South Korean developer Pearl Abyss may be preparing to release Crimson Desert globally on November 2, 2025, according to a new report from Korean news outlet MTN. While the game was previously confirmed to launch in Fall 2025 during The Game Awards 2024, this marks the first indication of a specific release date. The report suggests the game is nearing the end of its development cycle, and barring any final-stage complications, an official announcement may follow soon.
MTN’s coverage claims the information comes from sources close to the project. Pearl Abyss has not yet confirmed or denied the date, and inquiries sent to the studio have not received a response as of this writing. The news is significant for fans who have been following the title since its original reveal nearly five years ago.
Crimson Desert was first introduced at G-Star 2019 alongside DokeV and PLAN 8, two other in-development titles from Pearl Abyss. Initially conceptualized as an MMORPG closely related to Black Desert, the studio’s most recognized title, Crimson Desert has since undergone a major shift in direction. It is now described as a single-player action-adventure game with a heavy emphasis on story and exploration. The design overhaul led to a series of delays, pushing the release far beyond its original Winter 2021 target.
Set in the war-torn continent of Pywel, the game follows the story of Kliff, the leader of a mercenary group known as the Greymanes. Players will explore a variety of regions, from snowy highlands to open plains, all while contending with internal struggles, political intrigue, and supernatural threats. The narrative centers around a mysterious calamity that threatens the stability of the land, forcing Kliff and his companions into a battle for survival and redemption.
The game is powered by Pearl Abyss’s proprietary BlackSpace Engine, a new technology platform the company demonstrated at GDC 2025. According to technical presentations, the engine supports high-fidelity environmental detail, real-time physics, advanced lighting and fog systems, destructible environments, ray tracing, and dynamic weather patterns. It also allows for accurate simulation of cloth and hair movement, along with realistic water behavior in both deep and shallow conditions.
While there is still no official confirmation of the November 2 launch date, the timing aligns with typical global AAA game release patterns heading into the holiday season. Pearl Abyss is expected to share more details in the coming weeks as the title approaches its final development milestone.
For now, players eager to explore the world of Pywel will have to wait for an official update from the studio.
Source: MTN
