Crimson Desert launches five-hour console trial alongside new DLC

If you have been holding off on picking up one of 2026’s biggest hits, you now have a chance to dive into the world of Crimson Desert for free. Following a report from Eurogamer, publisher Pearl Abyss has launched a free trial for the game on PlayStation and Xbox, allowing players to experience the first five hours of the title at no cost.

How the trial works

The free trial period runs from October 29th through January 6th. Availability varies slightly by platform: on PlayStation 5, the trial is accessible to PlayStation Plus Premium and Deluxe subscribers. On Xbox, the trial is open to all players regardless of subscription status.

According to the developer, the trial covers the base version of the ‘Enhanced’ edition. It is important to note that the five-hour clock is fixed and final; once your time is up, you cannot reset the trial or use alternative save files to extend the duration. However, any progress made during these five hours will carry over to the full game should you decide to purchase it.

New DLC and future plans

This trial arrives alongside the release of ‘Charting the Unknown,’ the first piece of DLC for the sandbox fantasy RPG. Pearl Abyss has seen massive success with the title, which sold over 6 million copies in its first three months. Looking ahead, the developer has hinted at future multiplayer-focused content and a sequel, while also confirming that a version of the game for the Switch 2 is currently in development.

Why it matters

For players who have been curious about the massive success of Crimson Desert but were hesitant to commit to a full purchase, this trial offers a low-stakes entry point to see if the game lives up to the hype. Since progress carries over, it is a great way to jump into the campaign and decide if you want to invest in the full experience.

While the trial gives you a solid chunk of gameplay, keep in mind that the timer is aggressive. Ensure you have the time to dedicate to those five hours before you start, as the window of opportunity is locked to a single playthrough. With new content like ‘Charting the Unknown’ now available, this move signals a push from Pearl Abyss to bring even more players into their ecosystem following a highly profitable launch period.