Crimson Desert, the stunning fantasy open-world game years in the making, has officially gone gold and is set to launch in March.

Since its initial reveal in 2019, Crimson Desert has seemed almost too incredible to believe. The trailers showcased a captivating blend of dark fantasy reminiscent of The Witcher and a vast array of open-world action. Players were promised a game world larger than those found in Skyrim and Red Dead Redemption 2. The big question was whether developer Pearl Abyss, known for the MMO Black Desert Online, could deliver a single-player open-world experience that lived up to those lofty expectations.

Now, we’re on the brink of finding out, as Crimson Desert is set to launch on March 19, 2026. This date was confirmed a few months back, and it’s official now that the game has gone gold. While this term may feel a bit retro in our digital age, it signifies that the final version of the game is ready for mass production. Essentially, the main development phase is complete.

“We’re thrilled to announce that #CrimsonDesert has gone gold,” the developers shared in a tweet. “On behalf of the team at Pearl Abyss, thank you to our fans around the world for your support and for reaching this milestone with us. Stay tuned for more news, and see you in Pywel on March 19!”

Crimson Desert was first showcased at a Pearl Abyss event in 2019, but it gained significant attention with appearances at two major shows hosted by Geoff Keighley – first at The Game Awards in 2020 and then at Gamescom Opening Night Live in 2023. Each reveal has been visually stunning, and this March will finally reveal if the anticipation has been justified.

The game’s hack and slash boss battles “play a crucial role in shaping the game’s intensity,” but there’s much more to this open-world adventure, including activities like fishing, cooking, and even dragon-riding.