Pearl Abyss, the developer behind the highly anticipated open-world action RPG Crimson Desert, has confirmed the game will eschew traditional character leveling systems in favor of a player-driven progression model focused on equipment acquisition and world exploration. The announcement came during a recent podcast interview with Will Powers, PR Director at Pearl Abyss.
Unlike many role-playing games that utilize a level-based system – where characters gain experience points to increase numerical levels – Crimson Desert will not feature this mechanic. Powers explained that the game will also forgo enemy scaling, a common feature that adjusts enemy difficulty to match the player’s level. This decision represents a significant departure from established RPG conventions.
Instead of leveling, player progression in Crimson Desert will be tied to obtaining and upgrading equipment. According to Powers, unique gear can be acquired as loot from defeating bosses, with each boss offering distinct and varied rewards. Players will also be able to craft gear through a blacksmithing system utilizing “Abyss Artifacts” found within the game world.
These Abyss Artifacts will allow players to customize their characters with specific skills and abilities, enabling diverse character builds tailored to different playstyles. The emphasis on equipment acquisition and customization aims to provide a sense of continuous progression without relying on numerical level increases.
Equally critical to progression is the game’s focus on exploration. Pearl Abyss intends for players to thoroughly explore the open-world continent of Pywel, undertaking quests beyond the main storyline. The game’s map will dynamically reveal areas as players explore, with landmarks becoming visible as they venture into novel territories.
Crimson Desert is scheduled for release on March 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X|S. Originally conceived as a prequel to Pearl Abyss’s existing title, Black Desert Online, the game has evolved into a standalone single-player experience with a defined beginning and end, similar to the structure of the Final Fantasy series.
The game is set in the medieval fantasy world of Pywel, a land beset by conflict and mysterious forces. Players will assume the role of Kliff, a member of the Greymanes, as he navigates a world populated by rival factions and mythical creatures. Combat will feature a dynamic system combining melee attacks, combo sequences, and strategic gameplay, including horseback combat and battles against large-scale bosses.
