Round Up: Crimson Desert Reviews Are a Major Disappointment

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Crimson Desert, one of the most hyped games of 2026, is finally here! Reviews are starting to come in 24 hours before the game officially launches, and we’ve gathered a roundup of the key opinions from critics.

Crimson Desert currently has a Metacritic score of 77 and an Opencritic score of 82. Here are some of the most prominent reviews for the PC version of the game.

Critical Hits – 4.5/10

Crimson Desert aims to be a large-scale, open-world adventure, but it doesn’t quite deliver on its promise. While you follow Kliff’s journey after a tragic event, the story is hard to follow and the characters and quests feel bland and repetitive. Despite having many different systems, groups, and things to do, the combat feels simplistic, with frustrating difficulty and clunky controls. Even though the game looks good and offers a lot of freedom to explore, problems with the art style, bugs, and questionable design choices make it feel more expansive than engaging.

Eurogamer – 3/5

Crimson Desert is a technically impressive game with exciting combat, though the targeting system can be frustrating. However, the characters and story feel underdeveloped. While the game is visually stunning and boasts a massive, beautiful world, it lacks a unique identity. Games like The Witcher create a truly immersive experience – you can almost feel the environment. Crimson Desert, unfortunately, doesn’t achieve that level of detail. It’s like a lavish feast where everything tastes bland and the experience drags on far too long.

IGN – 6/10 (not final score)

I’ve spent over 110 hours playing Crimson Desert and feel like I’ve experienced most of what it offers, but I’m holding off on a final review until I finish the main story and explore the endgame content. It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster – incredibly enjoyable at times, frustrating at others – making it hard to give a clear recommendation. I’m curious to see how the story concludes (though my expectations aren’t very high) and what the game offers after the main story is complete. I plan to publish a full review soon.

GameSpot – 7/10

Crimson Desert isn’t a perfectly polished game – it blends fantasy, steampunk, and sci-fi in a sometimes chaotic way. However, that’s also what makes it special. Pearl Abyss clearly isn’t afraid to be wonderfully over-the-top, and the result is a truly immersive and captivating world. It almost seems too good to be true, but it’s a place you’ll want to explore.

Forbes – 9.5/10

Crimson Desert is a massive game, and its size might be intimidating for some players – it takes a lot of time to explore even a small portion of the world. However, if you’re wondering if the game lives up to the hype and delivers a truly expansive, well-playing, and consistently engaging experience, then my answer is a definite yes.

Vice – 5/5

Crimson Desert isn’t a game for those who prefer a traditional, story-focused campaign. But if you enjoyed the open-world exploration and freedom of games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you’ll likely love this. Pearl Abyss has made something truly remarkable, and it’s a game people will be discussing for a long time.

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2026-03-19 01:37