Pearl Abyss shares 2nd Features Overview video for Crimson Desert, detailing combat and progression

Following last week's Feature Overview video highlighting Kliff and the open world, Pearl Abyss has posted a 2nd Features Overview video Crimson Desert, showcasing the game's combat and progression systems

The video discusses combat flow, earning stats, learning skills, and finding & forging equipment in the upcoming open-world adventure game.

The Combat and Progression Overview video and a description can be found below, via Pearl Abyss.

Crimson Desert is set to release on March 19 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam).

Pearl Abyss released today the second features overview video for its upcoming open-world action-adventure title Crimson Desert, offering a look at the game’s combat systems and player-driven character progression. 

This latest video showcases Crimson Desert’s signature combat mechanics and flexible growth systems, emphasizing player choice across both combat styles and skill development paths. Crimson Desert’s combat is predominantly shaped by player decisions. In addition to` weapons and skills earned through character progression, players can adapt to each encounter, for example, by using different mounts and in combat situations, using the environment to their benefit. 

Players can wield a wide arsenal of weapons; including sword and shield, spear, great sword, axe, and several ranged weapons, each offering distinct strengths and combat tactics. Weapons can be purchased, discovered through exploration, given as a reward for dispatching bosses and questlines, or crafted directly by the player. 

The fluid combat in Crimson Desert offers the ability to chain combos using a vast array of hand-to-hand combat, kicks, grapples and armed combat moves. Weapons can also be enhanced with elemental effects such as fire and ice, adding strategic depth, and making fights more intense. 

Timing and situational awareness are central to success. By reading enemy movements and attack patterns, players can execute precisely timed guards and evasions, whilst creating openings for counterattacks that can turn the tide of combat. 

Character progression is driven by fragments of the Abyss, a key resource used to unlock and enhance skills. Fragments can be obtained by defeating powerful bosses or discovered throughout the world of Pywel, while certain abilities can be learned directly through exploration or by completing certain quests. 

Weapons and equipment can be upgraded using materials acquired through mining, boss encounters, completing quests and exploration. Players can further customize their playstyle by combining bonus attributes and special effects on gear. Some bosses also drop exclusive equipment and costumes, and in some cases allowing players to wield signature skills tied to those encounters.

Crimson Desert will be released worldwide on March 19 simultaneously across all platforms. Preorders are currently available through the official website or directly on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, Apple Mac and the Epic Games Store.