Pearl Abyss has unveiled a new 13-minute gameplay video for Crimson Desert, offering an in-depth look at the upcoming open-world action-adventure game. The footage arrives just days before Gamescom 2025, where attendees will have the chance to play the same sections shown in the video alongside additional content.
The release of this gameplay comes shortly after the developer announced a delay for Crimson Desert, moving the launch window to the first quarter of the company’s FY2026. This is the second major delay for the title. Originally planned for release sometime in 2024 following its Gamescom 2024 demo, the game was later rescheduled for fall 2025 before being postponed again.
The gameplay video offers a combination of cinematic narrative moments, open-world exploration, and a closer look at the combat mechanics. The footage shows protagonist Greymane Kliff traveling alongside companions before they are ambushed, leading to a sequence of battles that culminate in a boss fight against Cassius Morten. This boss encounter, featured in the second half of the video, highlights the game’s real-time combat system, weapon variety, and animation detail.
Environmental design also plays a central role in the video, with expansive landscapes, diverse weather effects, and interactive elements. Players can see both large-scale outdoor environments and more confined combat areas, suggesting a range of gameplay scenarios in the full release.
Crimson Desert was first announced in 2019, and its development has spanned several years. If the current schedule holds, the final release will take place roughly seven years after the initial reveal. While no exact launch date has been confirmed, Pearl Abyss has stated that more information will be shared in the coming months.
For Gamescom 2025, visitors will be able to test a playable demo featuring the same sequence shown in the video, giving the public its most substantial hands-on opportunity with the game to date. With the game now targeting early FY2026, fans will be watching closely for updates on the final release date and additional gameplay details.
