Nine days before its March 19 launch, Crimson Desert developer Pearl Abyss has detailed exactly what console players can expect from the open-world action-adventure game. The PS5 and Xbox Series X versions will offer three distinct performance modes, while Microsoft's entry-level Xbox Series S faces significant compromises.
Performance mode targets 1080p at 60 FPS with VSync enabled, though variable refresh rate displays can unlock higher frame rates when using HDMI 2.1 cables. Ray tracing remains at low settings in this configuration.
Balanced mode strikes a middle ground with upscaled 4K resolution from a 1280p native image using FSR 3 technology. This option runs at 40 FPS with VSync and maintains low ray tracing settings.
Quality mode delivers upscaled 4K from a 1440p native resolution, locking at 30 FPS while boosting ray tracing to high settings. This configuration offers the best visual fidelity for players willing to accept lower frame rates.
The PS5 Pro version dramatically improves upon these baseline specifications across all three modes. Performance mode upscales from 1080p to 4K using Sony's PSSR technology while maintaining high ray tracing settings instead of low.
Balanced mode upscales from 1440p to 4K and supports "48+ FPS" through VRR compatibility beyond the standard 40 FPS cap.
Quality mode on PS5 Pro eliminates upscaling entirely, delivering native 4K resolution at 30 FPS with ultra ray tracing settings. This is the highest possible visual quality available on consoles for Crimson Desert.
Microsoft's Xbox Series S faces substantial limitations compared to its more powerful counterparts. Performance mode on Microsoft's entry-level console targets only 720p resolution at 40 FPS without any ray tracing features enabled.
Quality mode improves to 1080p output at 30 FPS but still lacks even low ray tracing support.
Pearl Abyss also confirmed system requirements for ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X handheld devices alongside Mac computers. The ROG Xbox Ally X appears capable of handling Crimson Desert reasonably well based on preliminary specifications, though official Steam Deck support remains unconfirmed.
The detailed console specifications arrive after months of criticism directed at Pearl Abyss for predominantly showcasing PC gameplay footage rather than console versions. Community manager Will Powers addressed these concerns last week, stating
"We're not hiding anything, and I'm sick of having to repeat myself."
Crimson Desert launches March 19 across PC, Mac, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 5 Pro, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S platforms.
