Crimson Desert vs Black Desert: Same Developer?
Yes, Crimson Desert and Black Desert Online are both developed by Pearl Abyss, a South Korean game company. However, they are separate games set in different worlds, with different stories, gameplay mechanics, and technical foundations. This article explains exactly how they are related, what each game offers, and how to decide which one might be for you.
Background: Pearl Abyss and the Two Games
Pearl Abyss was founded in 2010 and released Black Desert Online (BDO) in 2014 in South Korea, followed by a Western release in 2016. BDO became known for its stunning graphics, action-combat, and a highly detailed character creation system. The game is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) set in the fictional world of Black Desert, a continent torn by political intrigue and wars between nations.
Crimson Desert was officially announced in 2019 and is being developed by the same studio. It was originally planned as a prequel to Black Desert Online, set in the same universe but many years earlier. However, Pearl Abyss later clarified that Crimson Desert is not a prequel and instead takes place in its own separate world, called Pywel. The game is designed as a single-player, narrative-driven action-adventure with some online elements, rather than a full MMORPG.
Different Worlds, Different Stories
The most important distinction for players is that the two games do not share a connected storyline or setting.
- Black Desert Online is set in a living, persistent world with a complex history of empires, religions, and conflicts. Players create a character and explore a large open world, engage in life skills like fishing and trading, and participate in large-scale player-versus-player (PvP) wars.
- Crimson Desert is a single-player experience with a focus on a central character named Macduff (formerly known as Kliff). The story follows his journey through the war-torn land of Pywel, with a strong emphasis on cinematic storytelling, character development, and a world that reacts to your choices.
While both games share the same high-fantasy aesthetic and some visual DNA, the worlds are not connected in a way that would require playing one to understand the other.
Gameplay: MMO vs. Action-Adventure
This is the biggest practical difference for players deciding which game to try.
Black Desert Online (MMORPG)
- Persistent online world with thousands of players on the same server.
- Classic MMO progression: leveling, gear enhancement, guilds, and large-scale siege warfare.
- Life skills such as gathering, fishing, cooking, and horse breeding are core activities.
- Combat is fast-paced and action-oriented, but the game is fundamentally built around the MMO loop of grinding, trading, and socializing.
Crimson Desert (Action-Adventure)
- Single-player campaign with a strong narrative focus.
- Combat is more similar to games like Dark Souls or God of War, with a focus on timing, dodging, and boss fights.
- Exploration and puzzle-solving are emphasized.
- Online elements, if any, are expected to be limited to optional co-op or competitive modes, but the core experience is solo.
Technical Differences and Engine
Both games use Pearl Abyss’s proprietary game engine, but they are different versions of it.
Black Desert Online runs on an early version of the Black Desert Engine, which was praised for its ability to render large landscapes and detailed character models. However, it has been criticized for its performance in crowded cities and its heavy use of CPU.
Crimson Desert is built on a newer iteration of the engine, which Pearl Abyss has been developing to support more advanced physics, lighting, and destructible environments. The studio has showcased gameplay trailers that demonstrate a much higher level of graphical fidelity and smoother animation than BDO. This newer engine is also being used for their next MMO, Plan 8, and other future projects.
How to Choose Between Crimson Desert and Black Desert Online
Your choice really depends on what you want from a game.
- If you prefer a single-player, story-rich experience with epic boss fights and a tight narrative, Crimson Desert is the one to watch.
- If you enjoy the social aspects of MMOs, such as joining guilds, trading with other players, and participating in server-wide events, Black Desert Online is the better fit.
- If you like to customize your character deeply, both games offer extensive creation tools, but BDO is currently the most detailed on the market.
- If you want a game you can play right now, Black Desert Online is available on PC, consoles, and mobile. Crimson Desert does not yet have a release date.
Common Misconceptions and Questions
Many players wonder if they should play BDO before Crimson Desert, or if Crimson Desert is a sequel. The answer is no: they are independent works. Pearl Abyss has stated that Crimson Desert is not a prequel or sequel, and you do not need any knowledge of Black Desert Online to enjoy it.
Another common question is whether Crimson Desert will have any multiplayer. The developers have mentioned that the game will have some online features, but the focus is clearly on the single-player campaign. It is not planned to be a full MMO like BDO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crimson Desert a sequel to Black Desert Online?
No. Pearl Abyss initially considered making it a prequel, but later confirmed it is a separate game with its own world and story. It is not a sequel.
Can I play Crimson Desert with friends?
The game is designed as a single-player experience. Some online features may exist, but it is not a multiplayer-focused game like Black Desert Online.
Which game has better graphics?
Crimson Desert is built on a newer version of the engine and has been showcased with more advanced visuals. However, Black Desert Online still holds up well and is known for its detailed character models.
Will my Black Desert Online character carry over to Crimson Desert?
No. The games are separate, and there is no cross-progression or character transfer between them.
Is Black Desert Online free to play?
Black Desert Online is a buy-to-play game, meaning you purchase the base game and there is no subscription. It occasionally goes on sale, but it is not free-to-play.
When will Crimson Desert be released?
Pearl Abyss has not announced a release date yet. As of now, the game is still in development, and no official launch window has been given.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.