Crimson Desert finally sets DLC launch window as Pywel set to expand

Very few of Crimson Desert’s players have likely seen all that the game’s map has to offer; in fact, I know that a chunk of you haven’t even left Hernand.

And yet, before long, you’ll have even more content to enjoy as Crimson Desert developer Pearl Abyss has outlined that it plans to launch a paid DLC expansion for the game later this year.

In recent months, developers have spoken quite openly about their interest in expanding the world of Crimson Desert via DLC and Pearl Abyss’ latest earnings call outlines precisely what those plans may look like.

As reported by Inven Global, Crimson Desert made up around 70% of Pearl Abyss’ revenue for Q2 of 2026, although the game’s performance was slightly weaker compared to its launch period in Q1.

However, in its outline for the remainder of 2026, Inven Global noted that Pearl Abyss is in the midst of “preparing DLC, pricing strategies, and platform expansion for long term performance” noting that “DLC content direction and quality” is under review.

Finally, and most importantly, it’s noted that the DLC is targeting a “year-end release”.

It was also added that Crimson Desert plans a Nintendo Switch 2 launch in the first half of 2027.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t tell us what to expect from Crimson Desert’s DLC, but it’s doubtful that many people would have guessed it arriving as early as this year. After all, Crimson Desert only launched in March.

According to How Long To Beat, a 100% completion playthrough is taking an average of 256 hours which is a mammoth commitment.

That being said, I’ve seen players on Reddit who have hundreds of hours and haven’t even left the starting province of Hernand, as mentioned, so it really shows the depth of content in Crimson Desert.

It’s not a game for everyone. It is admittedly weird stumbling across mystical forest creatures or fighting mechanical dragons in a game that elsewhere feels like a grounded RPG.

But Crimson Desert’s zaniness is part of its charm.

READ MORE: Terrifying Crimson Desert mod turns the game into a soulslike boss rush

Fan theories are flooding in on what the expansion may bring to Crimson Desert

Over on Reddit, players are already sharing their expectations and wishes for the DLC.

“For me, I'm just itching to see more of this awesome world, and I want to know more, like that gate in the abyss that the wizard man said ''should never be opened''. I would love to just find out more about this world. Can't get enough of this game,” said user Wild-Association1217.

“I think they should focus first in adding extra content and missions to the current areas that are under-used like Varnia, Erudipetra or Tariv,” added Sharky1223.

User ashrensnow commented, “This is pure hopium I feel like but I would love it if they expanded the ocean area and added some form of sailing/naval combat and diving.”

Perhaps we’ll get a reveal at this summer’s Gamescom Opening Night Live - or if the DLC is targeting a year-end release, maybe it’ll even shadowdrop at The Game Awards.

Beyond that, we know a multiplayer mode is being looked into and considering Pearl Abyss released Black Desert Online before Crimson Desert, I shouldn’t think they’ll find that too hard to put together.

In fact, Crimson Desert was initially intended to be multiplayer before the game’s direction changed.

All in all, Crimson Desert players have a long and plentiful road of content ahead of them.