[PREVIEW] Crimson Desert – Game of the Year Contender?

We all know what the biggest game next year will be. The one everyone’s talking about, that will dominate the headlines: GTA VI. But what if I told you there’s a hidden contender that might give it a run for its money? All jokes aside, a game that has been shrouded in secrecy, but after seeing it firsthand, I’m convinced it’s a genuine Game of the Year candidate. I’m talking about the action RPG Crimson Desert.

This title was originally slated to come out this year, but the developers at Pearl Abyss, the same minds behind Black Desert Online, delayed it until early 2026. Their reason? “Longer than expected deadlines” for things like offline distribution and console certification. It was during the recent Sony State of Play that we learned this title is launching on March 19, 2026, and we have a lot to look forward to.

It Simply Looks… Unreal

First off, let’s touch upon the game’s looks, because it is absolutely gorgeous. When I played the demo at Gamescom this year on a PlayStation 5, it honestly left me speechless. This isn’t just another action RPG with fantasy elements; it’s a living, breathing world built with an in-house engine called the BlackSpace Engine. The graphical fidelity is on a demanding level and it’s so beautiful you’ll think, “I can’t believe this is a video game.”

The lighting is breathtaking. The way the sun illuminates the sand and glistens on a distant sword is so realistic it feels like a cinematic scene. The wind rustling through the trees and the way a character’s hair or cloak sways in the breeze add a level of immersion you rarely see. Every mountain, every town, and every ruin feels like it has a story. This isn’t just an open world; it’s a continent called Pywel, and you’ll want to explore every inch of it.

What stood out while playing the demo was the sense of true freedom. The game is designed to be open-ended, where, in addition to progressing through the main story, you can pause anywhere or literally loot every character you defeat. This type of detail, combined with the diverse biomes, from snowy mountains and lush forests to deserts, creates an unforgettable experience. The dynamic day-night cycle and weather system aren’t just for show either; they affect enemy behavior and visibility, forcing you to think strategically about when and where to engage in combat.

Combat That Feels Good

And now, let’s move on to the part that truly intrigued me: the combat. It’s not just about button mashing. It feels tangible, responsive, and immensely satisfying. There are Soulslike elements, especially in the boss fights. In the demo, I tangled with one boss, and to defeat him, I had to use the environment, specifically the stone walls which I would pick up and throw at him.

You can also switch between different weapons on the fly, seamlessly blending sword fighting, martial arts, and elemental abilities like fire, ice, and lightning. However, I have to be honest: the controls and skill combinations are overly complex. To use magic, you have to go through multiple menus and button presses before you can even cast a spell. The learning curve is steep and might not suit everyone. But for those willing to put in the time, the reward is enormous. The sheer number of options, from light and heavy attacks to arrows, blocking, and parrying, means every fight can offer something unique.

Questions That Still Remain

While I can’t say much about the overall story, I can tell you that you play as Kliff, the leader of a mercenary group called the Greymanes. From the voice acting to the character designs, everything felt polished. The progression feels natural, allowing you to ride your horse through beautiful landscapes before fully immersing yourself in combat encounters.

But, as with any game that looks this good, there is a healthy dose of skepticism. The game will likely be a full-price AAA title and has a lot to prove. My biggest fears are optimization issues on PC, especially given how detailed the world is. Will it run smoothly? Are all the mechanics fully developed, or will we see some half-baked ideas? And will the difficulty spikes be a frustrating hurdle for some players?

There are still a lot of unanswered questions, and we have to hope that the delays and rumors of development difficulties are not signs of a troubled launch. Let’s hope all the negative connotations might not be true, because if this game delivers on its promise, it could easily become one of the best games of 2026.