Pearl Abyss released its much-anticipated single-player RPG, Crimson Desert, last night. However, it has faced a rocky start, landing on Steam with a “Mixed” review average. Players are voicing concerns over disjointed graphics and repeated assets.
One player noted, “The open world drew me in, but the graphics look strange, especially in low light. With ray tracing, I get a better image, but at just 30fps instead of 100.” They highlighted issues with shimmering and graininess in foliage, despite various graphic settings. Another player mentioned that while the game showcases impressive visuals and ambition, the gameplay quickly loses its charm. They complained about slow pacing and filler activities that detract from the experience.
Controls and user interface have also been criticized. Some players have gone as far as to request refunds due to their frustrations. But there are positive notes too, particularly about the cute village cats that players can interact with. One commented on the joy of picking up a friendly cat while completing tasks, saying, “This game is great, highly recommend.”
The buildup for Crimson Desert was huge. It became one of Steam’s top global sellers even before its release, thanks to positive buzz from content creators. Gaming analytics firm Kalshi even predicted a 30% chance for the game to win the Game of the Year at this year’s TGA, trailing only behind GTA 6. Following the lukewarm reception, those chances have dropped to a mere 5%. Nevertheless, 239,045 players logged in at launch, marking it as one of Steam’s most-played games, alongside Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2.
Currently, over 115,000 players are still exploring the world of Pywel, keeping it in the sixth spot for concurrent players on Steam. This count is significantly lower than its pre-release wishlist of 3 million but may recover over the weekend, which is typical during game launches.
Critics have offered mixed reviews. Lewis Gordon from Eurogamer likened the experience to a bland banquet. He said, “Imagine a feast where every dish tastes faintly of cardboard.” Despite the criticisms, he did give a nod to the game’s giant trolls.
As the community settles into the game, varied opinions swirl on social media. While numbers may fluctuate, one thing is clear: Crimson Desert has sparked conversation, and players are sharing their experiences, both good and bad.
