A Crimson Desert player has discovered a little-known mechanic that makes the game significantly easier: tag teaming. Within just 24 hours of its release, this action-adventure RPG from Pearl Abyss became a massive hit worldwide, selling over 2 million copies and receiving generally positive reviews. However, as players explored the game over the following days, many began to voice criticism about elements like clunky controls and a plot that is hard to follow. Some of these issues have been addressed in post-launch updates, and Crimson Desert‘s developers have pledged to use player feedback to improve the game.
One of the main reasons the game gained so much attention since launch is that it lets players explore a vast medieval fantasy universe. The open world of Crimson Desert features strategic battles against large-scale bosses, such as dragons, as well as activities like fishing, cooking, crafting, and hunting. Players take on the role of Kliff, who, after an attack, embarks on a journey to reunite with his companions and confront the enemies responsible. Pearl Abyss has emphasized that its goal was to create a seamless, immersive experience that encourages gamers to discover new parts of the story, as well as the nooks and crannies of the extensive fantasy world.
Crimson Desert is the Definition of “Not for Everyone”
Crimson Desert has been one of the most anticipated launches of 2026, but it’s already clear that the game is an acquired taste.
Crimson Desert’s Obscure Mechanic That Makes the Game Easier
Recently, a Crimson Desert player shared a tip that hadn’t been mentioned in previous discussions about the game, even though it makes gameplay much easier. On the game’s subreddit, user bbq_R0ADK1LL posted an explanation of how to form a tag team instead of simply switching between different characters. To do this, players must select “summon,” and then, once the second character appears, hold the up button, at which point the option to group up will appear. With this option, players can not only control Kliff himself, but can have other playable characters from Crimson Desert accompany him at the same time, providing both an extra character to switch to in combat and a companion for exploration.
The post garnered a lot of reactions from other players, most of whom were surprised to learn that such a feature existed. Some highlighted its usefulness for dealing with big bandit camps or clearing mobs, while also noting that the ability to group up does not work during main quests in Crimson Desert, which were designed exclusively for Kliff. Users were also divided on whether they should have been explicitly informed of this feature beforehand, since some of them have already spent dozens of hours in the game and knowing about it would have helped them overcome many obstacles. Some of them felt that discovering these features was part of the adventure, which players should discover and experience for themselves. Others insisted that options like this are a foundation of gameplay, so not being informed about them prevents players from fully realizing the game’s potential.
Drag weapons to fill the grid
Drag weapons to fill the grid
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As players discover new tricks and tips for Crimson Desert, the game continues to hold players’ interest, which has also led to an improvement in its reception, shifting from initially mixed reactions to “mostly positive” reviews on Steam. A few days after its launch, a major patch was also released to fix bugs and technical issues, as well as to introduce tweaks and adjustments to the gameplay. Given the game’s vast open world, it’s highly likely that many options and features have yet to be discovered. As a result, Crimson Desert fans can look forward to further updates revealing previously unknown ways to create their own unique gaming experience.
- Released
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March 19, 2026
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ / Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
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Pearl Abyss
- Publisher(s)
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Pearl Abyss
