Crimson Desert First DLC Targets 2026 Release
The DLC and Switch 2 port are Pearl Abyss's direct response to a sharp quarter-on-quarter revenue drop, signaling a shift from launch momentum to sustained post-launch support.
Key Facts
- The first DLC for 'Crimson Desert' is aiming for a release within 2026, according to Pearl Abyss's Q2 2026 earnings materials.
- Specific content details, pricing, and release timing for the DLC are scheduled to be announced in Q3.
- 'Crimson Desert' sold approximately 2.11 million units in Q2 2026, generating 136.1 billion won in revenue, about 70% of Pearl Abyss's total revenue.
- Pearl Abyss's overall revenue fell 41.4% quarter-on-quarter to 192.6 billion won, with operating profit down 68.1% to 67.6 billion won.
- The Switch 2 version of 'Crimson Desert' is in development, targeting a first-half 2027 release.
Reporting from 1 source: Game Spark.
Pearl Abyss has released its Q2 2026 earnings materials, revealing that the first DLC for the open-world action adventure 'Crimson Desert' is aiming for a release within 2026. The DLC is intended to deliver a new gameplay experience, with specific content details, pricing, and release timing scheduled to be announced in Q3. The company has not decided the total number of DLCs or their release pace, focusing instead on the quality of the first DLC and its post-release performance. Future expansions will be determined based on user feedback, sales trends, development resources, and overall company schedules. The earnings report also showed that 'Crimson Desert' sold approximately 2.11 million units in Q2 2026, generating 136.1 billion won in revenue, about 70% of Pearl Abyss's total revenue. However, the company's overall revenue fell 41.4% quarter-on-quarter to 192.6 billion won, with operating profit down 68.1% to 67.6 billion won. In response, Pearl Abyss is preparing DLC, pricing strategies, and platform expansion to broaden the user base and achieve long-term sales growth. The Switch 2 version of 'Crimson Desert' is also in development, targeting a first-half 2027 release.
- The first DLC is being developed as a paid expansion, with the CEO confirming during the July shareholder briefing that it is "basically considered paid."
- Pearl Abyss has not set the total number of DLCs or their release cadence; the decision will follow the first DLC's post-launch performance.
- The Switch 2 version has reached a stage where "basic gameplay is possible," with technical verification for performance optimization and quality standards underway, per the July shareholder briefing.
- The next Pearl Abyss title, 'Dokevi', has completed world-building and asset creation and moved to content production; full marketing including playable demos is planned to begin in the second half of 2027, targeting a second-half 2028 release.
- Multiplayer for 'Crimson Desert' is being researched from technical and gameplay perspectives, but no specifics have been disclosed due to considerations around server architecture, game balance, platform stability, and operational structure.
- The company aims to maintain a cycle of releasing a new title every two to three years, with resources currently concentrated on 'Dokevi' over the powered-suit MMO shooter 'PLAN 8'.
- 'Crimson Desert' is available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Windows/Mac (Steam), Windows (Epic Games Store/Microsoft Store), and Mac (App Store).
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.