Crimson Desert, one of this year's most anticipated games, has surpassed two million wishlists, setting the stage for an impressive launch on March 19. Since its announcement, Crimson Desert has captured attention, particularly among open-world RPG fans on platforms like Steam. Over the past few years, however, it has sparked widespread discussion across the gaming industry, largely due to its ambitious goals and bold effort to deliver a multilayered, complex gameplay experience.
In September 2025, developer Pearl Abyss confirmed the launch date for Crimson Desert, setting March 19, 2026, as the big day. So far, the developer has stayed on track, with no signs of delay. As the release approaches, interest in the game continues to grow, with more gamers pledging to play it. In fact, the excitement has been so high that many are already calling Crimson Desert one of the biggest releases of 2026, a year that also includes major titles like GTA 6.
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Crimson Desert Crosses Two Million Wishlists
On Crimson Desert's Twitter, Pearl Abyss recently announced that the game has surpassed two million wishlists. Although the official post doesn't specify, this number appears to include wishlists across all major platforms. According to estimates from Raijin.gg, Crimson Desert has nearly a million wishlists on Steam alone, with the remainder likely spread across the Epic Games Store and Xbox and PlayStation consoles.
Pearl Abyss has already confirmed that Crimson Desert has gone gold, indicating that development is largely complete, and the team is now focused on polishing and optimization. The studio has also shared exciting news with fans, teasing features such as additional playable characters and PS5 Pro support, which have likely contributed to the surge in wishlists across platforms.
According to SteamDB data, Crimson Desert ranks #17 among all upcoming Steam games in total wishlists. Subnautica 2 still leads the chart, though, followed by titles like Deadlock and Resident Evil Requiem. It's also worth noting that Pearl Abyss' $70 game is among Steam's top 100 bestsellers, showing that many players aren't just bookmarking the game—they've already pre-ordered it.
High Wishlist Numbers Don't Necessarily Mean Success
While Crimson Desert's wishlist milestone is impressive, history shows that high pre-release numbers don't guarantee success. Several games in recent years have led the charts in wishlists, only to flop at launch and become major disappointments. A notable example is The Day Before, which once topped Steam's most-wishlisted games but ended up as one of the worst releases ever, even contributing to the developer's closure.
Who’s That Character?
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Of course, Crimson Desert is unlikely to face the same disastrous launch as games like The Day Before, as the developer has invested time in polishing it. Still, given the scale of its open-world universe and the advanced technologies involved, such as volumetric clouds, ray marching illumination, and ray regeneration, the March 19 release faces a high bar for optimization. Fans are now hoping for a smooth launch that will captivate the millions of open-world RPG enthusiasts eagerly counting down the days to play Crimson Desert.
OpenCritic Reviews
- Released
- March 19, 2026
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Pearl Abyss
- Publisher(s)
- Pearl Abyss
WHERE TO PLAY
A devastating ambush in the deep of night by their sworn enemies the Black Bears leaves members of the Greymanes dead or scattered across the continent. Kliff – having lost his Greymane comrades, his family in all but name – is determined to reunite with the survivors, rebuild the fallen Greymanes, and reclaim what was lost. But on a journey where alliances are forged, dangers abound, and mysterious factions are uncovered, Kliff will come to realize that an unprecedented threat and a destiny greater than he imagined await him.
EXPLORE A LIVING, BREATHING WORLD
Welcome to the open-world of Pywel, a continent filled with mystery, fantasy, and tons to discover. Visit bustling towns and quiet hamlets, venture across vast plains, deserts, and mountains, and explore forgotten ruins, shrines, and other unique landmarks of the continent’s distinct regions. Gather resources, craft, hunt, and partake in the various activities of Pywel to also aid in your journey.
FORGE YOUR OWN COMBAT
The world is yours to explore as you will and there are many paths for you to uncover; ride various mounts from horses to wolves, even a dragon and machines, scale cliffsides and walls which you can leap from to glide, and go through mystical gates to find yourself in the mysterious realm known as the Abyss.
THE BEGINNING OF A NEW JOURNEY
On the unforgiving battlefields of Crimson Desert, there is no single path to victory.
Acquire weapons like swords, spears, and bows, and wield powerful abilities and elemental enhancements. Take advantage of the wide arsenal available to you and create lethal combinations to unleash even greater power.
With every strike and move, forge your own way in a world where a split second can decide your fate in fast-paced, visceral battles.
FACE RELENTLESS CHALLENGES
From ruthless warriors to fearsome beasts, there are those in Pywel who will seek your downfall. Encounter a diverse array of challenging enemies and bosses in brutal one-on-one duels, large-scale battle clashes, and quick skirmishes, and prevail against the threats that stand in your way.
THE BEGINNINGS OF A NEW JOURNEY
On the continent of Pywel, the rival factions of Pailune maintained a tense balance.
At Kliff's side stood his steadfast Greymane comrades: Oongka, Yann, and Naira.
That fragile peace is shattered with the sudden assault of the Black Bears. The Greymanes fall one by one in the ambush. In a desperate struggle against their fearsome leader Myurdin, Kliff and the few Greymanes who survive are scattered to the winds. Kliff, etching the names of his fallen companions into his heart, vows to rebuild the Greymanes and exact vengeance upon the Black Bears. Along this path, he would meet those who seek to upend the very order of the continent and face a mission unlike any he has ever known.
- Number of Players
- Single-player
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unknown
- PC Release Date
- March 19, 2026
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- March 19, 2026
- PS5 Release Date
- March 19, 2026
- Genre(s)
- Action, Adventure, Open-World, Exploration
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- File Size Xbox Series
- 113 GB
