Upcoming Crimson Desert Patch to Add Difficulty Modes

Next patch takes longer

Pearl Abyss says the next Crimson Desert update is coming next week, but it is taking extra time to test and polish because the patch is bigger than usual.

The studio had pushed out major updates almost every weekend since launch, so this marks a slowdown for a release that also adds more than bugfixes.

Difficulty options headline the patch

The upcoming update includes several previously announced features:

• Keyboard/mouse and controller presets
• Easy, Normal, and Hard difficulty modes
• Inventory category tabs
• Improved quality for distant environments

The new difficulty settings stand out most. Some players had argued recent updates made the game too easy, while others wanted a more relaxed path through its tougher boss fights.

Pearl Abyss now appears to be trying to serve both groups at once, opening the door for a broader audience without dropping the challenge for veterans.

Steam momentum keeps building

The delay comes as Crimson Desert keeps gaining traction after launch. Its Steam user rating has climbed from Mixed to Very Positive as updates landed.

The game has also reportedly sold 5 million copies in under a month and remains among Steam's more-played titles.

More updates to follow

Not every previously discussed feature is confirmed for next week. Items like boss rematches and reclaiming enemy territories have been mentioned before, but Pearl Abyss did not include them in its latest statement.

That leaves some uncertainty around what makes the final cut. The studio has slipped in unannounced additions before, so this patch may still include a few surprises.