Crimson Desert looks spectacular on PC… can it keep up the level on console?

BlackSpace Engine dazzles in Crimson Desert, although consoles raise doubts.

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Crimson Desert is once again at the center of the technical debate following the latest analysis published by Digital Foundry and just a few weeks before its release. The team has thoroughly examined Pearl Abyss’s new project and its proprietary graphics engine, the BlackSpace Engine, highlighting a visual level that they describe as impressive… at least on PC.

The South Korean studio has opted for in-house technology to shape its ambitious open-world game, a decision that, according to Digital Foundry, allows for very specific optimizations and greater control over advanced systems such as lighting, physics, and complex simulations. The result, according to the analysis, is a technical showcase that aims very high.

Crimson Desert and the Challenge of Performance on Xbox Series and PS5

Among the most notable points mentioned is the combined use of Ray Tracing and traditional Screen Space Reflection techniques, as well as advanced management of LOD, geometry, and volumetric water simulation. The level of detail in particles and environmental destructibility is also highlighted, elements that reinforce the sense of a living world.

However, the analysis also leaves a clear warning: all that graphical potential raises questions about performance on consoles. Digital Foundry recalls that other titles with similar ambitions have struggled to maintain stability on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series, citing recent examples of demanding optimization in the industry.

For now, testing is focused on high-end PC configurations, where the game shines with clarity. The question is whether Pearl Abyss will be able to transfer that experience to consoles without notable compromises. It will be one of the most closely watched aspects when the game’s release approaches.