Crimson Desert, the open-world action RPG from Pearl Abyss, launches simultaneously worldwide on March 19, 2026, across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. If you've already pre-ordered a digital copy, you can start downloading the game 48 hours early so it's ready the moment servers go live.
Quick answer: Preloading begins on March 17, 2026, at 10:00 PM UTC (6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT) on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam. You need a completed pre-order to access the download. The PC version requires roughly 135 GB of free storage.
Preload time: March 17, 2026 at 10:00 PM UTC / 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT
Crimson Desert preload times by region
The preload goes live at a single global moment — 10:00 PM UTC on March 17 — which translates to different local times depending on where you are. Pearl Abyss confirmed this window applies to the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Microsoft Store, and Steam.
| Region | Local preload time |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles (PT) | 3:00 PM, March 17 |
| Mexico City (CST) | 4:00 PM, March 17 |
| Chicago (CT) | 5:00 PM, March 17 |
| New York / Quebec City (ET) | 6:00 PM, March 17 |
| São Paulo (BRT) | 7:00 PM, March 17 |
| London (GMT) | 10:00 PM, March 17 |
| Berlin / Paris (CET) | 11:00 PM, March 17 |
| Riyadh (AST) | 1:00 AM, March 18 |
| New Delhi (IST) | 3:30 AM, March 18 |
| Beijing / Hong Kong (CST) | 6:00 AM, March 18 |
| Tokyo / Seoul (JST/KST) | 7:00 AM, March 18 |
| Sydney (AEDT) | 9:00 AM, March 18 |
| Auckland (NZDT) | 11:00 AM, March 18 |
Crimson Desert file size by platform
You'll want to clear a significant chunk of storage before the download starts, especially if you're running a smaller SSD. The PC storefront listing puts the requirement at 135 GB. Console file sizes haven't been officially confirmed yet, though early review builds came in around 121 GB — so PS5 and Xbox installs will likely land in a similar range.
| Platform | Required storage |
|---|---|
| PC / Mac | ~135 GB |
| PS5 | Not confirmed (estimated ~121 GB) |
| Xbox Series X|S | Not confirmed |
How to preload on PC (Steam and Epic Games Store)
Step 1: Pre-purchase Crimson Desert through Steam or the Epic Games Store if you haven't already. The preload option won't appear until you own the game.
Step 2: Once the preload window opens on March 17, open your game library. Find Crimson Desert in your list and click the install or download button. On Steam, the option should appear automatically once preloading is active.
Step 3: Make sure you have at least 135 GB of free disk space before starting the download. If your drive is tight, clear out old installs ahead of time to avoid interruptions.
How to preload on PlayStation 5
Step 1: Pre-order Crimson Desert through the PlayStation Store. Navigate to the game's store page and complete your purchase.
Step 2: After the preload goes live, head to your Library and locate Crimson Desert. If you have auto-download enabled in your console settings, the download may begin on its own without any manual action.
Step 3: If it doesn't start automatically, select the game and click the Download button. Wait for the installation to finish.
How to preload on Xbox Series X|S
Step 1: Open the Xbox Store and pre-purchase Crimson Desert if you haven't done so.
Step 2: When the preload window opens, check your "My games & apps" queue. The game should appear with a preload option available.
Step 3: Select the preload and let the download complete. Verify you have enough free space on your internal drive or an expansion card before starting.
When does Crimson Desert actually unlock?
The game becomes playable at 10:00 PM UTC on March 19, 2026 — exactly 48 hours after the preload opens. The launch is simultaneous worldwide, so there's no rolling regional unlock. Whether you bought the Standard Edition ($69.99) or the Deluxe Edition ($79.99), the game unlocks at the same moment. The Deluxe Edition includes cosmetic items like the Balgran Shield, Exclaire Horse Tack Set, and Kairos Plate Set, but no early access.
| Region | Local launch time |
|---|---|
| US West Coast (PT) | 3:00 PM, March 19 |
| US East Coast (ET) | 6:00 PM, March 19 |
| Brazil (BRT) | 7:00 PM, March 19 |
| UK (GMT) | 10:00 PM, March 19 |
| Central Europe (CET) | 11:00 PM, March 19 |
| India (IST) | 3:30 AM, March 20 |
| Japan / South Korea (JST/KST) | 7:00 AM, March 20 |
| Eastern Australia (AEDT) | 9:00 AM, March 20 |
| New Zealand (NZDT) | 11:00 AM, March 20 |
The review embargo lifts on March 18, 2026, at 10:00 PM UTC — a full day before launch. If you're still deciding whether to commit, that gives you time to read professional impressions before the game goes live. But if you've already locked in your purchase, getting the preload started on March 17 means you'll be ready to jump into the continent of Pywel the second the clock hits zero.