- Image of Crimson Desert, courtesy of Pearl Abyss.

Crimson Desert Steals the Show at PAX East 2025: First U.S. Demo Wows Fans

Originally posted on Total Apex Gaming | By James Clark | Last updated May 9, 2025 12:18 AM ET

PAX East 2025 is here! Crimson Desert has been one of the main talking points of the show so far. This open-world action adventure from Pearl Abyss has fans lining up at Booth 16019 for its first U.S. demo. The excitement is real, and it’s easy to see why. For more about the PAX East updates, visit Total Apex Gaming.

Crimson Desert at PAX East 2025

The Crimson Desert demo at PAX East 2025 is a hit. Players get to try out the game’s fast-paced combat and explore its gorgeous world. The booth looks like a medieval fortress, pulling you right into the experience. Finish the demo, and you’ll snag an exclusive badge. People are raving about it—one attendee even called it a “GOTY contender” on X. Check out Bleeding Cool and MMORPG.com for more on the setup.

What is Crimson Desert?

Image of Crimson Desert, courtesy of Pearl Abyss.

Crimson Desert is a single-player game that is set in Pywel, a continent scarred by war. You step into the boots of Kliff, who is a mercenary with a rough history. It’s got a deep story, some tough fights, and a pretty huge world to roam around in. The BlackSpace Engine powers its visuals, and they’re impressive. It’s slated for release in late 2025 on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Mac. Want more details? Head to the official website or Steam page.

Why the Hype?

The buzz is everywhere. Fans on Reddit can’t stop talking about it, and some are comparing it to heavyweights like The Witcher 3. GamesRadar points out how its mix of action and narrative stands out. It’s shaping up to be something special.

Conclusion

PAX East 2025 has given Crimson Desert a huge stage, and it’s delivering. With a late 2025 launch on the horizon, the wait is going to be tough. Keep up with the latest PAX East updates at Total Apex Gaming.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Gaming and was syndicated with permission.

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