Pearl Abyss has confirmed that Crimson Desert, its ambitious open-world action-adventure, will no longer arrive in 2025. The studio now expects to launch the game sometime in the first quarter of 2026.

The update came during Pearl Abyss’ latest earnings call, where executives cited a mix of logistical and production-related challenges. According to the company, the extra time will be used to finalize console certification, complete voice-over work across multiple languages, and address offline distribution requirements.

Originally pegged for a late 2025 release, Crimson Desert has been on many players’ watchlists since its impressive gameplay showcase last year. The delay means fans will be waiting a little longer, but Pearl Abyss insists the decision was made to ensure a smooth and polished launch.

“We want Crimson Desert to meet the expectations of players worldwide,” a spokesperson said. “Taking a few more months will help us deliver the quality and stability that our team is aiming for.”

When it does release, Crimson Desert will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and macOS. While no specific date has been set, the Q1 2026 window points to a launch between January and March next year.

For now, all eyes will be on the studio’s next round of updates possibly during The Game Awards later this year where a firm release date could finally be revealed.