Is Crimson Desert on Game Pass? Availability, Platforms, and Options

Crimson Desert is one of the most talked‑about open-world action RPGs in recent years, blending story-driven adventuring, cinematic combat, and a harsh medieval fantasy world. With so many players relying on subscriptions like Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus to try new releases, a common question quickly emerged: is Crimson Desert on Game Pass?

This article walks through everything you need to know: current Game Pass support, which platforms the game is available on, how cloud streaming fits in, and what the future might look like for subscription access. The goal is to give you a clear, practical overview so you can decide the best way to play.

Crimson Desert at a Glance

Developed by Pearl Abyss, the studio behind Black Desert Online, Crimson Desert is pitched as a single‑player‑first, open‑world action adventure with RPG elements. You play as Kliff, a mercenary exploring the war‑torn continent of Pywel, whose fate intertwines with political conspiracies, local conflicts, and larger‑than‑life monsters.

Unlike Black Desert’s MMO focus, Crimson Desert emphasizes a handcrafted narrative campaign, cinematic story sequences, and physics‑heavy combat. It also retains some systems fans associate with Pearl Abyss, such as:

• Large open zones with seamless exploration
• Highly detailed character models and armor designs
• Fast, combo‑based melee and ranged combat
• Side activities like bounties, exploration, and optional bosses

Because of this hybrid of AAA spectacle and RPG depth, it’s natural that players hope it might be included in a subscription like Game Pass at or shortly after launch.

Is Crimson Desert on Xbox Game Pass Right Now?

The essential point: Crimson Desert is not included as a standard title in Xbox Game Pass at launch. That means it does not appear in the regular Game Pass catalog where you can install and play it without separately purchasing the game.

This aligns with how third‑party AAA titles typically arrive on Game Pass. Microsoft’s own first‑party games are usually marketed as Day One on Game Pass, but third‑party releases tend to join later, if at all, following individual agreements with publishers.¹ There has been no official announcement from Microsoft or Pearl Abyss stating a Day One Game Pass deal for Crimson Desert.

Current Game Pass status summary

• Base catalog: Crimson Desert is not listed as a regular Game Pass title at launch.
• Day One access: There is no confirmed Day One Game Pass release.
• Separate purchase: You need to buy the game outright to play it on Xbox, PlayStation, or PC.

Supported Platforms and Editions

Even though Crimson Desert is not a standard Game Pass title at launch, it still releases widely across multiple platforms. According to platform listings and the official Xbox store page, the game is available on modern consoles and PC as a premium release.²

On Xbox, there are typically multiple editions, such as a standard edition and a deluxe or premium edition. For instance, the Crimson Desert Deluxe Edition on Xbox includes the base game and additional in‑game items, while still requiring a direct purchase.³

How Xbox Cloud Gaming Fits In

Some of the confusion around Crimson Desert and Game Pass comes from Xbox Cloud Gaming. It’s easy to assume that if a game can be streamed through Microsoft’s cloud, it must be a full Game Pass title. However, the reality is more nuanced.

Stream Your Own Game vs. Full Game Pass titles

Microsoft operates several connected services under the Game Pass umbrella:

• Game Pass console and PC catalog – a rotating library of included games you can install.
• Xbox Game Pass Core / Ultimate tiers – subscription levels offering access to online play and/or a larger catalog.
• Xbox Cloud Gaming – cloud streaming that allows you to play certain games on devices like phones or older consoles.

For many titles, cloud streaming is limited to games that are already part of the Game Pass library. But Microsoft has gradually expanded a feature often referred to as Stream your own game, where some games you own digitally can be streamed even if they are not Game Pass inclusions.⁴

Crimson Desert falls into this latter category: if you buy the game digitally on Xbox and have the appropriate Game Pass tier (such as Essential, Premium, or Ultimate where available), you can stream it via Xbox Cloud Gaming.³ That means:

• You must purchase Crimson Desert to access it.
• A qualifying Game Pass subscription is required for cloud streaming.
• The game can be played via the cloud on supported devices, such as Xbox One or mobile.

Why this matters for Xbox One owners

Crimson Desert is designed for current‑generation hardware. However, with cloud streaming, Xbox One owners can still play newer titles as long as cloud support is available. Microsoft notes that cloud gaming lets players stream select current‑gen games on older consoles by running them on remote hardware.⁴

For Crimson Desert, this means:

• Xbox One users cannot install a native version, but
• They can stream the game via the cloud if they own it digitally and have an eligible Game Pass tier.

This is an important distinction: you’re still buying the game as a separate product; Game Pass here acts as a streaming pass rather than a full license to the game.

Is Crimson Desert Coming to Game Pass Later?

Publishers sometimes bring major titles to Game Pass months or years after launch to reach new audiences. However, decisions like this are made on a case‑by‑case basis and are typically announced via official channels. As of the latest information:

• There has been no official confirmation that Crimson Desert will join Game Pass later.
• Neither Microsoft’s Game Pass news hub nor Pearl Abyss’s announcements list Crimson Desert as a future confirmed arrival.

Historically, third‑party games such as Assassin’s Creed Odyssey or Outriders have joined Game Pass due to specific deals, but each case is unique. Microsoft explains that Game Pass selections are curated based on player demand, portfolio balance, and agreements with publishers.¹

In other words, it’s possible that Crimson Desert could appear on Game Pass in the future, but there is no guarantee, and players should not plan around an eventual addition unless it is officially announced.

