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New Game Plus
March 20, 2026 at 12:30 AM
Initial version covering confirmed NG+ plans, expected mechanics, and preparation tips
New Game Plus (commonly abbreviated as NG+) is a planned feature for Crimson Desert that will allow players to start a fresh playthrough after completing the main story while retaining some of their progression from the previous run. Pearl Abyss has confirmed that the mode was not included in the initial launch on March 19, 2026, but that its addition as a post-launch update is being actively considered.
Crimson Desert does not feature selectable difficulty settings. The game uses a single, fixed difficulty curve where challenge is determined by player skill, equipment upgrades, and skill tree progression. New Game Plus is expected to serve as the primary way to experience heightened difficulty in subsequent playthroughs, with enemies and bosses becoming significantly stronger.
As of launch (March 19, 2026): New Game Plus is not yet available in Crimson Desert. Pearl Abyss has stated that the feature is being considered for a future update alongside other post-launch additions such as Photo Mode. No specific release date has been announced for the NG+ update.
This article will be updated with full mechanical details once the feature is officially added to the game.
Based on developer commentary and the Fextralife community wiki, the following mechanics are expected when New Game Plus is added:
Players will need to complete the main story campaign to unlock New Game Plus. The campaign follows Kliff and the Greymane mercenaries across the continent of Pywel and spans well over 100 hours of content. After the final story mission, the option to begin a New Game Plus playthrough is expected to become available from the main menu or a post-credits prompt.
While full details have not been confirmed, NG+ modes in similar action RPGs typically allow the following to transfer between playthroughs:
Category | Expected Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Character stats | Carries over | Confirmed by developer commentary |
Carries over | Unlocked skills and skill tree progress are expected to transfer | |
Partially carries over | Some equipment is expected to carry over; specifics not yet confirmed | |
Story progress | Resets | Main story and side quests restart from the beginning |
Map exploration | To be confirmed | Fog of war and discovered locations may reset |
To be confirmed | The 2,921 collectible knowledge entries may persist | |
To be confirmed | Whether Damiane and Oongka are available from the start is unknown |
Enemies and bosses encountered in New Game Plus are expected to be significantly stronger and tougher to defeat. Since Crimson Desert has no difficulty settings, this scaling is the primary mechanism for increasing the challenge. Players will need to rely on their carried-over skills and upgraded weapons and armor to keep pace with the heightened enemy power.
While waiting for the NG+ update, players can prepare by maximizing their progression in their current playthrough:
Finish all Hernand Commission quests and other side objectives to collect materials, silver, and extra 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 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 max-tier materials
Experiment with all three playable characters (Kliff, Damiane, Oongka) to master their combat styles before facing tougher NG+ enemies
Gather cooking ingredients and prepare meals that provide stat buffs
Accumulate silver from merchant runs, quest rewards, and looting to have a comfortable currency reserve
Upgrade the Greymane Camp facilities to their maximum levels for the best crafting and rest bonuses
New Game Plus is one of several features Pearl Abyss is considering for post-launch updates. Other confirmed or discussed additions include:
Feature | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
New Game Plus | Under consideration | Replay the story with carried-over progression and harder enemies |
Under consideration | Capture screenshots with camera controls and filters | |
DLC / Expansions | Planned | Post-launch downloadable content has been confirmed as part of the roadmap |
Multiplayer | Under consideration | Network functionality may be explored depending on market demand |
Mod support | Under consideration | Community modding tools are being looked into for the future |
Even before NG+ is formally added, players who want to experience the story again can start a new save. Keep these tips in mind for a second run:
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 in Deepfog Basin 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.
