In preparations for Gamescom 2025, Pearl Abyss has unveiled a new 13-minute gameplay demonstration of Crimson Desert.
This footage offers a fresh glimpse at what players can expect next week at the German event, as well as the following week from August 29 to September 1 during PAX West in Seattle, USA.
See an explanation of what’s shown in the video:
Prior to this story point, protagonist Kliff – leader of the Greymanes – and his companions are caught in an ambush orchestrated by their enemies, the Drunken Black Bears. After a fierce battle, Kliff and his allies become separated. Kliff embarks on a search for his comrades and, while journeying through Pywel continent, learns that Oongka – one of his most trusted Greymanes – is in the Calphade region.
Kliff arrives in Calphade only to find his efforts to reach Oongka obstructed by a violent rebellion instigated by Cassius Morten – a subordinate of Marquis Stefan Lanford, lord of Calphade and Greymane ally – who has joined forces with the Black Bears to overthrow Lanford. Calphade stands on the brink of defeat.
Kliff joins the battle, defeats both the rebels and Black Bear forces, and turns the tide in favor of Calphade’s defenders. On the battlefield, Kliff reunites with Oongka (who fought alongside Lanford against the rebels) and defeats Cassius Morten, ending the Calphade uprising.
Key Features
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- Large-Scale War Scenario – The video immerses viewers in large-scale warfare, with countless NPCs battling in real-time across the battlefield. As Calphadean forces clash fiercely with rebels, artillery flies overhead while dynamic high-tension combat unfolds everywhere. Soldiers’ shouts, sword clashes, and battlefield smoke/flames combine to evoke an authentic warzone atmosphere.
- Quest Objectives – Kliff completes various battlefield objectives like operating cannons, destroying enemy watchtowers, and aiding allies in distress.
- Traversal Methods – Kliff can summon and mount his horse for mobility, using the “Raven’s Wing” ability to glide through the air on efficient paths. His “Axiom Force” skill also enables enhanced mobility and strategic combat maneuvers.
- Combat
- Advancing through mission scenarios presents varied combat situations, each offering multiple strategies that let players adapt and showcase personal fighting styles. Kliff strategically employs offensive abilities alongside timely dodges/blocks to gain advantages while switching between multiple weapons.
- Kliff’s “Axiom Bracelet” augments attacks with fire, lightning, and ice elements—each attribute uniquely affecting enemies. Fire-enhanced arrows cause explosions on impact while frost-enhanced sword strikes freeze foes for shattering follow-up attacks.
- Kliff also deploys “Siege Whistling Arrows”—projectiles summoning allied bombardments on designated targets. Beyond eliminating enemies, these can strategically destroy structures like watchtowers.
- Boss Battles
- During the mission, Kliff confronts a formidable Black Bear member—a massive foe whose size/strength dwarf regular soldiers. Grappling is ineffective against its bulk, while it unleashes devastating axe swings and launch attacks that send players airborne.
- The conflict climaxes with a battle against Cassius Morton, a lethal mace-and-shield wielding boss who attacks relentlessly. Players can defeat him through conventional attacks while dodging his strikes.
- Alternatively, players may employ a special tactic: consistent damage triggers a phase where Kliff lifts battlefield debris as weapons via special skill, dealing massive damage.
- Graphics – The showcased Pywel continent delivers stunning vistas rendered in high-quality graphics. Dynamic natural phenomena like shifting light/weather bring the explorable world to life. Behind battlefields, majestic cliffs and mountain ranges demonstrate the photorealistic capabilities of Pearl Abyss’ proprietary BlackSpace Engine.
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Crimson Desert launches Q1 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC.
