Crimson Desert's First Five Hours Are Free on Xbox and PlayStation

Players can now try the first five hours of Crimson Desert at no cost on Xbox and PlayStation. The free trial, covering the Enhanced version of the base game, runs from 29 October 2026 to 6 January 2027, according to Eurogamer.

The rules depend on the console. On Xbox, anyone can play the trial without a paid subscription. On PlayStation 5, only subscribers to PlayStation Plus Premium and Deluxe can take part. PlayStation Plus is Sony's paid membership service, and those two tiers are its higher-priced levels.

The five hours work like a timer. Once it runs out, the trial cannot be started again on a different save file. Progress made during the trial carries over if the player buys the full game, so no time is lost for anyone who decides to continue.

Crimson Desert is an open-world role-playing game, where players explore a large map, take on quests and fight through combat that Sony's own listing describes as deep and varied. Pearl Abyss, the studio that made it, is still building on the game after launch. Xbox published an article on 29 October 2026 announcing Charting the Unknown, the first downloadable content, or DLC, for the game. DLC is extra material added after release, often for a fee.

The game has also reached a large audience. Eurogamer reports that Crimson Desert sold more than 6 million copies in its first three months on sale. The same report says a version for the Nintendo Switch 2 is in development.

Players who own the game on more than one platform have another option. Pearl Abyss says that by linking their account, players can share save files across PC, PlayStation and Xbox. A player can continue the same journey on any of the three, according to a Pearl Abyss notice.

For players weighing a purchase, the trial offers a chance to test the opening hours before deciding. The timer and subscription rules are the main points to check first, depending on which console they use.