Crimson Desert DLC pre-orders cancelled as Pearl Abyss shares important update on availability

Certain pre-orders of Crimson Desert’s upcoming Charting The Unknown DLC expansion have been cancelled with developer Pearl Abyss reporting an “update regarding market availability”.

Charting The Unknown was revealed at a recent State of Play event, with developers confirming a launch date of October 15.

It’s incredible, really, that Crimson Desert boasts both a paid DLC and Enhanced Edition and only launched in March of this year; Pearl Abyss is not resting on its laurels.

Unfortunately, it’s been revealed that Charting The Unknown will no longer be available to all players with in-game DLC content preventing its release in certain regions.

“Following a review of content and age rating requirements, Crimson Desert: Charting the Unknown will not be available in certain markets/regions,” read the announcement.

“Pre-orders for these regions will be closed. Depending on the platform, refunds may be processed automatically, or a refund request may need to be submitted through that platform’s standard refund process.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding.”

The message was posted by Reddit user BayLordPlatinum who is based in the United Arab Emirates, confirming that particular region as one of those affected.

“I am based in the UAE and it seems like the DLC won't be coming to the Middle East. I was ready to get the pre-order until it disappeared from the PS store just a few days ago,” the user wrote.

“Thought it would be back soon for me, but now I am losing hope as I checked the game's website. Looks like I am among those who won't get to experience it because the Middle East is back at it again with the banning and censorship.”

A precise list of affected regions has not yet been made available.

The UAE has a long history of banning major AAA titles that feature explicit sexual content or graphic violence, simulated gambling, or same-sex relationships.

Charting the Unknown is thought to introduce romance mechanics to Crimson Desert, something surprisingly not featured within the base game.

It’s possible that this violates one or several of the country’s guidelines on content.

“Oh dang, that’s really sad,” replied Reddit user Rogue_417, while need-help-guys added, “That’s kinda crazy.”

READ MORE: Crimson Desert is playable for free from your PC browser, no download required

Crimson Desert’s first expansion will add a new location, story, and mechanics

Pearl Abyss

Charting the Unknown is set to be pretty sizeable which, again, is unusual considering the base game’s recency. Heck, thousands of players haven’t even left Hernand yet.

For those ready for a new adventure, if the DLC is still available in your region, Charting the Unknown will take Kliff, Damiane, and Oongka to a new location.

Little has been said about this location, but we know it’ll introduce new threats and ways to explore with the DLC including underwater exploration, locales, and foes.

Players will also get to captain their own ship, rent and build a home in the upgraded Housing mode, and romance characters.

The DLC will cost £19.99 / $24.99, so it isn’t included within the base game.