Revision 2

Pywel is the vast continent where Crimson Desert takes place. A medieval fantasy world affected by multiple conflicts and mysterious forces, Pywel features diverse regions, numerous settlements, and the remnants of ancient civilizations.

Scale

The open world is massive - at least twice the size of Skyrim and larger than Red Dead Redemption 2's map. Traveling across Pywel on horseback takes over two hours, making it significantly larger than games like Assassin's Creed Odyssey and The Witcher 3.

Unraveling Crimson Desert's secrets will take 50-80 hours of gameplay.

Geography

Pywel encompasses diverse environments: the snow-blasted mountains of Kweiden in the north, the vast plains of Akapen (also spelled Akapan), the towering ridges of the Crimson Desert, verdant forests, rocky plateaus, and coastal regions.

Each region has its own people and culture. Some areas feel more technologically advanced than others, reflecting how some of Pywel's leaders are more resistant to technological advancement - a conflict explored through faction quests.

Settlements

Within Pywel's distinctive biomes are cities like the desert oases and Ulsrund in Kweiden (the 'land of the wolf'), as well as villages, castles, towers, and other monuments of civilization.

Bustling towns and quiet hamlets dot the landscape alongside forgotten ruins, shrines, and unique landmarks of each distinct region.

Technology

Pywel's technology is primarily medieval, but new advancements are ushering in a new age of warfare. Pistols, cannons, and hand-mounted cannons represent emerging technology.

Steampunk elements appear through characters like Marni, whose scientific genius created mechanical wonders including the Golden Star dragon and flying battle robots engineered by dwarves.

The Abyss Islands

Suspended high above Pywel are scattered Abyss Islands, accessed through portals unlocked with mysterious Abyss Artifacts. These floating islands connect to the supernatural realm that threatens all worlds.