Ahead of its appearance at Gamescom 2025, Pearl Abyss released new gameplay footage of its upcoming title Crimson Desert on August 16. The video captures large-scale battles and diverse combat mechanics set against the backdrop of a vast open world, evoking the atmosphere of a real battlefield.

The footage follows the protagonist Cliff as he falls into a trap set by the hostile faction known as the Black Bear and journeys across the continent of Pywel in search of his scattered companions. In particular, it highlights early-to-mid-game quests, such as reuniting with allies in the war-torn region of Calpheyd, which has been devastated by rebel forces, and fighting to turn the tide of battle.

The most striking feature of this footage is the large-scale battlefield presentation, where countless NPCs clash in real time. Cannon fire, the shouts of soldiers, and the chaos of war are rendered with visceral realism.

Players, stepping into the role of Cliff, will undertake a variety of missions—destroying enemy watchtowers with cannons, rescuing hostages, and more. Movement options include summoning a horse for rapid travel or using raven wings to glide efficiently across terrain.

The combat system is built around dynamic action, with skills designed to subdue multiple enemies, as well as defense and evasive maneuvers. Strategic tools also stand out, such as the Bracelet of Fate, which channels elemental powers of fire, lightning, and ice, and the Signal Arrow, which can be used to call in allied bombardments.

The video also reveals boss encounters, including the towering Black Bear and the rebel leader Cassius Morton. The showdown with Cassius Morton, in particular, requires tactical play—for example, collapsing nearby pillars to stagger him and create openings for attack.

Crimson Desert is powered by Pearl Abyss’s in-house BlackSpace Engine, delivering highly realistic graphics. Natural lighting effects that shift with the passage of time and changing weather, along with sweeping natural landscapes, enhance the sense of immersion.

At Gamescom 2025, Pearl Abyss plans to present a playable demo version of Crimson Desert, allowing visitors to experience its open world and quests firsthand.

This article was translated from the original that appeared on INVEN.