Crimson Desert Hits 3 Million Wishlists Amid Mounting Console Performance Concerns

Split image: Left shows a dynamic battle with two armored warriors clashing swords, evoking tension. Right depicts a serene forest scene with sunlight and a lone figure, suggesting tranquility.

Split image: Left shows a dynamic battle with two armored warriors clashing swords, evoking tension. Right depicts a serene forest scene with sunlight and a lone figure, suggesting tranquility.
  • Primary Subject: Crimson Desert
  • Key Update: The game has reached 3 million Steam wishlists, though fans are expressing concern over the lack of console gameplay footage.
  • Status: Confirmed
  • Last Verified: March 4, 2026
  • Quick Answer: Crimson Desert releases March 19, 2026. While it hit 3 million wishlists, players are questioning the lack of PS5 and Xbox footage, forcing Pearl Abyss to respond.

Amassing 3 million Wishlists, it's safe to say Crimson Desert is one of the most highly anticipated RPGs of the year. But that doesn't mean people aren't worried about the actual gameplay.

Pearl Abyss announced the momentous milestone on their social media accounts, thanking players for their support as the launch date approaches. This comes after some users took to platforms like X to complain about the lack of updates on console performance and support.

With the game set to release on March 19, 2026, on Steam, Xbox Series X/S, Mac, and PlayStation 5, many are both excited and concerned about what the game will be like once it falls into the players' hands.

Crimson Desert Garners 3 Million Wishlists on Steam

Crimson Desert has received a massive following ahead of its launch later this month. The game is a single-player RPG spin-off of the South Korean MMO Black Desert, which was originally released in 2015.

A warrior in tribal armor clashes with a cloaked figure in a sunlit savannah. Tall grasses and rocky cliffs create a tense, battle-ready atmosphere.
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Credit: Pearl Abyss

This comes after interviews from the Pearl Abyss team that clarified there will be no AI voice acting for any character in the game, including NPCs. They also stressed that the game will provide players with a premium experience without forcing microtransactions down the playerbase's throat.

Pearl Abyss Responds to Performance Concerns

While many PC gamers are excited for Crimson Desert's release, console players are not as convinced.

Some noted that teasers for the game relied mostly on PC builds, leaving many to question how good the game will be on Ps5 and Xbox. Skeptics have even claimed it's "deceptive" that Pearl Abyss was barely showing how gameplay looked on the PlayStation.

It was also noted that some regions claimed the game required internet on their console, while others did not receive that same disclaimer.

In response to the backlash, Pearl Abyss PR and Marketing Director Will Powers took to X to share his thoughts on the matter.

Tweet by user Will Powers, responding to a complaint about hiding console footage. Will emphasizes transparency and asks for patience. Tone: frustrated.
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Credit: @WillJPowers on X

He claimed the team was not hiding anything and reiterated that they will be revealing more things ahead of launch so that players can decide whether they want to pre-order Crimson Desert or not.

PlayStation Releases Gameplay Footage of Crimson Desert

It didn't take long for console players to have their prayers answered, as PS5 footage of Crimson Desert gameplay was shared on the official PlayStation Blog.

Contrary to fans' doubts, the gameplay featured fast, fluid combat, according to PlayStation blog contributor Phil Hornshaw. The console was able to showcase the bustling world of Pywel, and DualSense Integration made gameplay more immersive. If you have the PS5 Pro, you can play the game in 4K resolution, but the standard PS5 is still great at showing great detail even with massive distances.

A lone character stands on a stone platform overlooking a vast, otherworldly landscape with floating rocks, under a cloudy sky. On-screen text and game icons are visible.
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Credit: Pearl Abyss

Hopefully, this is enough to calm the worries of those looking to play Crimson Desert on console!

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