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New Game Plus - Version 26 vs Version 27
Sep 27, 2026, 05:25 AM
Added the patch 2.03.00 silver pouch change and re-dated the availability status
Oct 29, 2026, 10:00 AM
Correct specific acquisition, recipe, cooldown, or patch chronology details.
11Overview22New Game Plus (commonly abbreviated as NG+) is a full second-cycle mode that would let players begin a fresh playthrough after completing the main story while retaining progression from the previous run. Crimson Desert did not ship with such a mode, and as of version 2.00.00 (August 25, 2026) it still has not been added in full. What the game does now have is a partial carry-over: Abyss Links and other in-game currency can be brought into a new game from an existing save once all main quests are complete.44Crimson Desert does not have selectable difficulty settings. The game uses a single, fixed difficulty curve where the challenge at any given point is determined by your character level, equipment upgrades, and skill investments rather than by a menu toggle. If New Game Plus is eventually added, it would likely serve as the main avenue for players seeking a tougher second experience, since there is no way to manually raise the difficulty within the existing framework.5+Patch 1.04 added selectable difficulty settings: Easy, Normal, and Hard under Settings, then Play. The earlier fixed-difficulty description is historical. Challenge still depends on equipment upgrades and skill investments as well as the selected mode. A potential future New Game Plus cycle should be distinguished from the difficulty options already released.66This article covers everything currently known about NG+ plans, outlines the mechanics that are expected based on developer commentary and community documentation, and provides practical advice for maximizing your current save so that you are ready the moment the feature goes live.88Current Availability1010Status as of September 27, 2026, with patch 2.03.02 the newest version: a full New Game Plus cycle is still not available in Crimson Desert. Version 2.00.00 did, however, add the first concrete piece of cross-playthrough progression. The game can now carry Abyss Link and other in-game currency over from an existing save file when starting a new game, and that option unlocks after completing all main quests. Pearl Abyss has not described it as New Game Plus, and it does not carry equipment, skills, or story flags.12+Status as of September 27, 2026, with patch 2.03.02 the newest version: a full New Game Plus cycle is still not available in Crimson Desert. Version 2.00.00 did, however, add the first concrete piece of cross-playthrough progression. The game can now carry Abyss Link and other in-game currency over from an existing save file when starting a new game, and that option unlocks after completing all main quests. The patch notes specify that carry-over for Abyss Links and currency; they do not confirm equipment, skill progression, or story-flag transfer in that feature.1313In a pre-launch interview with preview coverage, Pearl Abyss director of marketing Will Powers stated: "If there's appetite for something, then we'll continue to support it post-launch." Pearl Abyss has not committed to a New Game Plus mode. While this does not constitute a firm focus on NG+, it signals that the studio is watching community feedback closely.1515This article will be updated with confirmed mechanical details the moment Pearl Abyss officially adds New Game Plus to the game.1717Currency Carry-Over (Version 2.00.00)1919The Crimson Desert Enhanced update added a carry-over feature that sits between a plain restart and a true NG+ cycle. It is the only officially confirmed cross-save-file progression in the game.2121PropertyDetailWhat carries overAbyss Link and other in-game currencyRequirementCompleting all main quests on the source save fileWhen it appliesWhen starting a new gameNot confirmed to carryEquipment, skill progression, knowledge, camp upgrades, mounts, pets, story flagsDifficulty scalingNo scaling has been announced for the new playthrough2323Patch 2.03.00 on September 18, 2026 changed how silver is handed over: when a new game is started from existing save data, silver of 1,000 or more is now awarded as stackable silver pouches.2424Everything below this section describes what a fuller New Game Plus mode might look like and remains unconfirmed. Treat it as expectation rather than documented behaviour.2626How to Unlock (Expected)2828Based on patterns established by comparable action RPGs and limited developer commentary, New Game Plus is expected to unlock after the player completes the main story campaign. Crimson Desert features two endings: a standard ending reached at roughly 50 hours of playtime, and a true ending that requires approximately 80 hours of engagement with companion questlines and optional faction content. It is not yet known whether both endings grant access to NG+ or whether only the true ending qualifies.3030The campaign follows Kliff and the Greymane mercenaries across the continent of Pywel, spanning eight main chapters from the Prologue through the Epilogue. After the final story mission, the game currently allows players to continue exploring the open world freely. When NG+ is added, the option to start a new cycle is expected to appear either on the main menu or through a post-credits prompt.31+The campaign follows Kliff and the Greymane mercenaries across the continent of Pywel. The published main-quest walkthrough lists 12 numbered chapters in addition to the Prologue. For the ending, see the Epilogue. After the final story mission, the game currently allows players to continue exploring the open world freely. When NG+ is added, the option