Crimson Desert Pre-Order: What We Know So Far

As of now, Crimson Desert has no official pre-order date or pricing, and the game itself does not yet have a confirmed release date. Publisher Pearl Abyss has not opened pre-orders for any platform, so any retailer listing you see is speculative or a placeholder. This article explains what the game is, what platforms it targets, what pre-ordering usually involves for Pearl Abyss titles, and what to watch for as the launch approaches.

Formula

The calculator uses two standard running formulas:

• Pace (min/km) = Finish time (minutes) ÷ Distance (km)
• Speed (km/h) = Distance (km) ÷ (Finish time (minutes) ÷ 60)

Where:

• t = finish time in minutes
• d = distance in kilometers
• Pace = minutes per kilometer (lower is faster)
• Speed = kilometers per hour (higher is faster)

Worked Example

Using the default values (50 minutes for 10 km):

1. Pace = 50 ÷ 10 = 5.00 min/km
2. Speed = 10 ÷ (50 ÷ 60) = 10 ÷ 0.8333 = 12.00 km/h

The calculator shows a pace of 5:00 per kilometer and a speed of 12.0 km/h.

What Is Crimson Desert?

Crimson Desert is an open-world action-adventure game developed by Pearl Abyss, the studio behind Black Desert Online. It was first revealed in 2019 with a cinematic trailer, and later gameplay footage showed a single-player story-driven experience with large-scale battles, climbing, and horseback riding. The game is built on the same proprietary engine used for Black Desert, but it is not a direct sequel or an MMO in the traditional sense. Pearl Abyss has described it as a narrative-focused action game, though some online features may be included.

Why There Is No Pre-Order Yet

Pre-orders typically open only after a publisher announces a concrete release date. As of mid-2025, Pearl Abyss has not given a firm launch window beyond “when it’s ready.� The game was originally targeted for a winter 2021 release, but it was delayed. Since then, the developer has repeatedly said the game is in the final stages of production, but no date has been set. Without a date, there is nothing to pre-order. Any store page that lets you “buy� Crimson Desert now is either a placeholder or a third-party reseller taking money without official backing, which is risky.

How Pre-Orders Usually Work for Pearl Abyss Games

Looking at Black Desert Online’s history gives a rough idea. When Pearl Abyss launched Black Desert in the West, pre-orders came in a few tiers:

• Standard edition – base game
• Deluxe or Traveler’s edition – base game plus in-game items (mounts, costumes, currency)
• Ultimate or Conqueror’s edition – all of the above plus exclusive cosmetics and early access

Pre-ordering usually granted early access (a few days before launch) and a few exclusive items. For Crimson Desert, expect something similar: multiple digital editions, maybe a physical collector’s edition, and a small pre-order bonus like an in-game weapon skin or a soundtrack. But none of that is confirmed until Pearl Abyss announces it.

Which Platforms Will It Be On?

Pearl Abyss has confirmed that Crimson Desert is being developed for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. It was originally planned for the previous generation as well, but the developer later said it would focus on current hardware. A Nintendo Switch version has not been announced. If you are planning to play on PC, check the system requirements when they are released—the game uses a high-end engine, so a mid-range gaming PC from the last few years should handle it, but exact specs are not public yet.

How to Avoid Pre-Order Scams

Because there is no official pre-order, any website that asks for money now is not authorized. Common red flags:

• Deep discounts (e.g., “60% off pre-orderâ€�) on a game with no release date
• Requests for payment via cryptocurrency or gift cards
• Third-party key resellers that claim to have “early keysâ€�

Always wait for an announcement from Pearl Abyss or from the official storefronts (Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store). If you see a pre-order on a major retailer like Amazon or Best Buy, it might be a placeholder, but it is still safer to wait until the price and date are official.

What to Expect When Pre-Orders Open

When the date is announced, pre-orders will likely appear on the same platforms as Black Desert: Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and possibly the Pearl Abyss store. You will probably be able to choose between a standard edition and a more expensive one with extras. If you are not sure which to get, wait for the full list of bonuses. Some items (like a mount or a costume) are only cosmetic, so you can skip them if you do not care about looks. If you want early access, that is usually tied to the more expensive editions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Crimson Desert an MMO?

No, it is primarily a single-player action-adventure game. Pearl Abyss has said it will have some online elements, but the core experience is a story-driven campaign. If you are expecting a Black Desert Online-style MMO, this is a different game.

Will Crimson Desert be on Game Pass?

There has been no official announcement. Pearl Abyss has not done a Game Pass deal for Black Desert on console, so it is unlikely, but not impossible. Wait for the publisher’s statement.

Can I pre-order a physical copy?

Not yet. When pre-orders open, there may be a physical collector’s edition, but nothing has been announced. Keep an eye on official channels.

Will there be a beta test?

Pearl Abyss has not confirmed a public beta. They did run a technical test in 2020, but it was closed. If there is a beta, it will be announced on the official website.

How much will Crimson Desert cost?

No price has been announced. For reference, Black Desert Online launched at $49.99 for the standard edition on PC. Crimson Desert may be priced similarly, but it could also be $59.99 or $69.99 for current-gen consoles. Do not pre-order until the price is official.

What if I pre-order from a third-party site?

It is a risk. You might not get a key, and if the site is unauthorized, you have no recourse. Only buy from official stores or well-known retailers once the pre-order is live.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2