Crimson Desert System Requirements and Recommended Specs

It’s hard to describe Crimson Desert. A quick look at gameplay trailers on the Steam Store page for the game and you’ll be taken aback by a game that looks like it’s actually about 5 different games, which is certainly a possibility judging by the install size. Speaking of which, lets look at the system Requirements for Crimson Desert and see what we’re dealing with.

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600 / Intel Core i5-11600K
• RAM: 16 GB
• GPU: AMD RX 6700 XT / Nvidia RTX 2080
• Storage: 135 GB
• Direct X Version: 12

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2600X / Intel Core i5 8500
• RAM: 16 GB
• GPU: AMD RX 6500 XT / Nvidia GTX 1060
• Storage: 135 GB
• Direct X Version: 12

It’s worth noting here that an SSD is required, which wouldn’t be a problem, but the game is 135 GB, which also wouldn’t be a problem, but SSD costs are climbing just like RAM. So instead of recommending a new SSD, your best bet is to clear out a few less-frequently played games to create the space.

It looks like a complex game, with many impressive particle effects, realistic lighting, and a very large map. This means that it could be a challenge for older PCs, with both the recommended and minimum specs asking for more than we expected.

Given the vast environment, we’d normally recommend some large-capacity DDR5 so that exploring the world of Pywel is a smooth experience, but with prices as they are at time of writing, we won’t.

However, we still have some recommendations. If you’re keen to play Crimson Desert, then an upgrade to the GPU will probably result in the largest performance difference and pairing it with a new gaming monitor will make this game look its best.

Additionally, the store page for this game actively recommends that you use a controller, not a mouse and keyboard. Here at CORSAIR we don’t make controllers, but our compatriots over at SCUF do. So, grab a SCUF ENVISION PRO or a VALOR PRO WIRELESS and tell em we said hi.

It appears to be a game that’s struggling to make up its mind. It looks really cool for sure, but looking at screenshots and gameplay videos, Crimson Desert is certainly reminiscent of some more well-known games.

Some of the combat reminds us of the ill-fated Forspoken, while the world design and exotic fauna take some cues from The Witcher 3. There also appears to be some similarities with the recent open-world Legend of Zelda games and even a bit of Elden Ring when you look at the exploration and travel. Additionally, some of the robotic enemies make us think of the Horizon series.

But overall, Crimson Desert looks like a pretty solid action RPG with way more interesting combat than we’re used to from the genre.