Crimson Desert Officially Delayed to Q1 2026

Pearl Abyss has confirmed that its upcoming open-world action-adventure game, Crimson Desert, has been delayed. The game was initially scheduled for a late 2025 release, but will now launch in Q1 2026.

The update was shared during the company’s Q2 2025 earnings call. Pearl Abyss stated that the game is currently undergoing voice-over work and console certification. These steps are essential before release. The team is also preparing major marketing efforts, with appearances planned at Gamescom and PAX West. It will be in August, followed by the Tokyo Game Show in September.

According to Pearl Abyss, the delay was unavoidable. The studio cited extended timelines in coordinating schedules with partners, finalizing offline distribution, and completing launch preparations. “The launch of Crimson Desert, our first large-scale AAA console game, has been unavoidably delayed by one quarter,” the company explained.

The developer emphasized that this strategic decision is aimed at ensuring long-term success. The internal release target is now set for early 2026, but the final date will be revealed later. Pearl Abyss noted that it will announce the confirmed launch date based on business considerations, rather than rushing to provide details during Gamescom.

Fans eager to experience the world of Crimson Desert will need to wait a little longer. Pearl Abyss has promised that the additional time will allow the team to deliver a more polished and immersive open-world adventure.

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