Crimson Desert Enhanced Edition free five-hour trial opens on PS5 and Xbox
Pearl Abyss is offering the trial from October 29 to January 6, with progress carrying over to the full game if players buy it.
Pearl Abyss has launched a free trial of Crimson Desert Enhanced Edition on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, giving players access to the first five hours of the base game at no cost. The trial runs from October 29 to January 6, according to Eurogamer.
Access differs by platform. On PlayStation 5 the trial requires a PlayStation Plus Premium or Deluxe subscription, while on Xbox it is open to all players without a paid subscription.
Progress made during the trial carries over to the full game if it is purchased. The five-hour timer applies to a single save and cannot be restarted on a different one.
Separate DLC arrived the same day
The trial window opened alongside Charting the Unknown, the game's first DLC, which launched on October 29, 2026 after a delay.
Crimson Desert sold more than 6 million copies in three months in 2026, and the release's profitability led Pearl Abyss to give each employee a $3,400 bonus. The publisher's revenue is up 419 percent.
A Switch 2 version of the game is in development, and the studio has hinted at multiplayer-focused DLC and a sequel.
Quick answers
When does the Crimson Desert Enhanced Edition free trial end?
The trial runs from October 29 to January 6.
Do I need PlayStation Plus to play the Crimson Desert trial on PS5?
Yes. On PlayStation 5 the trial requires PlayStation Plus Premium or Deluxe, while on Xbox it is open to all players without a paid subscription.
Does Crimson Desert trial progress carry over to the full game?
Yes. Progress carries over if the full game is purchased. The five-hour timer cannot be restarted on a different save.