Crimson Desert dubbed 'GOTY' as DLC confirms 8 new features, romance included

Crimson Desert is already a major ‘game of the year’ contender, but fans of the title appear to be even more certain of that assertion.

“Game of the freaking year man,” wrote Reddit user Potential_Bag5087 shortly after the new overview trailer for Crimson Desert’s paid Charting The Unknown DLC dropped.

“The 29th can’t come fast enough,” replied purge-comments-bot.

That new trailer confirms a whopping eight new features as Pearl Abyss has been strangely secretive about the expansion since its reveal in September, outside of delaying the DLC from October 15 to October 29.

It looks to be an incredibly comprehensive offering considering that Crimson Desert only originally landed this year, with many players still yet to escape Hernand.

That being said, we’re certainly not going to say no to the opportunity to explore even more of Pywel.

Eight new features confirmed for Crimson Desert’s Charting The Unknown DLC

Diving reveals new treasures, with in-game items extending your diving abilities

Pearl Abyss

It was previously revealed that Charting The Unknown will add various ways in which players can explore the ocean’s waters, including diving, underwater mounts, and pilotable ships.

It’s now been revealed that beneath the ocean, you’ll find ruins, treasure chests, and new creatures - and while there are no special conditions required in order to utilise diving, players will need to keep an eye on Kliff, Oongka, and Damiane’s breath. Items like diving suits will extend the time you’re able to spend underwater.

A new questline unlocks ship-building abilities

Pearl Abyss

As for ships, there’s a new questline prompting you to set sail across the Great Ocean of Pywel. It appears that the quest concerns a group of pirates that have taken over an island off the coast of Delesiya.

Once you’ve completed that quest, you’ll unlock the ability to build your own ship which you can do by sending your comrades on a ship-building dispatch mission at a port or by purchasing one from a Fleet Office manager.

You’ll also unlock the option to build new island strongholds but with the pirates out of the way, that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to sail the seas in peace, with various new threats emerging.

The DLC features four major storylines

Pearl Abyss

All characters take the spotlight in Charting The Unknown. It’s now been revealed that Kliff, Oongka, and Damiane will each get their own new storyline, although these are only unlocked after you’ve completed Crimson Desert’s main base narrative.

Each character is teased to encounter allies and foes “both old and new” as they try to chart new paths forward following the events of the main game. Oongka’s storyline appears to be concerned with the Scholar’s Den, while Kliff is informed of “Eastern witches” taking over Jijeong Temple.

There’s also a new ocean-focused storyline which unlocks after the main game’s ‘Howling Hill’. That could be related to the unlocking of ship building mentioned earlier.

Romance is on the way

Pearl Abyss

Crimson Desert is finally adding romance options, so you can pair up Kliff, Oongka, and Damiane with whomever you want. Successful romantic partnerships can even blossom into happy marriages.

Your newfound connections are reflected in the Greymane Camp. Those you’ve grown close to will visit the camp and spend time with you.

Build your own house entirely from the ground up

Pearl Abyss

If you’re a fan of The Sims, this one’s for you. Crimson Desert players will soon be able to build their own home entirely from scratch.

To unlock this feature, you’ll need to have set up your camp in Howling Hill plus completed Luke’s request as part of the ‘Grounds of the Sunrise’ Greymane faction quests.

The DLC adds the option to claim castles

Pearl Abyss

If a basic house just simply isn’t enough for you, how about claiming a castle? The DLC introduces three new castles that players can claim, although you will need to liberate said castles in order to call them your own - and that can only be done after completing the game’s main story plus a couple of relevant side quests.

Once you’ve claimed a castle, you can decorate both the courtyard and interiors.

READ MORE: Crimson Desert DLC ban extended as new territories confirmed for refunds

Manage a variety of businesses across the entirety of Pywel

Pearl Abyss

Charting The Unknown offers you the option to rent and manage various businesses in addition to those aforementioned expanded housing options. Whether it's a restaurant in Vellua or a smithy in Zargan Tankworks, there are plenty of opportunities for acquisition.

You’ll need to liberate regions via their faction quests in order to then unlock and acquire businesses but once you’ve done just that, it’s a great opportunity to earn some extra coins.

Test your combat skills in new boss-based challenges

Pearl Abyss

Pearl Abyss previously mentioned combat updates due this fall/autumn that never really matertalised. Well, Garden of Trials may just be what we were waiting for.

Garden of Trials is a new combat-focused offering that allows you to face off against previously encountered bosses, one after the other.

You’ll need to have completed the base game’s main storyline - and while Garden of Trials won’t be for everyone, a successful run will unlock you special rewards.

As a reminder, Charting The Unknown is a paid DLC that’ll set you back £19.99 / $24.99.