Pearl Abyss' latest open world action game, Crimson Desert, has achieved impressive sales of 3 million copies within just five days of its launch on March 19, 2026. The game initially sold 2 million copies on its first day and an additional 1 million copies in the following days. Despite these strong sales figures, the game received mixed reviews on Steam due to criticisms over controls and performance issues, leading to a significant dip in the company's stock price. However, player ratings have improved from 'mixed' to 'mostly positive' following recent updates that addressed control complaints and enhanced the gameplay experience. The game's Metascore stands at 78, with a user score of 8.1, indicating a positive reception gaining momentum post-launch.

What are the main issues critics have with Crimson Desert?

Critics have primarily pointed out clunky and overly complex controls as well as performance issues like blurry visuals, particularly affecting PS5 and PC players. Recent updates have made attempts to rectify these complaints, improving the overall gameplay experience.

Crimson Desert is a highly anticipated title from Pearl Abyss, the creators of the beloved MMORPG, Black Desert Online. The game promises an expansive world filled with adventure, intriguing characters, and high-quality visuals. After spending seven years in development at a cost of approximately $133 million, Crimson Desert aims to captivate both new players and fans of the studio's previous works, leveraging a mix of action and exploration within a richly detailed environment.