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New Game Plus
March 23, 2026 at 09:48 PM
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New Game Plus (commonly abbreviated as NG+) is a replay feature found in many action RPGs that allows players to restart a game's story while retaining some or all of their previous progression. In Crimson Desert, Pearl Abyss has confirmed that New Game Plus is not available at launch. The developers have stated that the feature is being considered for a future post-launch update, though no release timeline has been announced.
During pre-release interviews, Will Powers of Pearl Abyss America indicated that the studio's approach to post-launch content would be guided by player demand. "If there's appetite for something, then we'll continue support it post-launch," Powers explained, referencing the company's track record of over a decade of continuous updates for Black Desert. Given that Black Desert received weekly content updates for 11 years and counting, the precedent for long-term support is strong.
As of the game's launch on March 19, 2026, Crimson Desert does not include a New Game Plus mode. Players who complete the Epilogue can continue playing in the same save file, with the full open world of Pywel remaining accessible for post-game content. The PowerPyx trophy guide confirms that all trophies and achievements can be earned in a single playthrough, and no content requires a second playthrough.
Crimson Desert uses a fixed difficulty curve with no selectable difficulty settings. Challenge is determined by player skill, equipment upgrades, and skill tree progression. If New Game Plus is eventually added, it would likely serve as the primary method for players seeking increased difficulty in subsequent playthroughs, similar to how other action RPGs handle the feature.
Pearl Abyss has shared limited details about how New Game Plus might function if it is added to Crimson Desert. Based on developer statements and community wiki documentation, the following information has surfaced:
Availability: NG+ is not available at launch. It is being considered for a post-launch update with no confirmed release date.
Unlock condition: If added, New Game Plus would likely require completing the main story campaign, which typically takes between 50 and 80 hours depending on how much side content the player tackles along the way.
Progression carryover: Details on what would carry over between playthroughs have not been officially confirmed. In most action RPGs with NG+ modes, character stats, skills, and equipment typically transfer, while story progress and map exploration reset.
Enemy scaling: It is expected that enemies and bosses would be significantly stronger in NG+, since the game has no manual difficulty adjustment.
None of the above details have been finalized by Pearl Abyss. This section will be updated when official information is released.
While New Game Plus is not yet available, Crimson Desert offers extensive content to pursue after finishing the story. After the Epilogue's credits roll, the save file continues and the open world remains fully accessible. Completing the story does not lock players out of any content, and side quests are never missable.
Crimson Desert features 76 total bosses spread across story missions, open-world encounters, and sanctum fights. Many of these are entirely optional and can only be discovered through exploration or by progressing specific faction questlines. Players who focused primarily on the main story may have dozens of bosses still waiting in the post-game.
The faction quest system is Crimson Desert's primary side content pipeline, with over 100 faction quests available. These provide rewards including equipment, crafting recipes, and silver. None of these quests are missable, so they can all be completed at any point during the post-game.
There are 141 Sealed Abyss Artifacts scattered across Pywel. These key items are placed on stone altars throughout the open world and appear as purple icons on the minimap when players get close. Collecting them is one of the most important endgame progression activities, as they unlock nodes in the skill tree.
The Research System provides some of the most impactful endgame upgrades in Crimson Desert. Research institutes are scattered across Pywel, and each one specializes in different areas. Players fund projects with silver, and the projects complete over several in-game hours.
Various challenges are distributed across the map, including battle challenges, exploration challenges, and training challenges. Clearing every challenge earns unique rewards and contributes to overall completion percentage.
The Knowledge System tracks thousands of collectible entries gained by interacting with NPCs, examining objects, discovering locations, and defeating enemies. Filling out this system is a long-term goal for completionists.
Pearl Abyss has discussed several features that may be added to Crimson Desert after launch. The studio has emphasized that their approach to post-launch content depends on community interest and demand.
Feature | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
New Game Plus | Under consideration | Being considered for a post-launch update. No confirmed date or details on what would carry over. |
Planned | Not available at launch, but planned for a future update. Would allow players to capture screenshots with camera controls and filters. | |
DLC / Expansions | Planned | Post-launch downloadable content has been confirmed as part of Pearl Abyss's roadmap for the game. |
Multiplayer | Under consideration | Network functionality may be explored depending on market demand and player interest. |
Mod Support | Under consideration | Community modding tools are being evaluated for possible future release. |
Whether or not New Game Plus is eventually added, players can maximize their progression to be ready for any future challenges. The following steps help ensure a character is as strong as possible for endgame content and any potential NG+ mode.
Finish all Hernand Commission quests and other side objectives to collect materials, silver, and additional inventory space.
Clear every challenge across the map to earn unique rewards.
Fill out the Knowledge System by interacting with NPCs, examining objects, and exploring all regions.
Collect Sealed Abyss Artifacts scattered throughout Pywel to unlock every node in the skill tree.
Refine your weapons and armor to their highest levels using Bloodstone and other high-tier materials.
Experiment with all three playable characters (Kliff, Damiane, Oongka) to master their distinct combat styles.
Optimize your Abyss Gear loadout with the best Abyss Cores for your preferred playstyle.
Gather cooking ingredients and prepare meals that provide stat buffs.
Accumulate silver from merchant runs, quest rewards, and looting to build a comfortable currency reserve.
Upgrade the Greymane Camp facilities to their maximum levels for the best crafting and rest bonuses.
For players who want to start a fresh save file manually or who plan to replay the game when NG+ is eventually added, these tips can help make a second run smoother:
Try different skill paths early on. Since skills are learned by observing NPCs and enemies in the world, knowing where to look lets you build a different playstyle faster.
Focus on horse acquisition and mounted combat earlier. Obtaining your mount opens up traversal and combat options significantly.
Prioritize stamina upgrades for exploration. Climbing, swimming, and gliding all consume stamina, and having more of it early makes the open world much more accessible.
Visit the blacksmith in Hernand Town early to purchase or refine a strong starting weapon before heading into dangerous areas.
Explore optional areas you may have missed on your first run, like hidden sanctums and off-the-beaten-path locations with rare loot.
