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Crimson Desert Is Almost Here: Release Times, Editions, and Full Tech Specs Explained

Pearl Abyss is launching Crimson Desert on March 19, 2026, and with the release just around the corner, there is a lot to cover. From launch timings and platform availability to editions, system requirements, and console performance specs, the studio has shared a thorough breakdown ahead of day one. Here is everything you need to know before the game goes live.


Crimson Desert character Kliff.
Image: Kliff from Crimson Desert (via Pearl Abyss)

What Is Crimson Desert?

Crimson Desert is an open-world action RPG developed by Pearl Abyss, the studio behind Black Desert Online. The game puts players in the boots of Kliff, a mercenary captain leading his companions from Greymanes through a world full of political tension, large-scale battles, and rich environments across the continent of Pywel.


Crimson Desert Launch Trailer (via Youtube)

Global Launch Times

Americas and Europe pre-load starts March 17, 2026, with the game going live on March 19:

  • New York: 6:00 PM EST

  • Los Angeles: 3:00 PM PST

  • Dallas: 5:00 PM

  • São Paulo: 7:00 PM

  • London: 10:00 PM GMT

  • Paris: 11:00 PM

  • Berlin: 11:00 PM


Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania pre-load begins March 18, 2026, with release on March 20:

  • Istanbul: 1:00 AM

  • Dubai: 2:00 AM

  • Mumbai: 3:30 IST

  • Cape Town: 6:00 AM

  • Beijing: 6:00 AM

  • Singapore: 6:00 AM

  • Seoul: 7:00 AM

  • Tokyo: 7:00 AM JST

  • Sydney: 9:00 AM


Platforms

Crimson Desert launches on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 5 Pro, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox on PC, Steam (for both PC and Mac), the Epic Games Store, the Mac App Store, and GeForce NOW. 


Cross-save, however, is not supported between platforms, so your progress stays where you play.


As for internet requirements, players will need a connection for the initial setup and the day-one patch. After that, the game can be played offline.


All Editions and Prices

There are two main editions to choose from, split between digital and physical options.

Standard Edition ($69.99):

  • Full game + preorder bonus Khaled Shield


Deluxe Edition ($79.99):

  • Full game, Khaled Shield preorder bonus

  • Kairos Plate Set, Balgran Shield, Exclaire Horse Tack Set

  • Physical edition gets SteelBook, a letter from the developer, Greymane Brooch Pin, three character photo cards, three patches, and a map of Pywel


Collector's Edition ($279.99):

  • Everything in the Deluxe Edition plus the Tormented Soul Bow, Derictus Spear, Sielos Longsword, Shroud Lantern, Hyperion Horse Tack Set, an exclusive diorama, and a fabric map of Pywel


Crimson Desert collector's set with dragon statue, art cards, map, and CD against a dark backdrop. Items evoke an adventurous mood.
Image: Crimson Desert Collector's Edition (via Pearl Abyss)

On Mac, only the Standard Edition is available, which includes just the base game.


PlayStation 5 versions follow the same tier structure as PC, but come with an exclusive bonus: the Grotevant Plate Set.


PC and Mac System Requirements

Pearl Abyss has laid out a clear set of PC specs across five performance tiers.


All tiers require Windows 10 64-bit version 22H2 or newer, DirectX 12, and an SSD with at least 150 GB of free space. The 16 GB RAM requirement stays consistent across every tier.

  • Minimum: GTX 1060 or RX 5500 XT, AMD Ryzen 5 2600X or Intel i5-8500, targets 1080p (upscaled from 900p) at 30fps

  • Low: GTX 1660 or RX 6500 XT, same CPU range, targets 1080p at 30fps

  • Recommended (Medium preset): RTX 2080 or RX 6700 XT, Ryzen 5 5600 or i5-11600K, targets 1080p at 60fps or 4K at 30fps

  • High: RTX 4070 or RX 7700 XT, Ryzen 5 7600X or i5-12600K, targets 1440p at 60fps

  • Ultra: RTX 5070 Ti or RX 9070 XT, Ryzen 5 7700X or i5-13600K, targets 4K at 60fps


The recommended settings do not factor in upscaling or frame generation. Using DLSS, FSR, or similar methods should push performance higher than the listed targets.