to start a new cycle is expected to appear either on the main menu or through a post-credits prompt.3232RequirementDetailsComplete the main storyFinish all eight chapters through the Epilogue. Takes roughly 50 to 80 hours depending on side content.Ending typeUnknown whether the standard ending or the true ending is required. Aiming for the true ending is the safer bet.Post-credits accessExpected to become available from the main menu or a prompt after the credits roll.Save filePlayers will likely select an existing completed save to carry progression into the new cycle.33+RequirementDetailsComplete the main storyFinish the main campaign. The published walkthrough lists 12 numbered chapters plus the Prologue. Takes roughly 50 to 80 hours depending on side content.Ending typeUnknown whether the standard ending or the true ending is required. Aiming for the true ending is the safer bet.Post-credits accessExpected to become available from the main menu or a prompt after the credits roll.Save filePlayers will likely select an existing completed save to carry progression into the new cycle.3434What is Expected to Carry Over3535NG+ in Crimson Desert is anticipated to let players keep their character statistics and learned skills, with "sometimes equipment" also transferring. Full confirmation from Pearl Abyss is still pending, but the table below summarizes the expected carry-over status for each major progression category based on available sources and conventions from similar titles.3737CategoryExpected StatusNotesCharacter level and statsCarries overYour base stats (health, stamina, attack power) should persist into the new cycle.Skill tree progressCarries overAll unlocked skills and spent skill points are expected to transfer. Kliff, Damiane, and Oongka each have separate trees.Abyss ArtifactsLikely carries overSealed Abyss Artifacts provide skill points. Collected artifacts are expected to remain unlocked.WeaponsLikely carries overRefined and upgraded weapons should transfer, giving players a significant edge early on.ArmorLikely carries overUpgraded armor sets are expected to persist, though some story-locked gear may be re-locked.AccessoriesTo be confirmedRings, necklaces, and other accessories may or may not transfer. Status is unknown.SilverLikely carries overAccumulated currency typically persists in NG+ modes, giving players purchasing power from the start.Consumables and materialsTo be confirmedHealing items, crafting materials, and cooking ingredients may reset or carry over partially.Story and quest progressResetsThe main story, faction quests, and side objectives will restart from the beginning.Map explorationLikely resetsFog of war and discovered fast-travel points are expected to reset so players can re-explore Pywel.Knowledge entriesTo be confirmedThe 2,921 collectible knowledge entries may persist, letting players focus on combat rather than re-collection.Playable charactersTo be confirmedWhether Damiane and Oongka are unlocked from the start or must be re-recruited is unknown.Challenges and trophiesLikely resetsChallenge completion markers typically reset so players can re-earn rewards in the new cycle.Greymane Camp upgradesTo be confirmedCamp facility levels and unlocked dispatch missions may need to be rebuilt from scratch.3939Expected Difficulty Changes4040entry, enemies and bosses encountered in New Game Plus will be "much stronger and tougher to defeat." Since Crimson Desert has no difficulty slider, this enemy scaling would represent the only way to experience a harder version of the campaign within the same save file.41+The older New Game Plus expectation described enemies and bosses in a potential second cycle as "much stronger and tougher to defeat," but that scaling remains unconfirmed. Easy, Normal, and Hard settings already offer selectable difficulty through the feature released in Patch 1.04.4242The specifics of how difficulty scaling will work have not been detailed, but based on the game's existing systems and conventions from similar titles, the following changes are anticipated:4444AspectExpected Change in NG+Enemy healthSignificant increase across all enemy types, requiring more hits and sustained combos to defeat.Enemy attack powerHigher damage output per hit, making defensive play, parrying, and dodge timing more critical.Boss encountersBosses are expected to have expanded health pools and may gain new attack patterns or shorter recovery windows.Enemy aggressionStandard enemies may attack more frequently and use advanced movesets earlier in the fight.Reward scalingSilver drops, crafting materials, and experience gains may increase to match the higher difficulty.Exclusive gearSome action RPGs offer NG+-exclusive weapons, armor, or cosmetics. Whether Crimson Desert will follow suit is unknown.4646Patch 1.00.03 already adjusted the base game's difficulty by reducing health and attack values for certain early-game enemies and main quest bosses. If NG+ arrives, it would effectively restore and surpass the original difficulty curve, giving veteran players the punishing experience many have requested on community forums.4747Potential NG+ Exclusive Rewards4949Pearl Abyss has not confirmed any rewards exclusive to New Game Plus. However, games with comparable design philosophies often offer incentives for replaying at higher difficulty. The following types of NG+-exclusive rewards are plausible for Crimson Desert based on the game's existing reward structure:5151Unique weapon skins or variants: Crimson Desert already has an extensive dye system and weapon refinement. NG+ could introduce exclusive weapon models or color palettes unavailable in the first playthrough.Upgraded armor sets: Higher-tier versions of existing armor with improved defense values or bonus