The release of Crimson Desert is fast approaching. Developer Pearl Abyss has just confirmed that their upcoming open-world RPG will feature a map significantly larger than some of the industry’s biggest heavyweights. According to new details from PR Director Will Powers, the game’s continent of “Pywel” will dwarf the playable worlds of The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim and Red Dead Redemption 2.
In an exclusive interview with “Gaming Interviews“, Powers revealed the massive scale of the project. He stated that the playable area is “at least twice as big” as Skyrim and strictly larger than the map of Red Dead Redemption 2.
Breaking Down the Numbers
To understand this scale, we must look at the data. Map analysts generally estimate Skyrim’s playable map at approximately 37 square kilometres (14.3 square miles). In contrast, Red Dead Redemption 2 covers roughly 70–75 square kilometres (27–29 square miles).
Consequently, if Crimson Desert is double the size of Skyrim, its map will span at least 74 square kilometres. This places the game’s landmass comfortably above celebrated titles like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Elden Ring. Players will finally have the chance to explore this massive medieval fantasy playground when the game launches on March 19, 2026.
Crimson Desert: From Prequel to Standalone Powerhouse
Crimson Desert runs on the studio’s proprietary BlackSpace Engine. Originally, the developers envisioned the project as a prequel to Black Desert Online. However, it eventually evolved into a standalone single-player experience focused on immersive world-building.
Players will control Kliff, a mercenary navigating a war-torn continent. The gameplay loop centres on combo-centric combat, exploring the vast landscape, battling mythical creatures, and surviving political conflicts.
The Challenge of Execution
However, size is not the only metric for success. History has shown that massive maps can feel empty if they lack proper pacing and population. To succeed, Pearl Abyss must ensure “Pywel” captures the same magic found in genre-defining games like Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The true test will be whether Crimson Desert can balance its raw scale with meaningful content when it arrives this March.
