“Action RPG,” Crimson Desert Developer Pearl Abyss avoids putting the RPG label on it, though it's often called that. The definition of “RPG” has evolved over the years, as games seem to only need to have RPG elements to be considered a new entry in the genre. Naturally, it has created a lot of confusion about what the game actually is if it claims the RPG label, and for that reason, Crimson DesertThe developer has clearly stated that it does not describe the game as one. During a recent breakdown of the game during episode 457 of the Dropped Frames podcast, PR director Will Power stated that, there are “an absolute ton of RPG elements … the developers don't want to call it an RPG.”
The reason for that hesitation eventually boils down Crimson Desertof skills and leveling systems, as well as meanings that are commonly associated with the RPG genre. “With the word RPG comes a lot of connotations around the character creator,” Powers said, “characteristics. [like] Experience points and leveling systems and stuff like that. They, as the players expect them, are absent from this game.” As such, Crimson Desert Action falls more on the action-adventure side of the aisle than RPG, and its character growth and skill systems are a direct result of that.
Crimson Desert's unconventional level system
As strongly implied by the powers that be, Crimson Desert There is no progression system that can be found in traditional RPGs. The game still has character growth, but it's not fueled by the XP-based leveling mechanics of the RPG genre. Rather, within character strength Crimson Desert Players progress as they explore the world of Pywel, find important items, defeat bosses, and take advantage of stat enhancements provided by weapons and armor.
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How leveling works in Crimson Desert
- There are no traditional standards – The game does not include XP gains or level bars.
- Exploration-driven development – Character strength increases through exploration and discovery instead of grinding enemies.
- ARTIFACT STAT BOOST – Abyss Artifacts boost core stats like health and stamina, replacing leveling up.
- Gear progress matters – Weapon and armor upgrade core attributes, affecting power.
- Bosses and quest rewards – Defeating bigger enemies and completing major tasks earns meaningful progression items.
Unlike traditional RPGs where players gain experience points and level up their character, Crimson Desert Completely ignores the XP/leveling system. There are no defined character levels that automatically increase through combat or quests, so players don't “level up” in the usual RPG sense. to fill that void, Crimson Desert It puts its world front and center, inviting players to explore it if they want their character to grow stronger. Ultimately, this makes character progression in the game more emergent, with players deciding how they grow, as it depends on what they do and where they go.
That being said, players won't get anywhere just by traveling around the world. Instead, they need to keep an eye out for valuable items known as Abyss Artifacts, which are directly linked to stat boosts. Crimson Desert. These artifacts can be found in the possession of powerful bosses, hidden in discreet areas throughout Pywel, and hidden within the Abyss itself. After acquiring Abyss Artifacts, players can spend them on state enhancements such as health and stamina in the game's skill trees. This system effectively replaces the XP and skill point-based progression system of typical RPGs, meaning the primary “grinding” players need to explore.
Unlike traditional RPGs where players gain experience points and level up their character, Crimson Desert Completely ignores the XP/leveling system.
Gear also plays an important role in character development Crimson DesertAnd players can buy, find and craft equipment to give them a huge advantage in battle. Their gear can then be upgraded to improve its stats, and to do so materials can be found by mining, hunting, defeating bosses, completing quests, and uncovering them in various locations. Crimson DesertThe open world of Pywel. Equipment can also be customized with additional stats and special effects, encouraging experimentation but also allowing for a more personalized approach to progression than RPG's XP-based character growth can offer.
Crimson Desert's skill system explained
Because Crimson Desert Avoiding using traditional leveling mechanics as a means of progression, its skill system is also affected. In most RPGs, players gain experience, level up, and then use the skill points earned after leveling up to unlock new abilities for their character. in Crimson DesertHowever, with character development largely tied to exploration, skills are primarily unlocked as players venture off the beaten path, find Abyss artifacts, defeat powerful bosses, and even learn those abilities from the world around them.
How skills work in Crimson Desert
- Artifact based unlocks – Skills gained by finding Abyss Artifacts scattered around the world.
- Learn from the world – Some abilities are earned by watching NPCs use them.
- A combo-centric system – Skills emphasize battle chaining and player selection, not static presets.
- Gear synergy – Many skills interact with weapon types and improvements for diverse playstyles.
As Abyss Artifacts can be used to increase a character's core stats Crimson DesertPlayers can use them to unlock new skills. This makes these items more valuable than anything else in the world if players want to make their character a powerhouse and create opportunities for more different playstyles.
Character growth is heavily tied to exploration, with skills unlocked primarily as players venture off the beaten path, find Abyss artifacts, defeat powerful bosses, and even learn abilities from the world around them.
Skills are not only obtained through Abyss Artifacts, however, players can also learn by directly observing the NPCs scattered throughout Pywel. It's currently unclear how players will be notified once a skill is observed, but considering it's one of the primary ways players can unlock new abilities outside of Abyss Artifacts, Crimson Desert This should be made clear whenever possible.
Another way players can gain new abilities Crimson Desert The challenge is by defeating bosses and equipping their gear. In doing so, players can potentially learn a boss's signature abilities or gain unique effects and other bonuses, making those encounters even more valuable in the end. These three methods reinforce how to unlock new skills Crimson DesertEmphasizes freedom in playstyle, whether players prefer to make their journey more exploratory or combative.
Player's fighting skills and play style Crimson Desert The weapons they are using will also be affected, such as swords and shields, spears, greatswords, axes, and various ranged weapons.
finally, Crimson Desert Not really an RPG by definition. Still, what's important is that its progression system clearly rejects the most recognizable pillars of the genre and replaces them with something world-driven and quest-based. There are no experience bars to fill or arbitrary levels to chase, only tangible rewards of exploration, preparation, and mastery. Power comes from where players go, what they find, and the battles they choose to fight.
- issued
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March 19, 2026
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ / Blood, drug references, intense violence, strong language
- developer(s)
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The Pearl Abyss
- Publisher(s)
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The Pearl Abyss
