Multiplayer is not available in Crimson Desert at launch. The game launched worldwide on March 19, 2026 as a fully single-player open-world action RPG with no online co-op, local co-op, matchmaking, or player-versus-player modes. Pearl Abyss has publicly discussed a potential post-launch multiplayer mode inspired by massive online service games, but has not committed to a release date.
What Crimson Desert Does Not Have
No online co-op. The campaign is single-player from start to end.
No local / split-screen co-op.
No matchmaking or drop-in play.
No player-versus-player modes.
No asynchronous multiplayer features (message drops, ghost invasions, and similar mechanics found in other action RPGs).
Companions Are AI-Controlled
The Greymane Camp comrades and playable Damiane and Oongka act as AI-controlled companions. Players can summon a comrade to fight alongside them during open-world exploration and standard encounters, but comrades do not join Boss Fights, and players cannot hand control to another human.
The Post-Launch Multiplayer Mode
Pearl Abyss has confirmed internal testing of a separate multiplayer mode.
Leadership has likened the design direction to large-scale service-game offerings rather than a drop-in co-op campaign.
There is no confirmed release date. Future availability depends on sales and player demand.
Any post-launch mode would be separate from the main campaign, not an add-on to the single-player story.