Crimson Desert looks like the most ambitious game ever – and it might be the only thing I can argue with GTA 6.

- Pearl Abyss released a new concept for The Crimson Desert
- The game promises a bigger map than Skyrim and Red Dead Redemption 2with a deep examination
- It will be released on March 19, 2026
While Grand Theft Auto 6 on the cards for late 2026, there is an ambitious title to be launched in March that looks like it could be a real rival to Rockstar Games’ blockbuster.
Developer Pearl Abyss has revealed a new showcase of features for its upcoming open-world action title, The Crimson Desertahead of its release date of March 19, 2026, it also highlights the deep and expansive experience that awaits players.
Pearl Abyss PR director Will Powers, previously said The Crimson DesertThe map may be larger than both of Bethesda’s Skyrimagain Red Dead Redemption 2a claim that has raised many eyebrows among gamers.
However, the team proved it with a new overview, which promises five different regions on one huge continent, known as Pywel, and a map full of different NPC interactions, tasks, rewarding puzzles, and engaging side quests to keep players busy.
Watch it open
Powers made that clear during several recent interviews The Crimson Desert it’s not really an RPG, so players should balance their expectations in terms of player choice and freedom. However, it obviously still has some RPG elements, a bit reminiscent of Capcom’s Doctrine of the Dragon 2.
You can ride dragons, mechs, bears, horses (if you’re bored), and much more that hasn’t been revealed yet. All those mounts seem necessary to cut through such a large game.
Based on the size of the map and the content promised, not many other upcoming games have shown this level of scale and detail. The Crimson Desert has, except, of course, GTA 6.
Red Dead Redemption 2’s the open world felt alive with a large map and many different interactions and random events, which were not always focused on the main story, and The Crimson Desert looks like it will repeat that same feeling.
The 2018 western hit is Rockstar Games’ last major release, so it’s only natural to think that GTA 6 he will try to be bigger and better than RDR2and these are the same heights that Pearl Abyss is trying to reach.
Opinion: this looks like a strong GOTY contender
I always try my best to avoid the hype of upcoming games, for fear of potential disappointment, but Pearl Abyss’ The Crimson Desert it has left me very happy with all the revelations so far.
It’s a title that I’ve been watching since it first revealed its trailer in 2019, and it’s evolved a lot since then, and with all the impressive combat, exploration, and gadgets advertised, it looks like it could be a big contender for Game of the Year awards.
Remember, 2026 has many topics to look forward to: Bad Need for Residents (my second most anticipated game), Phantom Blade Zero, 007 First Light, Onimusha: The Way of the Swordagain Marvel’s Wolverine.
So Pearl Abyss has it it is abundant of competition – but more importantly, it looks like 2026 will be one of the best years for gaming, and I’m sure The Crimson Desert it will have a big part to play within it.
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