effects would give players a tangible reason to replay.New Abyss Artifacts: Additional Abyss Artifacts placed throughout NG+ could expand the skill tree further, unlocking abilities that were inaccessible in the first run.Exclusive trophies or achievements: Separate trophy milestones for completing NG+ or defeating certain bosses on the higher difficulty tier.Cosmetic titles or emblems: Completing NG+ could grant profile titles or emblems visible in any future multiplayer or cooperative features.5353Until Pearl Abyss makes an official announcement, these possibilities remain speculative. The article will be updated with confirmed reward details once they are revealed.5555Preparing for New Game Plus5757Even though NG+ is not yet available, players who expect to use the feature when it arrives can take steps now to ensure their save file is in the best possible shape. Progression in Crimson Desert is primarily driven by skill tree investments, equipment refinement, and resource accumulation, all of which are likely to carry over. The following preparation strategies will maximize the advantage you carry into a second playthrough.5959Complete Both Endings6161Crimson Desert has two endings. The standard ending concludes the main story at around 50 hours, while the true ending extends the narrative to roughly 80 hours by requiring completion of companion questlines and optional faction content. Since it is unclear which ending will unlock NG+, pursuing the true ending is the safest approach. This also ensures you have experienced the complete story before starting over.6363Max Out Your Skill Trees6565Collect all 141 Sealed Abyss Artifacts scattered across Pywel. These provide the skill points needed to fill out the branching skill trees for Kliff, Damiane, and Oongka.Observe enemy and NPC combat techniques in the world. Skills in Crimson Desert are often learned by watching others fight, so revisit areas you may have rushed through to pick up any missed observations.Invest in a well-rounded build rather than a hyper-specialized one. NG+ enemies will likely punish one-dimensional strategies, so having access to a broad toolkit will be more valuable than maxing a single branch.6767Upgrade Equipment to Maximum Tiers6969Refine your weapons to the highest available enhancement level using Bloodstone and other rare refinement materials. Fully refined weapons will give you a major damage advantage at the start of NG+.Upgrade your armor sets similarly. Prioritize the set you use most, but consider upgrading a secondary set for flexibility against different enemy types.Visit every blacksmith and vendor in Hernand and surrounding regions to ensure you have not missed any purchasable equipment upgrades.7171Stockpile Resources7373Accumulate as much silver as possible. Sell surplus materials, complete Hernand Commission quests, and loot enemy camps thoroughly. A large currency reserve will let you purchase upgrades immediately when NG+ begins.Gather high-tier cooking ingredients and prepare meals that provide stat buffs. If consumables carry over, having a stockpile of powerful food items will ease early NG+ encounters.Hoard valuable crafting materials such as rare ores and animal materials. Even if some items reset, having excess materials reduces the chance of starting NG+ empty-handed.7575Clear All Optional Content7777Defeat every optional boss in the game. Crimson Desert has 76 total bosses, and many are hidden behind faction questlines or found only through open-world exploration. Beating them all before NG+ ensures you have collected their unique drops.Complete all faction quests. There are well over 100 faction quests spread across multiple groups. Their rewards include exclusive gear, silver, and dispatch missions for the Greymane Camp.Finish every Challenge across the map. Challenges reward unique items and contribute toward trophies. Completing them now means you start NG+ with their rewards in your inventory (if they carry over).Fill out the Knowledge System. Interact with every NPC, examine objects, and explore all regions to collect as many of the 2,921 knowledge entries as possible.7979Upgrade the Greymane Camp8181The Greymane Camp is your home base throughout the game. Upgrade all camp facilities to their maximum levels, including crafting stations, the kitchen, and rest areas. Even if camp progress resets in NG+, the resources you earn from maxed-out facilities can be spent on gear and consumables that do carry over.8383Post-Game Alternatives While Waiting for NG+8585Since New Game Plus is not yet available, players who have finished the main story are not without options. Crimson Desert's endgame offers substantial content that can keep you engaged for dozens of additional hours.8787ActivityDescriptionEstimated TimeFaction questsOver 100 side quests organized by faction, each with their own storylines, NPCs, and reward pools. None are missable.30 to 50 hoursOptional bossesDozens of open-world and sanctum bosses remain after the story. Many are tougher than anything in the main campaign.15 to 25 hoursChallengesMastery challenges, combat challenges, exploration milestones, and minigame completion targets across Pywel.20 to 40 hoursKnowledge SystemCollecting all 2,921 knowledge entries by talking to NPCs, reading lore objects, and visiting every corner of the map.20 to 30 hoursTrophy huntingAll 35 PlayStation trophies (or 34 Steam achievements) are earnable in a single playthrough. Many require specific challenges.50+ hours for 100%Character masteryExperiment with all three playable characters (Kliff, Damiane, Oongka) and master their unique combat styles.VariesFresh save fileStart an entirely new save from scratch to replay the story with different skill priorities and playstyle choices.50 to 