Crimson Desert PC specs table showing graphic presets and performance details. Character art on the right; medieval setting in the background.
Image: Crimson Desert PC Specs (via Pearl Abyss)

For Mac, the game supports macOS 15 and later, though Pearl Abyss recommends macOS 26 Tahoe for the best results.

  • Minimum: M2 Pro (without Ray Tracing) or M3/M4 (with Ray Tracing), 16 GB RAM, targets 720p or 900p at 30fps on macOS 15 or 60fps on macOS 26 with MetalFX

  • Recommended: M3 Pro, M4 Pro, or M5, targets 1080p at 30fps on macOS 15 or 60fps on macOS 26

  • High: M2 Max (without Ray Tracing) or M3 Max (with Ray Tracing), targets 1440p at 30fps or 60fps depending on macOS version

  • Ultra: M3 Ultra or M4 Max, targets 4K at 40fps on macOS 15 or 60fps on macOS 26


All Mac tiers require 150 GB of storage.


Crimson Desert Mac specifications chart. Performance details for various settings. A man in armor stands to the right, with a medieval backdrop.
Image: Crimson Desert Mac Specs (via Pearl Abyss)

Console Performance Specifications

PlayStation 5:

  • Performance: 1080p, 60fps VSync / 60+ FPS VRR, Low raytracing

  • Balanced: Upscaled 4K from 1280p via FSR 3, 40fps VSync, Low raytracing

  • Quality: Upscaled 4K from 1440p via FSR 3, 30fps VSync, High raytracing


PlayStation 5 Pro:

  • Performance: Upscaled 4K from 1080p via Upgraded PSSR, 60fps VSync / 60+ FPS VRR, High raytracing

  • Balanced: Upscaled 4K from 1440p via Upgraded PSSR, 40fps VSync / 48+ FPS VRR, High raytracing

  • Quality: Native 4K, 30fps VSync, Ultra raytracing


Xbox Series X:

  • Performance: 1080p, 60fps VSync / 60+ FPS VRR, Low raytracing

  • Balanced: Upscaled 4K from 1280p via FSR 3, 40fps VSync, Low raytracing

  • Quality: Upscaled 4K from 1440p via FSR 3, 30fps VSync, High raytracing


Xbox Series S:

  • Performance: 720p, 40fps VSync, no raytracing

  • Quality: 1080p, 30fps VSync, raytracing on


VRR modes on PS5 and Xbox Series X require a compatible 120Hz or 240Hz display and an HDMI 2.1 cable.


Crimson Desert console specs table for PS5, PS5 Pro, Xbox Series S, and X, alongside a character. Dark theme, detailed performance info.
Image: Crimson Desert Console Specs (via Pearl Abyss)

Pearl Abyss also shared specs for the ROG Xbox Ally handheld. The base ROG Xbox Ally targets 40fps at 720p in Performance mode.


The ROG Xbox Ally X can hit 60fps at upscaled 1080p using FSR 3 Super Resolution and Frame Generation in Performance mode, 40fps at upscaled 1080p without Frame Generation in Balanced mode, and 30fps at native 1080p in Quality mode. Storage requirement is 150 GB across all modes.


ROG Xbox Ally specifications chart with performance details. Dark background with a cloaked figure on the right. Text: Crimson Desert.
Image: Crimson Desert Xbox ROG ALLY specs (via Pearl Abyss)

One more thing worth highlighting: Crimson Desert does not include a cosmetic cash shop or microtransactions of any kind. Pearl Abyss confirmed this recently, which is good news for players tired of post-launch monetization in big-budget titles.

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