“Action RPG,” Crimson desert was often called, although developer Pearl Abyss refrained from calling it an RPG. The definition of “RPG” has become increasingly muddled over the years, as games now seem to only need to have RPG elements to be considered a new entry in the genre. Naturally, this has led to a lot of confusion about what the game really is if it claims to be an RPG, and for that reason Crimson desertThe developer 's specifically stated that it does not describe the game as one. During a recent breakdown of the game during episode 457 of the Dropped Frames podcast, PR Director Will Powers stated that while there are “an absolute ton of RPG elements… the developers don't want to call it an RPG.”
The reason for this hesitation ultimately boils down to Crimson desertskill and level systems, as well as the connotations generally associated with the RPG genre. “With the term RPG comes a lot of connotations around the character creator,” said Powers, “the specificity [like] experience points and leveling systems and the like. They are missing in this game, as players would expect them to be.” Crimson desert it falls more in the category of action-adventure than action-RPG, and its character growth and skill systems are a direct result of that.
Crimson Desert unconventional leveling system
As Powers strongly suggested, Crimson desert it doesn't have the progression systems you might find in a traditional RPG. There is still character growth in the game, but it is not driven by the XP-based leveling mechanics of the RPG genre. Instead, the character's strength inwards Crimson desert increases as players explore the world of Pywel, find important items, defeat bosses, and take advantage of the stat boosts provided by weapons and armor.
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How leveling works in Crimson Desert
- NO TRADITIONAL LEVELS — The game has no XP gains or level indicators at all.
- GROWTH driven by exploration — Character strength increases through exploration and discovery rather than crushing enemies.
- INCREASE ARTIFACT STATISTICS — Abyss Artifacts boost basic stats like health and stamina and replace level growth.
- IT DEPENDS ON THE GEAR SEQUENCE — Weapons and armor enhance basic attributes and affect strength.
- BOSS REWARDS AND QUESTS — Defeating large enemies and completing main quests yields meaningful progression items.
Unlike traditional RPGs, where players gain experience points and upgrade their character, Crimson desert eschews the XP/leveling system entirely. There are no defined character levels that automatically increase through combat or quests, so players don't “level up” in the normal RPG sense. To fill the void Crimson desert it brings its world to the fore and invites players to explore it if they want their character to become stronger. Ultimately, this makes character progression in the game more urgent and players decide how they grow because it depends on what they do and where they go.
That being said, just wandering around the world will get the player nowhere. Rather, they will have to watch out for valuable items known as Abyss Artifacts, which are directly linked to stat growth in Crimson desert. These artifacts can be found in the possession of powerful bosses, hidden in discrete areas across Pywel, and even lying within the Abyss itself. After acquiring Abyss Artifacts, players can spend them on status upgrades such as health and stamina in the game's skill trees. This system effectively replaces the XP and skill point based progression systems of typical RPGs, meaning that primary “grinding” players will have to do research.
Unlike traditional RPGs, where players gain experience points and upgrade their character, Crimson desert eschews the XP/leveling system entirely.
Gear also plays a significant role in character growth in Crimson desertand players can buy, find and craft equipment that will give them a greater advantage in battle. Their gear can then be upgraded to improve their stats and the materials for this can be found through mining, hunting, defeating bosses, completing quests and uncovering them in various locations across Crimson desertthe open world of Pywel. Equipment can also be customized with additional stats and special effects, which encourage experimentation but allow for a more personalized approach to progression than experience-based RPG character growth might offer.
Crimson Desert Skill System Explained
Because Crimson desert he avoids using traditional leveling mechanics as a means of progression, his skill system is also affected. In most RPGs, players gain experience, level up, and then unlock new abilities for their character using the skill points they earn after leveling up. IN Crimson desertHowever, with character growth largely tied to exploration, skills are primarily unlocked as players venture off the beaten path, find artifacts from the Abyss, defeat powerful bosses, and even learn these abilities from the world around them.
How skills work in Crimson Desert
- ARTIFACT BASED UNLOCKS — Skills gained by finding Abyss Artifacts scattered around the world.
- LEARN FROM THE WORLD — Some abilities are gained by watching NPCs use them.
- COMBINED SYSTEM — Skills emphasize chaining fights and player selection, not static presets.
- TRANSMISSION SYNERGY — Many skills work with weapon types and upgrades for different playstyles.
Just as Abyss artifacts can be used to boost a character's base stats Crimson desertplayers can also use them to unlock new skills. This makes these items more valuable than anything else in the world if players want to turn their character into a powerhouse to be reckoned with and create pathways to more diverse playstyles.
Since character growth is largely tied to exploration, skills are primarily unlocked as players venture off the beaten path, find Abyss artifacts, defeat powerful bosses, and even learn these abilities from the world around them.
However, skills are not only acquired through Abyss Artifacts, but players can also learn them through first-hand observation of NPCs scattered throughout Pywel. It's currently unclear how players will be notified once the skill becomes observable, but since this is one of the main ways players can unlock new abilities outside of Abyss Artifacts, Crimson desert it should be obvious when possible.
Another way players can get new abilities Crimson desert is defeating challenging bosses and equipping their gear. This way, players can potentially learn this boss's signature abilities or gain unique effects and other bonuses, making these encounters worth seeking out in the end. These three ways of unlocking new skills are empowering Crimson desertAn emphasis on freedom in play style, whether players prefer their journey to be more exploratory or combative.
Player's combat skills and playstyle Crimson desert it will also be affected by what weapon they use – such as sword and shield, spears, greatswords, axes, and various ranged weapons.
Eventually, Crimson desert not really an RPG by definition. Even so, what matters is that his progressive systems clearly reject the most recognized pillars of the genre and replace them with something more worldly and exploratory. There are no experience bars to fill or arbitrary levels to chase, just tangible rewards for exploration, crafting and mastery. Power comes from where players go, what they find, and what battles they choose to fight.
- Released
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March 19, 2026
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ / Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Developers
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Pearl Abyss
- Publishers
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Pearl Abyss
