Pearl Abyss has now confirmed that the highly anticipated open-world action-adventure Crimson Desert will not be arriving late in 2025, as they had previously stated. Now they are targeting a Q1 2026 release timeline. This news was shared during the company’s Q2 2025 earnings call, where they shared the reasons behind the delay were primarily due to longer preparations and partner coordination issues.
Reasons Behind the Delay
The developer explained that delays occurred due to taking longer than anticipated to match schedules with numerous partners. Activities such as offline distribution, voice-overs recording, console certification, and other launch preparation are taking longer than anticipated. Pearl Abyss explains that it is not a typical delay, but rather an attempt to attempt reaching a larger successful launch.
They have already scheduled the internal release date, but they will not be announcing it until they believe it is “more right time.” Further, they will not be announcing it at Gamescom 2025.
Setting and Platforms
Initially released in 2019, Crimson Desert is a single-player spin-off of the Black Desert series. Built using their own BlackSpace Engine, it features a medieval fantasy land that is replete with active combat, survival mechanics, and exploration on the continent of Pywel, which is besieged by war.
The game is set to be released on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and macOS.
Industry Context and Reaction
This is technically the second delay for the game, following them already having moved it outside of the 2021 release window. According to PC Gamer, the delay is frustrating for most fans, but perhaps it is necessary to get the game more polished and stable.
From the side of TechRadar, the additional months will assist them in making the performance stronger on every platform, in order to prevent errors other massive games have done in the past few years.
GamesRadar and Game Informer even compare the ambition and style to Dragon’s Dogma 2 and The Witcher 3, indicating the launch to be between January and March 2026.
What Fans Can Expect
Pearl Abyss announced the marketing campaign will go in the same direction. The game will again be demonstrated at Gamescom 2025, PAX West, and the Tokyo Game Show 2025. There will be more gameplay videos and possibly demos prior to release.
The fans are divided in their opinions. Some are hoping the delay will provide improved quality. Others are skeptical, referencing how long the game has been delayed in the past.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Release | Late 2025 |
| New Release Window | Q1 2026 (January–March) |
| Platforms | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X |
| Delay Causes | Voice-overs, console certification, offline distribution, partner sync |
| Developer Stance | Strategic delay for better launch success; date reveal later |
| Marketing Plans | Gamescom, PAX West, Tokyo Game Show |
| Fan Outlook | Split between optimism and skepticism |
Final Note
The realignment of Crimson Desert to 2026 may seem like another delay, but Pearl Abyss appears to be opting for quality over hastiness. With the coming reveals still in the works, the extended wait might determine whether it becomes a resounding success or another plagued launch.
