Crimson Desert DLC hints at naval gameplay with new islands, underwater reworks, and a submerged location

Pearl Abyss is actively developing the first DLC expansion for Crimson Desert, which is scheduled for release in 2026. The expansion will follow the game's launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. In addition to the DLC, the Korean developer is also working on a Nintendo Switch 2 port, which will serve as a showcase for the capabilities of the proprietary Blackspace Engine compared to Unreal Engine 5.

While Pearl Abyss has kept the specifics of the expansion under wraps, a recent YouTube video from the channel NANGPLE has highlighted several changes in the latest game updates that strongly suggest a maritime theme. The updates include visual improvements to underwater environments, such as the appearance of blue seaweed and white sandy terrain along coastlines. These changes are not just cosmetic; they appear to be laying the groundwork for a larger content shift.

The most notable modifications have been made to areas outside the currently explorable map. The community has identified refinements to what is referred to as South Island, where the landscape has been reworked with greater detail, likely in preparation for the expansion. Additionally, the sea near the northern desert has been improved, making underwater areas more visible. The most intriguing discovery is a mysterious submerged island located to the east of the map, which could serve as a key location in the upcoming DLC.

A maritime theme for Crimson Desert would be somewhat unexpected, but it would open the door for a variety of new gameplay mechanics. Naval combat, potentially inspired by Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, is a strong possibility. Other features could include exploration of new islands, underwater missions, and expanded traversal options. These additions would significantly deepen the game's open-world experience, offering players more freedom and variety beyond the current land-based combat and exploration.