Crimson Desert‘s pre-launch hype cycle has been a weird one. While interest builds online on the back of viral gameplay clips and buzz-y previews, the lack of console reviews at launch has some players scratching their heads and worrying if it’s all too good to be true. Developer Pearl Abyss has now finally revealed how the game will run on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, but still isn’t showing the game in action on those platforms.
The PC and console specs were shared on X on March 10, just over a week before the game is out. PC players will be relieved to see that the game only requires 16GB of RAM across all settings modes, and even support 1060-era graphics cards. On console, however, the experience is a lot more variable. On base PS5, the performance mode is locked at 1080p resolution and still only targeting 60fps with Vsync and VRR.
Check out the PC, console, and Mac specs for #CrimsonDesert ⚔️https://t.co/dbXzZXVHf2 pic.twitter.com/E9OReTmmkQ
— Crimson Desert (@CrimsonDesert_) March 10, 2026
In quality mode, the game will take advantage of raytracing for the lighting and reflections in its sprawling open world, but only hit 4K by upscaling from 1440p. Balanced mode tries to straddle the divide with 1280p upscaled to 4K and 40fps. PS5 Pro can hit native 4K with raytracing but only at 30fps. And if you’re on Series S, well, be prepared. Performance mode will still only get you 40fps at 720p.
This could all still come out to an impressive-looking and running game in practice, but Pearl Abyss still isn’t showcasing gameplay footage from the console versions of Crimson Desert. While PC codes went out for the launch reviews, those only go live a day before the game is out and there seemingly won’t be any hands-on console coverage of the game before people are faced with the question of whether or not to buy it.
“We’re not hiding anything, and I’m sick of having to repeat myself,” Pearl Abyss Marketing Director Will Powers wrote on X last week. “I’ve repeated 100s of times that we’ll reveal things ahead of launch to give people adequate time to still preorder the game for themselves. We’re saying this openly…Let us cook? Please and thank you. /rant.”
I hope he’s right!