80+ hours8989Trophy hunters aiming for 100% completion can expect a total investment of 250 to 300 hours, providing plenty of content to keep busy until a potential NG+ update lands.9090Tips9292If you are eager to replay the story and cannot wait for NG+, starting a new save file is always an option. While you will lose all progression, your knowledge of the game's systems gives you a significant advantage. These tips will help you get the most out of a second run:93+If you are eager to replay the story and cannot wait for NG+, starting a new save file is always an option. Once all main quests are complete, the Version 2.00 feature can carry Abyss Links and other in-game currency into a new game. Other progression categories are not confirmed by those patch notes; your knowledge of the game's systems also gives you an advantage. These tips will help you get the most out of a second run:9494Prioritize different skill paths. Since skills are learned by observing NPCs and enemies in the world, knowing where to look lets you build an entirely different playstyle much faster than on your first run.Get your mount early. Head to Deepfog Basin as soon as it becomes accessible to acquire your horse. Mounted combat and faster overworld traversal open up enormous quality-of-life improvements.Invest in stamina upgrades first. Climbing, swimming, and gliding all consume stamina. Boosting your stamina pool early makes the open world far more accessible and reduces frustrating falls or drownings.Buy a strong weapon in Hernand immediately. Visit the blacksmith in Hernand as soon as you arrive. Purchasing or refining a solid weapon before venturing into dangerous territory cuts down on early-game frustration.Do not ignore faction quests. Faction questlines unlock new dispatch missions, camp upgrades, and unique rewards. Starting them early in your second playthrough rather than saving them for endgame gives you access to these benefits sooner.Use the Knowledge System strategically. On your first run you likely stumbled into knowledge entries by accident. On a second run, you can actively pursue high-value entries that unlock hidden bonuses or provide lore context for upcoming story beats.Aim for the true ending. If you only saw the standard ending on your first playthrough, a second run gives you the opportunity to engage with the companion questlines and optional content needed to unlock the extended true ending.9696Keep your completed save file. Do not delete or overwrite your finished save. When NG+ arrives, you will need a completed save to initiate the new cycle. Use a separate save slot if you want to start a fresh run in the meantime.Farm silver in the endgame. Silver is the most versatile resource in Crimson Desert. Even if you have everything you need right now, stockpiling extra silver ensures you can afford any new NG+-exclusive items or upgrades the moment they become available.Master parry timing. If NG+ enemies hit harder and have tighter windows, strong defensive fundamentals will matter more than raw damage output. Practice parrying against the game's toughest optional bosses to build muscle memory.Experiment with all three characters. Do not rely solely on Kliff. Spend time mastering Damiane's and Oongka's combat styles. NG+ may feature encounters designed to test your proficiency across all three.Follow official channels for updates. Pearl Abyss announces patches and new features through the official Crimson Desert website and social media. Keep an eye on the patch notes page for any NG+ announcements.Check back on this article. This page will be updated with confirmed mechanics, carry-over details, and exclusive rewards as soon as Pearl Abyss officially adds New Game Plus to the game.9898Other Planned Post-Launch Features100100New Game Plus is one of several features Pearl Abyss has indicated they are open to adding after launch. The studio has emphasized that post-launch support will depend on commercial performance and community demand. In interviews, Will Powers has indicated that Pearl Abyss is open to extending post-launch development when player interest is strong enough. The following features have been discussed publicly:102102FeatureStatusDetailsNew Game PlusUnder considerationReplay the story with carried-over progression and harder enemies.DLC and expansionsPlanned (demand-dependent)Post-launch downloadable content has been mentioned as a possibility, with both free and paid options on the table.MultiplayerUnder considerationNetwork functionality has "never been rejected" according to Pearl Abyss. Originally envisioned with MMO-style features before pivoting to single-player.Additional playable charactersUnder considerationNew characters beyond Kliff, Damiane, and Oongka could expand combat variety.Mod supportUnder considerationCommunity modding tools are being looked into for the future.103+FeatureStatusDetailsNew Game PlusUnder considerationReplay the story with carried-over progression and harder enemies.DLC and expansionsScheduled for October 29, 2026 at 22:00 UTCThe October 20 Features Overview schedules the DLC for October 29 at 22:00 UTC and describes post-story quests, ocean exploration, ships, housing, castles, businesses, and Garden Trials. These are announced systems; their availability requires launch confirmation rather than being inferred from the scheduled release time.MultiplayerUnder considerationNetwork functionality has "never been rejected" according to Pearl Abyss. Originally envisioned with MMO-style features before pivoting to single-player.Additional playable charactersUnder considerationNew characters beyond Kliff, Damiane, and Oongka could expand combat variety.Mod supportUnder considerationCommunity modding tools are being looked into for the future.