Crimson Desert boasts a map that’s twice the size of Skyrim and even larger than Red Dead Redemption 2, offering a vast yet highly interactive open-world experience.

Pearl Abyss has unveiled that the world of Crimson Desert is set to be twice the size of Skyrim and even larger than Red Dead Redemption 2, according to recent updates.

My feelings about Crimson Desert are still a bit mixed. I had the chance to play it around two years ago, and I was intrigued by its challenging combat and the ability to pull off wrestling moves on unsuspecting foes—like the Stone Cold Stunner, which is a first for me in a non-wrestling game. However, since I only faced bosses during my playtime, I was uncertain how that combat style would adapt to an open-world setting. It seems the developers are embracing a “why not” philosophy, incorporating a variety of mechanics that are unexpected for a fantasy title.

The map is a standout feature, as highlighted by Pearl Abyss PR director Will Powers. He stated, “The world’s at least twice as big as the open world/playable area of Skyrim, and it is larger than the map of Red Dead Redemption 2.” While a large map is impressive, the real test lies in the activities available within it.

Powers elaborated, “Open-world games are about doing things, having activities, having distractions. So we wanted to create a world that’s not only massive but is also incredibly interactive.”

New gameplay footage showcased during the New Game+ Showcase revealed various traversal mechanics, allowing players to ride dragons, bears, and even dinosaurs and mechs—definitely a twist for a fantasy game. Additionally, the game features explorable sky islands, which are described as “very important,” reminiscent of elements from Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Earlier footage also highlighted a grappling hook, which is always a welcome addition.

During an in-depth showcase of the open-world engine powering Crimson Desert, I posed a detailed question about water, and things quickly escalated.