Clear your calendar—Crimson Desert is calling. And this open-world action-adventure game is both breathtakingly beautiful and mind-bogglingly vast.

As the battle-hardened warrior Kliff, you’ll rebuild your fallen clan while exploring a fantasy land teeming with colossal bosses, wild mounts, and enough side activities to fill a second game. Here’s a small taste of what to expect as you embark on this truly epic quest.

The continent of Pywel is divided into five sprawling regions, from the lush mountain valleys where your adventure begins to the arid expanses of rocky red sand that give the game its name. And it’s not just big—it’s dense too, with dozens of settlements to discover and hundreds of secrets to unearth. It pays to explore!

Walking is a great way to take in Pywel’s incredible sights—but you’ve got better options. Though your trusty horse will be your early go-to for crossing windswept plains and snowy peaks, you’ll eventually be able to ride giant bears and even fire-breathing dragons. Bandit camps, beware!

Floating high above Pywel is the Abyss, a series of mysterious sky islands powered by a strange blend of magic and technology. There you’ll receive powers like a mystic grappling hook you can use to levitate objects, swing across chasms, or yank enemies off a cliff. Each visit to one of these puzzle-packed islands gives you a glimpse into the deeper danger threatening the world—and using your feathered cloak to glide back to earth is a treat every time.

As Kliff, and later as playable allies Damiane and Oongka, you’ll arm yourself with everything from flintlock pistols to steampunk mech suits. And that’s just the start: Slam goblins into the ground with a wrestling-inspired lariat move, or use your force-palm ability to topple a giant tree onto a hapless bandit. Throwing down is an absolute blast.

When you’re done battling deadly bosses like the teleporting Reed Devil or drill-armed Excavatron, engage in more peaceful pastimes. Fish in Pywel’s plentiful rivers and lakes, plant crops and raise livestock, or cook delicious meals that’ll sustain you in a fight. Once you gather a few of your missing tribemates, you can set up a camp and upgrade it over time—or venture out to find a secluded cabin, then decorate it with the loot you’ve plundered. There’s no place like home!

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