What About PlayStation Plus or Other Subscriptions?

On the PlayStation side, the situation is similar. At launch, there is no indication that Crimson Desert is included in any PlayStation Plus tiers. Sony maintains multiple PS Plus subscription levels (Essential, Extra, Premium), each with its own catalog of downloadable games or classics, but Crimson Desert is sold as a separate title rather than a subscription inclusion.

For PC subscription services, such as EA Play or Ubisoft+ (where available), Crimson Desert is a third‑party title not associated with those publishers, so there is no overlapping subscription coverage.

Buying Crimson Desert vs. Waiting for a Subscription

If you’re trying to decide whether to purchase Crimson Desert or wait in the hope it arrives on Game Pass or another subscription, there are a few practical factors to weigh.

Reasons to buy now

• You want to play at launch. There is no confirmed subscription option, so buying is the only reliable way to play immediately.
• You prefer owning key titles. Purchasing grants ongoing access regardless of catalog rotations.
• You want access to all editions. Deluxe or premium bundles may add cosmetics or early bonuses that subscriptions rarely include.
• Cloud streaming ownership. On Xbox, owning the game unlocks cloud streaming for supported Game Pass tiers, offering flexibility in how you play.

Reasons to wait

• Budget constraints. If you’re not in a rush, waiting for a sale or potential future subscription inclusion could save money.
• Backlog pressures. If your backlog is large, there’s little harm in giving the market time; some third‑party titles do eventually discount heavily.
• Patch and performance updates. Big open‑world games often receive several patches post‑launch, improving stability and performance over time.

There is no universally correct answer; it depends on how urgently you want to experience the game and how comfortable you are with uncertainty around future subscription deals.

Practical Tips for Xbox and PC Players

To make the most of Crimson Desert on Xbox and PC, it helps to understand a few technical and account details.

On Xbox consoles

• Check your subscription tier. To stream Crimson Desert via Xbox Cloud Gaming, ensure your Game Pass tier supports cloud play. Microsoft states that cloud gaming is available with UHD‑capable tiers such as Game Pass Ultimate and newer tier structures that explicitly include cloud gaming benefits.⁴
• Verify digital ownership. Cloud play requires a digital license on your account. If you own a physical disc, cloud streaming may not apply, as streaming recognizes digital entitlements.
• Network requirements. Microsoft recommends a stable high‑speed internet connection for cloud gaming, preferably 10–20 Mbps or higher for 1080p streaming.⁴

On PC

• Review system requirements. Open‑world action RPGs can be demanding. Check the store page for minimum and recommended specs to avoid performance issues.
• Consider your storefront of choice. Steam, Epic, and other platforms may offer different regional pricing, refund policies, or community features.
• Look for post‑launch updates. Performance patches and driver updates for CPUs and GPUs (e.g., via NVIDIA or AMD) can significantly improve stability for new releases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Crimson Desert free with Xbox Game Pass?

No. Crimson Desert is not part of the standard Game Pass catalog at launch. You must purchase a copy of the game separately to play it.

Can I play Crimson Desert on Xbox Cloud Gaming?

Yes, but with conditions. You need to own the game digitally and have an eligible Game Pass tier that includes cloud streaming. Under those conditions, you can stream Crimson Desert to supported devices, including Xbox One and certain mobile platforms.^3,4

Is Crimson Desert on PC Game Pass?

At launch, Crimson Desert is not available through PC Game Pass. PC players need to purchase it through supported storefronts (such as Steam or other PC stores).

Will Crimson Desert come to Game Pass later?

There is no official confirmation that Crimson Desert will join Game Pass in the future. It is possible that Pearl Abyss and Microsoft could make a deal later, but until an official statement is made, this remains speculative.

Does PlayStation Plus include Crimson Desert?

No. At launch, Crimson Desert is not included in any PlayStation Plus tier. It is sold as a standalone purchase on PlayStation 5.

Is there any discount for Game Pass subscribers when buying Crimson Desert?

Microsoft occasionally offers member discounts for digital purchases, but these are game‑specific and time‑limited. You would need to check the Xbox store for any active promotions. At baseline, no permanent discount for Crimson Desert is guaranteed simply by having Game Pass.

Key Takeaways

Crimson Desert is a major new open‑world action RPG with a strong focus on cinematic storytelling and fast‑paced combat. For players wondering about Game Pass access, the current situation is straightforward:

• Not a Game Pass launch title: Crimson Desert is not part of the standard Game Pass catalog on day one.
• Purchase required: Regardless of platform (Xbox, PS5, PC, macOS), the game must be bought as a premium release.
• Cloud streaming as an extra: On Xbox, eligible Game Pass tiers allow you to stream Crimson Desert if you own it digitally, which is separate from the usual Game Pass catalog model.
• Future inclusion unknown: There is no confirmed plan for Crimson Desert to join Game Pass or PlayStation Plus later, so any decision to wait should factor in that uncertainty.

If you are excited to explore Pywel and don’t want to wait, buying the game on your platform of choice is currently the only reliable way to dive into Crimson Desert. Subscriptions may shape how you play—especially through cloud streaming—but they do not replace the need to own the game.