Pearl Abyss is back with another deep dive into Crimson Desert, and this time it is all about how you fight and how you grow.
As per the press release, the newly released second features overview video focuses squarely on combat systems and player-driven progression in the upcoming open-world action-adventure. In short, it is a showcase of choice, flexibility, and a lot of very sharp-looking weapons.
Player choice drives every fight
The video highlights Crimson Desert’s core combat philosophy. Your approach matters. From weapon selection to positioning and even mount usage, encounters are shaped by how you play rather than a fixed rule set.
Combat is not just about stats either. Players can adapt on the fly, using the environment and situational tactics to gain the upper hand when things get messy.
Weapons, combos, and elemental chaos
Players will have access to a broad arsenal, including sword and shield, spear, great sword, axe, and multiple ranged options. Each weapon brings its own strengths and tactical flavour.
Weapons can be bought, crafted, found through exploration, earned via questlines, or pulled from the cold hands of defeated bosses. Once equipped, combat opens up into fluid chains of punches, kicks, grapples, and armed attacks that can be linked into stylish combos.
To add another layer, weapons can be enhanced with elemental effects like fire and ice. It is all about turning good hits into devastating ones.
Timing still wins fights
According to the video, success hinges on reading the battlefield. Learning enemy patterns allows players to pull off precisely timed guards and evasions, creating openings for counterattacks that can flip a fight in seconds.
It is less button-mashing, more battlefield awareness. The kind of thing that rewards patience and skill.
Progression built around exploration and bosses
Character growth is powered by fragments of the Abyss, a key resource used to unlock and improve skills. These fragments drop from powerful bosses or can be found throughout the world of Pywel.
Some abilities are not tied to fragments at all. Instead, they are learned through exploration or by completing specific quests, encouraging players to wander off the beaten path.
Weapons and equipment can also be upgraded using materials gained from mining, quests, boss fights, and exploration. Gear can be customised with bonus attributes and special effects, while certain bosses drop exclusive equipment and costumes. In some cases, these even grant signature skills linked directly to those encounters.
Release date and preorders
Crimson Desert launches worldwide on March 19, releasing simultaneously across all platforms. Preorders are live now via the official website, as well as on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, Apple Mac, and the Epic Games Store.
If this video is anything to go by, March is shaping up to be a very busy month for action RPG fans.