wording indicates the game is nearly complete, meaning the demo will likely reflect the final gameplay experience.
While the launch window has shifted again, Crimson Desert appears to be inching ever closer to its debut. With a playable build arriving for public testing soon, the countdown to early 2026 is officially underway.