Crimson Desert — Recovery to Very Positive + 276k peak + patches 1.01/1.02 PS5 + gear guides/LPs/PC livestreams + GOTY review + IGN backpedal + PS5 impressions + outsold by StS2 March Steam
Key Questions
What were Crimson Desert's launch sales and peak player numbers?
Crimson Desert launched on March 19 with 3 million sales, a 276k peak on Steam, and topped UK charts with a Metacritic score of 78. It achieved 'Very Positive' Steam reviews from over 37k users after patches.
How did Crimson Desert recover from mixed initial reviews?
Post-launch patches 1.01 and 1.02 addressed PS5 issues like storage, helmet visibility, UI, FPS, and Pro PSSR support, flipping sentiment to Very Positive. Community content like gear guides, LPs from FightinCowboy (part 68), and PC livestreams boosted retention.
What fixes did patches 1.01 and 1.02 bring to PS5?
Patches 1.01 and 1.02 on PS5 resolved storage issues, helmet visibility, UI glitches, FPS stability, and added Pro PSSR support. These updates contributed to the game's recovery and positive impressions.
Why is Crimson Desert considered a GOTY contender?
Reviews praise its RDR2-scale open world, Souls-like bosses, PC RT, and PS5 modes, with one calling it a shocking GOTY 2026 candidate. It features unrivalled open-world quality and intense combat like the Reed Devil boss battle.
What is the IGN backpedal on Crimson Desert?
IGN initially gave it a 6/10 but later sought to change their review and score amid backlash, as covered in videos criticizing the obnoxious reversal. This highlighted shifting critical opinions post-patches.
How did Crimson Desert perform against Slay the Spire 2 in March Steam sales?
Slay the Spire 2 outsold Crimson Desert twice over in March Steam sales despite Crimson's strong launch. StS2 dominated while Crimson recovered via patches and content.
What gear guides exist for Crimson Desert?
Guides cover optimal gear like laser helmet and water boots, alongside full combat beginners tips and tricks. Videos also showcase insane boss fights like Reed Devil for advanced strategies.
What are early PS5 impressions of Crimson Desert?
PS5 impressions highlight smooth performance post-patches, free DLC, and console-like quality in its massive open world. It includes Pro support and has drawn GOTY comparisons.
Mar19 launch: 3M sales/276k peak/UK#1/MC78; 'Very Positive' (37k+) post-patches incl. 1.01/1.02 (PS5: storage/helmet/UI/FPS/Pro PSSR); recovery story flips Mixed sentiment despite StS2 twice March sales; gear guides/LPs/PC livestreams boost retention; GOTY contender w/RDR2-scale world/Souls bosses. Track verify/retention/DLC/Xbox/piracy/PS5 sales/patches/Pro uplift.