The wait for Crimson Desert keeps getting longer, and players have been patient since 2019 to finally see the game in action. As we wait, Insider Gaming had the chance to play the preview build for Crimson Desert at Gamescom 2025, and here are our early thoughts on it.
For those unaware, Crimson Desert is an upcoming open-world action adventure set on the continent of Pywel. Players take on the role of Kliff, the leader of the Greymanes, as they explore this beautiful yet brutal landscape, defending Pywel from all types of foes.
Complicated Yet Exciting Combat
The Crimson Desert preview build was around 50 minutes long, which was easily one of the longest demos at the event. During this time, players received a comprehensive tutorial on combat and movement, experienced a war sequence, and engaged in a proper boss fight.
Right from the get-go, youre introduced to a variety of moves and skills, and that’s just with one weapon. You can get in all types of different combos and special moves by using different button combinations. However, this game is not a button masher, and repeating the same moves might get you through the minions, but you really need to know your skillset when taking on the bosses.
Players were only able to face one faction during the preview, which featured several enemy times. Some were small and quick, inflicting relatively minor damage at once but causing more damage over time. The other type was big and slow, but could unleash some hefty blows at the same time.
The boss is an entirely different matter—a true monster who could eliminate you in an instant if you found yourself cornered. There’s a specific system in place, and if you’re not adhering to it, you’ll find yourself in a challenging situation.
A Great Blend of Magic and Brute Force
Combat heavily relies on melee combat, but it’s blended with several magic-based skills. You were able to access three different types of elements in the preview build: Fire, Freeze, and Thunder, which can be used to enchant your weapons and deal some mighty blows to the enemies.
We had access to two different types of arrows, too, for ranged attacks. One of the other weapons could be imbued with one of your chosen elements to inflict damage as well as a status effect on the enemies. The other arrow called for a barrage of raining fire arrows from the sky, damaging masses of enemies at once.
It took me some time to get used to all the attacks and abilities they had to offer, but once things started going, I was having a whole lot of fun. I was slashing one enemy, stabbing another; I think I even pulled off a WWE move once, smacking the enemy straight down into the ground.
A Visual Treat
The graphics and performance of Crimson Desert were brilliant, at least for a preview build. Pearl Abyss brings players to an intriguing fantasy world, which is filled with all types of flora and fauna. The world feels massive, although I was only able to explore a tiny part of it.
With such a massive world, you need to have different ways to traverse, and the game offers several. Of course, like most games, you can jump and sprint wherever you need to go, and there are plenty of climbable surfaces. On top of that, the main character has a floating/gliding ability, which can be used to cover a lot of distance when dropping from heights.
You also have a trusty steed, like most fantasy games. However, the horse’s movement felt very clunky and slow; it needs a bit of work. Sprinting was almost always faster to get to a location.
Final Thoughts
Crimson Desert has excellent potential and has a lot going for it. It will be the perfect title for players who are looking to sink their teeth into a new fantasy adventure. Combat is extensive and complex. It can be unforgiving at times, especially with the bosses, if you don’t know your way around it. It isn’t a Soulslike game, but it will require some effort from casual gamers.
However, there was not a lot to explore in Crimson Desert’s open world, so it’s hard to tell how it’s shaping up or if it feels lived in. At the same time, if the developers have put in the same amount of attention to detail with the world design as they have with combat, then players have a solid experience waiting for them.
In other news, Crimson Desert has been delayed to Q1 2026 due to “longer than expected timelines”. Are you going to purchase the game? What are your thoughts on Crimson Desert’s preview build? Let us know through the official Insider Gaming forums discussion.
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