Crimson Desert Delayed to Q1 2026

Published: Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 3:09 am

Crimson Desert Release Pushed to Early 2026

Pearl Abyss has announced a delay for its highly anticipated action RPG, *Crimson Desert*, pushing its release from the previously scheduled 2025 launch to the first quarter of 2026. The announcement was made during a conference call regarding the company's second-quarter 2025 earnings.

The delay, according to Pearl Abyss, stems from longer-than-anticipated timelines related to coordinating schedules and collaborations with various partners. These collaborations involve offline distribution, voice-over work, console certification processes, and other crucial launch preparations. The company expressed regret for the delay, emphasizing that the decision was strategic, aimed at ensuring the game's success on a significant scale.

Pearl Abyss has chosen to withhold a specific release date for *Crimson Desert* at this time, citing business considerations. The company will not be making an announcement at Gamescom next week. However, the ongoing work on voice-overs and console certification suggests a potential release in the early months of 2026.

Despite the delay, Pearl Abyss plans to showcase the game's open world this month at Gamescom and PAX West. They will also be attending the Tokyo Game Show next month to bolster their marketing efforts in the Japanese market.

*Crimson Desert* is in development for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC. The game was initially unveiled in December 2020 and has experienced several delays since its initial announcement. The game's narrative centers on Kliff, the leader of a mercenary group who becomes separated from his allies following a major battle. The player will journey through the world of Pywel, undertaking various tasks and confronting numerous threats in an effort to reunite with his scattered comrades.

BNN's Perspective: While delays are often disappointing for gamers, it's understandable that developers prioritize a polished and successful launch. The strategic decision to delay *Crimson Desert* to ensure a high-quality product is a responsible approach, and the continued marketing efforts suggest a commitment to the game's eventual release.

Keywords: Crimson Desert, Pearl Abyss, delay, release date, Q1 2026, action RPG, console, PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Gamescom, PAX West, Tokyo Game Show, Kliff, Pywel, video game

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