While the game was originally slated for a Winter 2023 release, Pearl Abyss announced a delay to an unspecified date, pushing the release beyond 2023.
Climbing: Almost Breath of the Wild-esque stamina-based climbing on any surface.
Mounts: Horses aren't just for travel; you can drift, jump, and fight from horseback. You can also capture wild horses.
Flight: Yes, you can ride a giant eagle.
Naval Combat: The game features ship-to-ship cannon battles and harpooning sea monsters.
Grappling Hooks to pull enemies or traverse gaps.
Counter attacks and guard breaks.
Environmental kills (throwing enemies into fires or off cliffs).
"Summonable" creatures (in one sequence, Macduff calls a bear to fight alongside him).
It did not get canceled. But Crimson Desert 2023 became the year of radical reinvention. This article dissects what happened to the game in 2023, why Pearl Abyss pivoted away from an MMO structure, and what the "2023 build" revealed about a title that refuses to die. crimson desert 2023