Crimson Desert review

Recommended

by Rogueh

Crimson Desert is the most frustrating game I played in 2026. Pearl Abyss built an absolutely massive, gorgeous open world with impressive systemic physics, beautiful visuals, and some genuine wow moments — especially soaring on your dragon. Investigation quests are strong and the scale is jaw-dropping. Unfortunately, almost everything enjoyable is ruined by terrible game design. Rigid controls, counter-intuitive mechanics, an overwhelming interface, and absurd one-hour real-time cooldowns on dragons and big abilities turn exploration into a chore. The Chapter 12 boss fight is one of the worst-designed encounters in modern AAA gaming: 40-50 minutes with no checkpoints, unexplained mechanics, bugs, and one-shots. After 65 hours, I’m left with mixed feelings — relief that it’s over and disappointment at the huge wasted potential. It had all the ingredients to rival The Witcher 3 or Elden Ring, but failed at the most basic requirement: being fun to play. For €70, I can’t recommend it in its current state. Hardcore open-world fans willing to endure heavy frustration might find something here. Everyone else should wait for a deep discount or major patches (if they ever come). A beautiful world ruined by punishing design. Full French review: https://rogueh24.fr/test-du-jeu-crimson-desert/