Crimson Desert is one of 2026's most successful releases. The game managed to sell over 6 million copies in just three months, and ended up being so profitable that its publisher ended up giving each employee at development studio Pearl Abyss a $3,400 bonus. Since launch, the dev has been committed to improving the game and correcting some of the more egregious issues that were present at launch.
Crimson Desert: Charting the Unknown - Official DLC Launch Trailer
Watch on YouTubeNow, over half a year after its launch - and with the publisher's revenue up a massive 419 percent - it seems the company is eager to let anyone that hasn't yet purchased the game try it out, completely free. To celebrate the launch of the delayed Charting the Unknown DLC, which came out yesterday, Pearl Abyss has made the first five hours of the game completely free to play for (nearly) anyone on Xbox or PlayStation.
